Finding Sea Glass: A Guide to Cornish Beach Treasures

Did you enjoy a visit to your favourite beach this summer? And did you find any beach treasure?!

There’s no better way to spend a happy hour or two than strolling along the shoreline, spotting beautiful shells, pieces of driftwood and finding mysterious washed-up treasures and, of course, sea glass!

Once discarded and broken, these forgotten fragments of glass are carried out to sea and transformed over many years. Tumbled by the waves and softened by the sand, they eventually return to shore as smooth, frosted gems in an array of beautiful colours.

So, where do you find sea glass?

Sea glass can be tricky to find. Some beaches seem to have loads, while on others you can search for hours without finding a single piece!

The tides have a lot to do with it, as does the history of the coastline. If an old Victorian glassworks, bottleworks or other industry was once nearby, you may be in luck. Over the years, broken and discarded glass can make its way into the sea, where nature gets to work transforming it.

One of my favourite places to look is amongst the shingle as the tide goes out. Once you’ve got your eye in, you’ll be amazed at how much more you start to spot. What initially looks like an ordinary pebble suddenly reveals itself to be a tiny piece of sea glass!

And if you’re really lucky, you might find a beautiful range of colours and shapes.

 

Nicola’s top sea glass hunting tips:

• Go when the tide is going out
• Search amongst shingle and pebbles
• Look after stormy weather when the beach has been churned up
• Once you find one piece, slow down – there maybe more nearby
• Take your time…half the fun is not knowing what you might discover
• Treat yourself to a well deserved ice cream afterwards!

How do you know if it’s sea glass?

Properly tumbled sea glass has been worked by the sea for many years. It should have a soft, frosted surface and smooth, rounded edges.

If the glass still has transparent areas or sharp edges, it probably needs a little more time in the sea. The waves and sand are still working their magic!

You may also notice tiny crescent or ‘C’ shaped marks on the surface of some pieces. These can be a lovely indication of the long journey the glass has taken as it has been tumbled against sand, stones and other debris.

Keep your eyes peeled for Pirate Glass!

If you have a super-keen eye, you might even spot something really special — Pirate Glass!

At first glance it can look like nothing more than a dark pebble. But hold it up to the light and you may discover a beautiful, rich colour glowing from within.

Dark, thick glass was commonly used for bottles and other containers that needed to withstand the rough conditions of transportation and life at sea. Some of these old glass bottles can produce wonderfully unusual pieces of sea glass, making them especially exciting finds.

A little piece of Cornwall

Many of my jewellery designs begin with treasures discovered during family walks along Cornwall’s beaches with our dog, Tegen.

Over the years, I’ve gathered a beautiful collection of sea glass, each piece shaped by nature and carrying its own little story. I never cut, shape or alter the sea glass I use. Every piece remains exactly as the waves created it.

That’s one of the things I love most about working with Cornish sea glass. No two pieces are ever quite the same. Their colours, shapes, textures and markings are all the result of their own unique journey through the sea.

Paired with recycled sterling and fine silver, these naturally sculpted treasures become one-of-a-kind jewellery - little reminders of the sea, the shoreline and those happy hours spent searching for treasure.

So next time you’re walking along your favourite beach, keep your eyes peeled. You never know what might be waiting amongst the shingle…

And if you find a beautiful piece of sea glass, treasure it!

Whether you choose a sea glass pendant, ring or pair of earrings, it’s definitely best worn with a salty breeze! 🌊

If you'd like to see what happens when these little pieces of coastal treasure are paired with recycled silver, why not take a look at my collection of Cornish sea glass jewellery.

Nicola x

Please note:  Sea Glass in the UK is generally considered as litter - so it's fine to collect.  Beach regulations can vary by location & country, so please do check any local laws before taking anything from a beach.  

Nicola Prophet Jewellery | 4 September 2026