What: Teal Seaglass Drop Pendant on Silver Chain
Why: Seaglass is formed when discarded glass bottles are thrown into the ocean. Over time sand, saltwater and rocks smooth away the rough edges and create these jewels of the sea. Today seaglass is more difficult to find because of the popularity of plastic bottles and recycling programs.
Interest in the jewelry sparked when Gates wore one of her first creations to a party. Since then, SeaGlassWear and SeaStoneWear have been featured by an array of national museums and fine galleries including the Boston Museum of Fine Arts, The Smithsonian, and The Natural History of Art.
About the Designer: "My work is purposefully simple. I create my jewelry with only naturally-found or recycled materials, such as smooth beach stones and sea glass. I like the statement it makes on many levels about recycling and the simple beauty in nature. I love helping nature recycle these ocean gems; what once was rejected is now revered and we get a second chance to see its beauty," says Gates.
"My aunt loved walking the beaches of Woods Hole year-round, and over 40 years amassed a huge collection of sea glass," Valerie explains. "This jewelry line is also my way of honoring my aunt and her connection to the sea."
The necklaces, bracelets,earrings and cuff links — featuring either green, blue-green, brown, white or multi-colored seaglass — are all one-of-a-kind and handmade by Gates in her studio, and featured on her site.
Proceeds to Be Donated: 25%
Get Yours: $68 @ Seaglasswear.com
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