Is GREAT LAKES BEACH valuable? Yes!
Beaches worldwide have a reputation for unveiling unique treasures not found elsewhere. In my case, these precious finds are from the Great Lakes shoreline.
Before municipal landfills, people along the shorelines disposed of their waste by burying it or discarding it into the lakes. Its origins, which might include glass items like marbles, old bottles, jars, dishware and even things from sunken ships. One of the most captivating aspects of beach glass lies in the time it takes to become that treasure we all love. It can take from several decades, to centuries of tumbling out in the water against the rocks, and sand and other things for a piece of everyday glassware to become a beautiful, gem-like treasure.
Oddly enough, beach glass can truly be a “what comes around, goes around" treasure. Unlike precious gems that are mined from the Earth and refined by people, beach glass is first shaped by people and then refined by nature. To be considered authentic beach glass, it must undergo its transformation solely through natural forces.
Authentic beach glass possesses distinct characteristics that set it apart from its artificially produced counterparts. Artificial beach glass lacks the allure of genuine beach glass. Authentic beach glass never appears to be clear or glossy, and each piece is one of a kind.
Beach glass is found in many shapes and sizes, each with its own unique story. While some pieces may be flawlessly shaped and free of chips or dings, others hold onto a bit of the original patterns. For example, old dishware or glass bottles. The telltale sign of genuine beach glass is its frosty appearance. Interesting fun fact: If two or more colors of beach glass have become intertwined. It is sometimes referred to as "fire glass". Meaning that it was probably glass bottles and such that were, for example, disposed of by throwing them in a fire or lost in a house, barn, or factory fire and melted together before finding their way to the lake.
We get very excited when we see the almost unheard-of color red, hoping NOT to find out that it's a piece of a plastic bike reflector when we get it back to the studio! You just don't know when you're hunting. We pick it up and sometimes it’s a reflector and other times it's the coveted red beach glass! Either way, it's a win. A treasured find or doing a little part in removing garbage from the shores.
The color of beach glass offers insight into its rarity and value. Common colors like white, brown, and green often originate from milk, beer, soda, and wine bottles. Rare colors might include deep aqua, light blue, cobalt blue, cornflower blue, and turquoise. Those typically originate from old glass jars used for an ink-well, electrical insulators, and medicine bottles etc. Even more rare is the discovery of a bottle stopper, a marble or in my case a Jane! I worked for a doctor that is also a beach glass hunter. She showed me her treasured "Jane", a self-proclaimed name that she gave to it. It was almost whole, maybe 2–3-inch doll that she found. She said that they were in bags of flour being shipped by boat and used to help absorb moisture to protect the flour. Ironically enough, the only other person that I've heard that has found one is her close friend. So, whenever I see her and she asks me how I am, I always say, still looking for my Jane!
The most sought-after colors, like red and orange, are exceptionally scarce due to the expensive gold chloride additive required to that color when originally made.
The rarity and unique characteristics of beach glass contribute to its popularity. Unlike common gemstones, beach glass is rare by nature, originating from old glassware that has undergone decades or centuries of natural refinement. As a result, genuine beach glass holds more value than its original bottles or glass pieces. Every single piece is one of a kind!
Beyond its scarcity and beauty, beach glass holds a deeper value for many as a special experience. Beach glass collectors cherish the symbolism and history behind each piece, imagining its origins and the stories it holds. I literally start envisioning how I will use the pieces as I am picking them up! Each person has a story. I found comfort in collecting beach glass after the death of my siblings. It was quiet at the beach and held so many memories for me to reflect on of growing up together along these shores.
As the supply of authentic beach glass dwindles and its popularity rises, its value continues to grow. Genuine beach glass cannot be replicated artificially, which adds to its authentic uniqueness. Do not be fooled by tumbled or frosted pieces of commercially treated pieces! For true beach glass hunters, the initial thrill is in the discovery of these treasures. Then the process begins of meticulously going through the process of washing, and sorting each piece, keeping the quality pieces, and recycling the ones that are of little or no value. Then I start to create unique art pieces, wine glass charms, suncatchers and so much more. I like imagining the reaction of people years back, if they could see what has become of, what they called trash. But my favorite thoughts are of the smiles of people that see my work and want to purchase it.
In the end, beach glass is not merely trash washed up on a beach in fact, what was once trash becomes a treasure. What is that saying? One man's trash is another man's treasure...it just happens to be a hundred years or so in the making. The search for quality beach glass is becoming more challenging but the journey to find these rare jewels remains rewarding.
We offer our products on social media, in our Etsy shop, and of course on this website. For those that like to see our treasure in person, we will be at two of the biggest festivals this 2024 summer. Read more on our festival blog.