Santa Cruz Sea Glass

For the second year in a row, the first weekend in November was marked “Santa Cruz sea glass festival!” If you’ve been following my blog, then you know I’m pretty addicted to the beach and collecting sea glass. The show did not disappoint, and I was quite excited to meet Krista Hammond, the owner of Santa Cruz Sea Glass and the producer of the festival.

krista hammond and amy roseveare
At the Santa Cruz sea glass festival

Krista and her husband, Tony Berkowitz, have combined two of my passions, sea glass and jewelry. They founded their company in 2006. Living in Santa Cruz, and both being surfers, they spend lots of time on the beach, so I imagine it was just a matter of time before they created this wonderful business. They find each and every piece of sea glass themselves, and then hand make each item in their home studio.

santa cruz sea glass
A shot of the production area

Krista and her husband work as a team with each piece. Krista works more on the design end, and Tony is the silversmith. They were fortunate to be mentored by Robert Wunce, a very talented jeweler. It seems like they have a perfect harmony going — Tony always says, “I’m the dirt and you’re the flowers.” Symbiosis, right?

Here’s a photo that shows some of their glass collection. I tried not to drool on the glass case…

santa cruz sea glass
I would faint if I even found ONE piece like this!

Here are some of their finds made into stunning rings.

santa cruz sea glass rings
Hmm…which is my favorite?

I guess this one is. 😉

sea glass ring
Wowza!

And finally, here’s a lovely photo of some of their bracelet designs.

santa cruz sea glass bracelets
Talk about arm candy!

Not only do they create beautiful jewelry, but they also give part of their profits back to the sea by way of their partnership with the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation. In addition, they are a green company and use recycled US silver in their designs. What’s not to love?

With holiday shopping season now upon us, you just might want to check out their jewelry — either for a gift for a loved one or for some self-gifting! 😉

Sea glass jewelry

I seem to have quite a few passions in my life (beyond even jewelry), and hunting for sea glass is definitely one of them. Sea glass is like jewelry from the sea — pieces of old bottles and such worn smooth and frosty by the sea, waves and sand. As I write this post, I’m here in Fort Bragg, California, which is home to THE most tremendous beach for glassing in North America (and no, that’s not an exaggeration). Glass Beach is beyond imagination — in fact the first time I visited here early this past July, I thought I must be in a dream or something, because it honestly didn’t seem real.

Glass Beach, Fort Bragg, CA

My passions for sea glass and jewelry have now collided. It all started with a beautiful rare pendant I bought from the website By the Sea Jewelry. I just a-DORE it, and wear it often, especially when glassing. (I probably shouldn’t admit this, but my next pendant was just ordered while on this trip!)

Rare sea glass pendant

When in Fort Bragg, you have to stop into Captain Cass’ Glass Beach Jewerly and Museum! Not only am I completely envious of the fabulous finds Captain Cass has made, but he also has a nice selection of sea glass jewelry. Actually, it was pretty funny when I stepped in there today. Captain Cass saw me, didn’t say a word and just pointed to the bulletin board. There I was! My photo, a picture of my glass haul from July, and a little blurb about how there’s still glass at Fort Bragg. Never thought I’d see myself in a museum! Love it. 😉

Sea glass pendants from Fort Bragg

If you find yourself in the Capitola, California area, you should also check out Village Sea Glass, which is in the heart of downtown. There, you’ll find all sorts of jewelry and other sea glass art and products (including some driftwood/sea glass mobiles that were quite fab). Speaking of the Santa Cruz area, I just can’t wait until next weekend, when I’ll be attending my first sea glass festival! The Santa Cruz Sea Glass Festival is held Saturday, November 5th & Sunday, November 6th at the Cocoanut Grove at the Beach Boardwalk from 10-5. If this sounds tempting to you, then maybe I’ll see you there!