Sea Glass Jewelry Making: Bezel Setting Ideas
Have you ever found a piece of smooth, frosted glass on the beach? That's sea glass - a treasure created by the ocean! Imagine wearing this bit of seaside magic in beautiful jewelry. In this blog, we'll explore how to use sea glass in bezel settings (also called cabochon settings) to make stunning accessories. Get ready to create unique pieces that will make everyone ask, "Where did you get that?"
What is Sea Glass?
Sea / Beach glass starts as regular glass that ends up in the water. Over 20 to 40 years, waves, sand, and rocks smooth it out, giving it a frosted look. This natural material is perfect for jewelry making, especially when set in bezels.
What is a Bezel Setting?
A bezel setting is a metal rim that surrounds and holds a stone or, in our case, a piece of sea glass. It's great for sea glass because it protects the edges and shows off the glass's beauty.
Collecting Sea Glass
You can hunt for sea glass on beaches or buy it online or at craft stores. Look for pieces that are smooth and have a nice shape for setting in bezels.
Sea Glass Bezel Jewelry Ideas
Now, let's explore some ways to use sea glass in bezel settings:
1. Sea Glass Pendant Necklaces
- Choose a piece or multiple pieces of sea glass that fits your bezel setting
- Place the glass in the setting and secure it with Diamond Glaze
- Thread it onto a chain necklace or leather cord
Tip: Try different shapes like oval, round, or freeform bezels to match your sea glass. If you need to fill in between the pieces of glass we suggest fine grout, resin or epoxy resin.
2. Sea Glass Earrings
- Find two similar pieces of sea glass for a matching pair
- Set them in small bezel cups
- Attach earring wires to the bezels
Idea: Use different colors of sea glass for unique, mismatched earrings.
3. Sea Glass Bracelets
- Set several pieces of sea glass in our pre-made bracelet settings.
4. Sea Glass Rings
- Choose a flat piece of sea glass for comfort
- Set it in a ring-sized bezel
- Attach the bezel to an adjustable ring base
Tip: Use a larger piece of sea glass for a statement ring.
5. Sea Glass Keychains
- Set a sturdy piece of sea glass in a bezel
- Attach a strong jump ring to the bezel
- Connect a keychain ring to the jump ring
Idea: Add charms like a tiny shell or anchor for extra beachy flair.
6. Sea Glass Charm Bracelets
- Set small sea glass pieces in tiny bezels
- Attach these to a charm bracelet base
- Mix with other ocean-themed charms
Tools and Materials You'll Need
To start making sea glass bezel jewelry, you'll need:
- Sea glass pieces
- Bezel settings in various sizes
- Diamond Glaze or E6000 for larger pieces
- Pliers (chain-nose and round-nose)
- Necklace Chains, cords, or bracelet bases
- Earring wires (for earrings)
- Key rings (for keychains)
Tips for Working with Bezels and Sea Glass
- Choose bezels that fit your sea glass pieces well
- Make sure the sea glass sits flat in the bezel
- Use a small amount of glue to avoid overflow
- Let the glue dry completely before wearing
Color Combinations
Try these color combos:
- Blue sea glass in silver bezels (classic look)
- Green sea glass in gold bezels (rich and earthy)
- White sea glass in copper bezels (warm contrast)
- Mix different colors in one piece for a playful style
Personalizing Your Jewelry
Make your sea glass bezel jewelry special:
- Engrave the back of the bezel with a date or message
- Add small crystals around the bezel edge
- Use textured or patterned bezels for extra interest
Caring for Sea Glass Bezel Jewelry
To keep your jewelry looking great:
- Store pieces separately to avoid scratches
- Clean gently with a soft, damp cloth
- Avoid getting it wet for long periods
Why Make Sea Glass Bezel Jewelry?
Creating sea glass bezel jewelry is fun and rewarding. It lets you:
- Make professional-looking pieces easily
- Protect delicate sea glass edges
- Create sturdy, long-lasting jewelry
- Show off the sea glass's natural beauty
- Make great gifts for beach lovers
Now that you've learned about using sea glass in bezel settings, it's time to start creating! Begin by choosing a simple project like a pendant or pair of earrings. Don't worry if your first try isn't perfect - practice makes better!
Share your bezel-set sea glass creations online with the hashtag #perfectpendantsplus. We'd love to see what you make! Your unique designs might inspire others to try this fun craft.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab some sea glass and bezel settings, and start making beautiful, ocean-inspired jewelry today. Turn these gifts from the sea into wearable art that tells a story!