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Shoreline finds, thoughtfully finished.
Gathered along the shores of
Long Island, New York.
THE STORY BEHIND SALTY DOG BEACH GLASS
Salty Dog Beach Glass grew from countless hours spent walking Long Island shores, collecting the weathered
glass and pottery shaped by years of tidal movement. What began as a personal connection to these shoreline finds slowly evolved into creating wearable pieces that preserve their history and character.
FROM SHORE TO STUDIO
At Salty Dog Beach Glass, each piece begins along the shoreline. Beach glass and pottery are personally gathered from coastal waters surrounding Long Island, New York, where time, tide, and movement have shaped every find long before it reaches the studio. These naturally weathered materials are thoughtfully assembled into wearable pieces, preserving the character and history left behind by the shore. Select pieces gathered along Florida’s East Coast are occasionally included, reflecting the changing paths of shoreline discovery.
BEACH GLASS FACTS
COLOR RARITY
Green, brown, and white are the most commonly found beach glass colors. These shades were widely used in bottles and household glass for decades, which means more of them entered the shoreline and continue to surface today. As recycling has increased over time, even these common colors are becoming harder to find.
Rarer colors appear when fewer glass products were originally made in those shades. Pink, citron, deep seafoam, teal, aqua, cobalt blue, cornflower blue, and lavender are considered uncommon because their original sources were limited. Lavender glass is especially interesting — many pieces began as clear glass made with manganese, which turns soft purple after decades of sunlight exposure.
Extremely rare shades such as red, orange, yellow, turquoise, and gray were historically expensive to produce and used far less often. When these colors are discovered along the shore, they are considered exceptional finds.
REAL BEACH GLASS v. IMITATION
Authentic beach glass develops its signature frosted surface after years of movement against sand, stone, and tidal currents. The texture is naturally uneven, often showing small “C”-shaped markings and soft pitting created by long-term abrasion. Edges are rounded rather than sharp, and many pieces still carry traces of their past life — such as embossed lettering, bottle necks, or unique contours.
Imitation glass is typically machine-tumbled to create a frosted appearance. It often looks smoother, more uniform in shape, and lacks the subtle texture and irregularity of naturally weathered glass. No two genuine shoreline finds are exactly alike.
BEACH GLASS OR SEA GLASS?
The terms “beach glass” and “sea glass” are often used interchangeably. Both refer to glass that has been naturally weathered and smoothed by years of water movement.
The final appearance depends largely on where the glass traveled. In areas with fine sand, pieces tend to feel softer and more satin-like. In rockier environments with coarser sand, the surface often shows more texture and frosting.
DID YOU KNOW?
BOTTLE NECKS
WHAT IS A THREAD FINISH - AND WHY DOES IT MATTER?
A thread finish refers to the ridged spiral at the top of a bottle where a cap once twisted on. The number and style of these threads can offer clues about a bottle’s age and purpose. Longer, continuous spirals are typically associated with more modern screw-top bottles, while shorter or interrupted threads often appeared on earlier medicine or condiment bottles.
When a section of bottle neck washes ashore with visible threading, it preserves a small but distinctive piece of the bottle’s original design.
BOTTLE BOTTOMS
WHAT ARE KNURLING MARKS?
Knurling marks are the small ridges or textured patterns often found around the base of a bottle. These details were originally added to help prevent slipping on smooth surfaces.
When bottles break and are weathered over time, these patterns frequently remain visible on the glass. On shoreline finds, knurling marks can help identify a piece as part of a bottle base and add character that smoother fragments do not have.
FAQS
When will my order ship?
We ship orders within 1-2 business days, and often on the same day when possible. USPS delivery typically takes 3-7 days. Please note we currently ship on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays and holidays may affect delivery time. P
How do you ship my order?
Orders over $50 ship free within the continental U.S. via USPS. International shipping rates vary by location, with pricing starting at $35 USD.
How do I care for my beach glass jewelry?
Beach glass is naturally weathered but is still glass and can break if dropped. A little care will keep your piece looking its best.
Sterling silver and stainless steel components can be cleaned with a polishing cloth (one is included with each order). To care for your piece:
- Avoid harsh chemicals, perfumes, and cleaners.
- Clean glass gently with a soft, damp cloth if needed.
- Store separately to prevent scratches or chips.
- Keep metal components dry when not in use.
If your beach glass becomes dull from lotions or oils, gently wash it with mild dish soap and warm water using a soft brush. Rinse and air dry.
Contact Us
Hours
Open today | 09:00 am – 05:00 pm |
