Frequently Asked Questions

WHAT IS SEA GLASS?

Sea glass is essentially a form of recycled glass. It starts as discarded bottles, jars and other objects that end up in the ocean. Over time (some pieces I have date back more than one hundred years!) the action of the waves and abrasion from sand and stones naturally transform this waste glass into beautifully smooth and frosted sea glass.

HOW SHOULD I LOOK AFTER MY JEWELLERY?

Remove before showering or swimming.
Store in a sealed bag or box to avoid the silver tarnishing.
Avoid contact with harsh chemicals.
Clean regularly with a polishing cloth.
If you prefer the sea glass to look less frosted, dab a drop of coconut or baby oil onto the surface.

WHERE DO YOU SOURCE THE SHELLS?

All the shells used in my jewellery have been ethically sourced by me without harming local ecosystems or endangering species. I only pick up (at most a handful of) shells that have been naturally washed ashore and never from living organisms.

ARE THE METALS YOU USE IN THE JEWELLERY SUSTAINABLE?

Nearly all the silver I use now is recycled silver. I also melt down my (already recycled) silver scraps and use this to make solid silver delft clay cast jewellery and embellishments.

HOW DO YOU HELP THE ENVIRONMENT THROUGH BEACHCOMBING?

Picking up lovely pieces of sea glass (essentially waste glass) is one way but unfortunately it's not just pretty things I pick up on the beaches of Northumberland and SE Scotland. I'll often take home a bag of rubbish and plastic too. Actively preserving our oceans and beaches for marine life and future generations is a mission Cowrie Craft is committed to.

IS THE PACKAGING ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY?

We strive to make packaging as aesthetically pleasing, protective and low-impact as possible by using recycled tissue paper, card, tape and boxes. Packaging is plastic free and we encourage customers to repurpose their jute bags or gift boxes wherever possible.