Northumbrian sea glass or ‘sea gems’
The sea glass I collect has been formed from decorative glassware, bottles, even industrial glass, which once found its way into the North Sea. It has been shaped and frosted by its waves over many years washed up on beaches along the Northumbrian coast. Some reflect north-east of England’s industrial heritage and famous glass-works. These British ‘sea gems’ come in a variety of colours and textures, some rare, and make unique sea glass jewellery.
Sea glass bezel pendant
Handcrafting a cabochon:
Natural stone & gemstone
I also collect natural British stone and gemstone locally in the Northumbria region. I handcraft and polish the stone to set in silver pendants and rings, earrings, bracelets, and brooches. This gemstone includes quartz, carnelian, jasper, flint, agate and fossil stones. The green apatite is likely to have come from the cargo of a 19th century ship, which was wrecked off the coast of Whitley Bay, but in which all on board were saved. I also handcraft Whitby jet jewellery and other gemstone varieties. I cut and shape the cabochons by hand for natural gemstone and silver jewellery, and some sparkling, faceted gemstones were precision cut by my father.
Glass Art & Jewellery
Glass art and fused glass jewellery are more 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.
These designs are fused in a kiln, some are cast or both.
Collecting sustainably
To preserve our local environment I 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.
