Artisan Sea Glass: Davenport

There are many genres of sea glass, whose differences are based on the source from which they came or their sizes, shapes and/or textures. (Refer to other blog posts for more information on this.) Artisan sea glass – the origins of which stem from decorative glass works (paperweights, chandeliers, lamp shades, vases) – showcase such an incredible array of designs, colors and shapes that they are an all-time favorite among sea glass collectors.

Perhaps the most famous artisan sea glass found in North America is from Davenport Beach in California.

People began hearing about this sea glass in the early 2000’s and the book, Santa Cruz Sea Glass, by Krista Hammond, brought the myth of fabulous sea glass found on Davenport Beach to life. Since then, its’ beauty and rarity – as well as the immense difficulties most beachcombers encounter in collecting shards – has made Davenport sea glass some of the most sought-after in the world.

So, what are the origins of such beautiful sea glass?

They are the wave- and sand-smoothed trimmings and leftovers used by glass artists based at Lundberg Glass Studios, which is located directly across the road and up the hill from Davenport Beach. The studio has been producing some of the finest art glass in the world since it was founded in 1970 by brothers, Steven and James Lundberg. The company is still in operation today, managed by Rebecca, Stephen’s son, James’s wife, who is a talented artist and glassblower in her own right. Lundberg Studios is famous worldwide for its art nouveau-style vases, lampshades, perfume bottles, paperweights and yes, resultant sea glass.

Their ‘world weights,’ which portray the earth in stunningly accurate detail, are very popular.

The hillside studio is situated next to the San Vicente Creek. Remnant art glass ‘trimmings’ are stored in containers located just behind the studio by the creek.

Legend has it that in the late 1970s, a heavy rainstorm caused the creek to rise, overflow, and flood, sweeping the containers with remnant glass fragments down the creek, onto the beach, and into the ocean. Years spent tumbling in heavy surf and coarse sand have yielded exquisite shards of smoothed, frosted sea glass.

The shards were first discovered by surfers and beachcombers during the stormy winter months decades ago when pounding surf rolled in and swept layers of sand back with it, which exposed layers of rocks and gravel hash harboring the treasured glass.

When conditions are right, and the ‘hunting’ is good, the beach is lined with people, shovels in hand, digging down to the gravel layers.

Or else, in wet suits and shin guards, they can be seen near the ‘pit” (a spot near the creek’s opening) fighting the waves, hoping to scoop up the choicest ‘nuggets’ being tossed in by incoming waves. ‘Scoopers’ must be quick and agile because nuggets disappear into the backwash as fast as they appear. 

With waves sometimes 15-to-20 feet high and large rocks roiling around in the surf, this type of extreme sea glassing is not for the inexperienced, the out-of-shape or the faint-hearted for it is truly a dangerous undertaking. (Personally, I think these guys are nuts, risking their lives for a piece of sea glass, though I do understand the adrenaline rush.) Many leave the beach nursing bruises, cuts and even broken bones. (https://rareseaglass.com/2017/08/27/is-it-dangerous-to-hunt-for-sea-glass-at-davenport/)

More often, however, beachcombers find little to no glass at Davenport. This is especially true in the calmer spring through fall months. But also, even in a wintertime with no strong tides or the big waves needed to disrupt the gravel, you will probably go home empty-handed.

The nicknames locals use to describe the shards are creative and fun. Along with nuggets, bubbles, and boulders, you may find “eyeballs,” “mushrooms,” “onions,” and “hot lavas.” 

There are also cane and rod shapes. and heavenly iridescent shards and UV pieces that transform under a black light into brilliant neon greens, periwinkle blues, and bright oranges.

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The originality and beauty of Davenport sea glass, along with their rarity and the difficulty people have in finding it, has elevated it’s status to ‘legendary.’ The demand among sea glass collectors is extremely high yet inventory remains low as few beachcombers will part with their finds. So, when true Davenport sea glass does occasionally goes up for sale, the best or rarest shards can command hundreds of dollars.

Sadly, to fill the void, unscrupulous vendors have been seeding the beach with newer trimmings that the studio sells for $5-$25. This glass is not as well-frosted and has sharp edges, is shiny, and/or is of negligible sea glass quality. Also, the colors and designs can differ markedly from the earlier glass. Such shards are not worth the money these vendors ask for, especially when you can head up the hill and purchase your own $25 bag of glass trimmings at the studio. (Or you can contact the Studio and order and have them shipped).

I recently hit up Davenport with IBC alum and Beach Buddies, Robin, and Gail, for a day well spent. We met with experienced local combers Harmony and Monica, had a delicious lunch at the Roadside Restaurant, visited with Rebecca at Lundberg Studio for a tour (and purchases ) then suited up with dive booties for an afternoon trying our luck at the beach.

Know that even on a slow, windless beach day, with barely a wave in sight, the occasional shard can still be found sans a wetsuit or shovel. But even if you can’t find sea glass, the beach is generous with its beautifully colored and designed sandstone rocks. Like during this last visit, I collected several of those and then, wandering off by myself, I came upon a lovely, fairly worn shard, sitting atop the sand, waiting just for me; as if to say, “Welcome! Pocket me and be sure to share my origin story.”

HAPPY COMBING!

Photos by me and Gail Benjamin