My Top 15 Sea Glass Finds – Too Precious to Turn Into Jewellery

Here are my top 15 ultimate sea glass finds, find out why these are too precious to turn into jewellery!

Howdy! I’m Sadie, a Cornish jeweller with a passion for creating jewellery using recycled materials. In fact, when I’m not in my workshop, you’ll usually find me beachcombing along the local beaches, eyes fixed on the tide line in search of Cornish sea glass treasures. On a slightly different note, I’m also a little obsessed with Yellowstone and secretly dream of living the cowgirl life one day 🤠—but that’s a story for another time!

Today, I want to share with you my ultimate sea glass collection—the pieces that are simply too precious to ever be turned into jewellery.

A Lifetime of Treasure Hunting

I’ve been collecting sea glass finds my whole life. Over the years, I’ve filled my pockets with “treasure” gifted by the sea, and some of my fondest memories are of beachcombing in Cornwall with family and friends.

If you collect rare sea glass yourself, you’ll know exactly that feeling. Indeed, the rush of spotting a rare colour glimmering in the sand is addictive. As a result, us beachcombers often end the day with sore necks from hours of scanning the sand—but it’s TOTALLY worth it.

What makes sea glass so magical, moreover, is its story. Each piece once had a purpose, someone owned it, and somehow it ended up in the sea. Over time, years of waves, salt, and sand transformed it into something new—frosted, smooth, and beautiful.

Sometimes, the ocean gifts me something so rare and extraordinary that I simply can’t part with. For example, here are my top 15 sea glass finds—pieces that will forever stay in my collection.

My Top 15 Sea Glass Finds

1. Fleur de Lis Bottle Stopper

One of the highlights of my sea glass collection, this chunky decanter/bottle stopper was found fully intact in Cornwall, with no chips or imperfections. Not sure I can ever top this! In fact, I have visions of it being thrown overboard a pirate’s ship.

2. Delicate Red Flower Bead

I found this tiny piece just across the Tamar, measuring only 6mm. Initially, I thought it was plastic, but upon closer inspection, I couldn’t believe my eyes. Interestingly, it still had a little grain of sand inside the bead hole from when I discovered it back in 2018.

3. Milk Glass Leaf

This opaque turquoise leaf likely came from an elaborately decorated bowl, vase, or lamp base. Brightly coloured milk glass was all the rage between the 1940s and 1960s. I simply adore this one!

4. Rose Pink Cut Glass

Dating from the Depression era, this piece was likely created in a press mould. It has a wide curve, which makes me picture it as part of a large trifle bowl.

5. Bright Aqua Cut Glass

Where to start with this one? Interestingly, a customer once came to my studio who knows someone that found a similar piece on the same beach! The colour, pattern, and shape make it a show-stopper.

6. Wavy Multicoloured Pink

Totally dreamy, this is one of my favourite pieces. I imagine it once belonged to an elegant vase or light shade, full of waves and wiggles—just like the vintage ones.

7. Blue Mermaid’s Tear

Chunky, rounded, and perfectly smooth. Truly the ultimate teardrop—real mermaid’s treasure.
Inspired? Browse my ocean-inspired jewellery pieces.

8. Yellow UV Glowing Glass

Rare and luminous! Hold a UV light up to it and it glows beautifully. Given its thickness, it’s likely from the Victorian era.

9. Turquoise with Handle

This is an epic piece. Not only is it my favourite colour, but it’s also textured and features a handle stem.

10. Baby Pink Milk Glass

Opaque and milky, this stunner is actually half of a bead. I’d love to know what jewellery it once belonged to—maybe a bracelet or necklace.

11. Cobalt Bottle Top

It’s rare to find bottle tops intact, and even rarer to find cobalt blue ones! It’s wonderful to see exactly what it once held.

12. A Whole Sea Glass Marble

Discovered in Falmouth, it was probably once a bottle stopper or toy. Now, perfectly frosted, it brings back childhood memories and the excitement of finding treasures with pocket money.

13. Sea Glass Bead

An actual bead, perfectly frosted and once part of jewellery before the ocean claimed it. Full circle!

14. Orange Heart

Naturally formed by the ocean’s tides, waves, and sand into a perfect heart. Chunky, with a nice weight, and utterly captivating.

15. Big Blue

Perfectly frosted. Too heavy for jewellery, but too magnificent not to keep forever.

Final Thoughts

Every piece in my Cornish sea glass collection tells a story. These rare sea glass discoveries in Cornwall are treasures too precious for jewellery, but perfect for sharing their story.