Tips For Finding Sea Glass

When it comes to searching for sea glass you have to be prepared for a combination of both the simple and the difficult. On the one hand, it is not the most complicated hobby you will ever adopt. But on the other hand, while almost anyone can scrape up a piece of beach glass, finding a truly rare specimen or one that is of sufficient quality for making jewelry, say, can be quite difficult. In other words, it is the type of activity that you have to be willing to do over and over, year after year. Sea glass is a labor of love.

Start by finding yourself a beach. If you can, talk to other collectors and see what they have to say - where do they go? Tips from local experts can really help you get off on the right foot. Remember, sea glass is essentially litter. Therefore, you are going to be looking for a beach that has seen a lot of human traffic over the years. But you also want to know that the various tidal patterns - and perhaps river inlets - are ones that have a tendency to deliver equal parts trash and treasure to the shoreline. While most sea glass is local, plenty has been traveling for years to arrive on land.

Streams and rivers can be effective because they have strong forward motion. Historically, dumps - both the formal ones and the informal ones - were often located along streams. The refuse that was left in them eventually found its way into the water and was delivered to the sea.

It is also important to be sure that when you are searching the beach, you know that you a legal right to be there. Plenty of beaches limit access to local residents only. Some even prohibit beachcombing of any kind. Know what the rules and regulations are and be sure that you follow them.

Low tide is the best time to do your scavenging. Take not of the wrack line - the dark line of litter that the sea has carried and left on the beach. It is generally a mark of high tide or a recent storm. Stroll along it with your eyes focused on the stones and seaweed and driftwood near your feet. Don't just walk forward - double back on your steps and see if you overlooked anything. If you are diligent, you are more likely to increase the odds of finding a beautiful piece of glass.

One of the keys to a good sea glass search is that once you have found what you are looking for, there is more likely to be other specimens in the area. This holds true whether you are looking for glass, sea shells or a particular type of stone. You will rarely go out and find only one piece of sea glass.

Be patient and diligent. Try and keep your expectations on the modest side. The rewards to hunting sea glass can be few and far between. You have to be in it for the long haul!