British gemstone & sea glass

Northumbrian sea glass or ‘sea gems’

The sea glass I collect by hand was formed from decorative glassware, bottles and industrial glass which found its way into the North Sea, shaped and frosted by the its waves over many years then washed up on the Northumbrian coast, and some is evidence of north-east England’s industrial heritage and famous glass-works. These unique British ‘sea gems’ come in a variety of colours and textures, some rare, and make lovely  sea glass jewellery.

Natural stone & gemstone

I collect natural British stone and gemstone locally – quartz, carnelian, jasper, flint, agate and fossils – to handcraft and polish for my silver pendants and rings, earrings, bracelets, and brooches. The Whitby jet jewellery is handcrafted by me in genuine jet (sourced from an established Whitby supplier). The apatite gemstone is likely to have come from the cargo of a 19th century ship, wrecked off the coast of Whitley Bay (all crew were saved!), and I collect this locally. Where I use other gemstone varieties I mention this in the listing.  I cut and shape the cabochons for my natural gemstone jewellery and handcrafted silver jewellery by hand, and the faceted gemstones are precision cut by my father.

Glass Art & Jewellery

Glass art and jewellery are recent additions to Northumbria Gems. These include small trinket and jewellery dishes and glass art in designs inspired by nature and local landscapes. I make these in coloured, fused and cast glass.

I design the fused glass jewellery and also make this by hand. Most of the designs are fused in a kiln, some are cast.

Collecting sustainably

To preserve our local environment I always follow UK guidelines on collecting stone and gemstone sustainably. Though identifying rocks and minerals isn’t always easy due to their variety, each stone I collect is identified to the best of my knowledge, where necessary with careful reference to my gem guides.