Pocket Guide to Seaham Sea Glass

At first look, you might think that the Pocket Guide to Seaham Sea Glass created by Paula Newman from Peblsrock in Seaham, England, only applies to searching for sea glass in her local beach. But open up the guide, and it’s a wonderful reference for any beach glass collector.

Designed in response to the many questions that Paula gets from visitors to her local sea glass beach in North East England, the guide covers the history, colors (or colours, if you prefer!), and techniques for collecting sea glass that are helpful to any beachcomber. The guide explains what sea glass is, explores the sources for each color of glass, and covers “odd stuff” like safety glass, bottle necks, and sea pottery. 

One of the most helpful sections is the chapter called “How to Find Seaglass.” Through photos and text, Paula shares her tips and tricks for finding sea glass: when to hunt, what to look for, and where in Seaham she likes to beachcomb. The book also shares the local history of Seaham and why it’s such a great place to look for glass. 

In the back of the guide is a glossary of sea glass terms, the legend that gave rise to the term “mermaid tears” for sea glass, and a few terms that Paula invented for the glass she finds. For example, she uses the term “pebls” for the sea glass pieces she finds because she thinks that “shard is inappropriate for a cute, smooth, rounded piece.” Throughout the book are colorful photos of the beautiful pebls that Paula has found. 

The inside back cover has a handy checklist where you can check off all the different pebls that you have in your collection, including a list of over 40 colors, 15 shapes, and extra spaces for those special treasures found only on your own beaches.

The pocket-sized Peblsrock Pocket Guide to Seaham Sea Glass is now in its fourth edition. It’s a great gift, and perfect to keep in your pocket or bag when you’re out hunting for sea glass!

Learn more about English multicolor glass with Paula

This article appeared in the Beachcombing Magazine January/February 2019 issue.