Summer is a perfect time to show off gently sun-kissed skin. One fabulous way to complement your summer glow is to don a shimmering treasure created by Mother Nature herself.
Sea glass, which can be found along the coastline, as well as in bays, lakes and rivers, takes shape after being tumbled and smoothed by sand and surf. Sonja Grondstra is particularly drawn to the shapes and soothing colors of the sea glass that peppers the New England coastline, and her passion has fueled a successful jewelry-design business. Recognized by the Buyers Market of American Craft organization as a Going Green Advocate, Grondstra has traversed the coastline of Swampscott, Massachusetts, where she works, and various points along the New England coastline in search of natural resources to repurpose into a unique and
distinctive jewelry collection. She selects complementary pieces of beach and recycled glass and bevel sets them by hand into a collection of necklaces, bracelets, earrings, rings and other pieces, such as cuff links. Many of her pieces also feature sterling silver, gold, pearls and semi-precious stones. Grondstra molds her one-of-a-kind discoveries into eco-friendly, contemporary pieces of art that are vibrant in both color and design. “When I find a gallery-quality beach gem, an excitement washes over me, awakening my creative desire to develop new jewelry,” says Grondstra.
Sonja Grondstra Designs are sold at Neal Rosenblum Goldsmiths/Designers, located at 261 Park Avenue in Worcester.
Feeling creative? Take a daytrip to the pristine beaches of Rockport or Gloucester or head south to the Cape, the Rhode Island coast or the Connecticut shoreline in search of natural treasures to turn into a fashion statement all your own. While sea glass can be found all over the world, it is particularly plentiful on the Northeast coast of the United States.
When searching for your own baubles— Grondstra recommends looking during low tide following storms—pay attention to the colors you find in your travels. Hues of bright green, brown and white are common, while other colors, such as pink, aqua, intense blue, citron and purple are rarer finds. If you encounter pieces that are grey, red, orange, black or yellow, you’ve hit the Mother (Earth) load, as those are quite rare.
By Laura Starczewski
Images courtesy of Sonja Grondstra Designs
