The Godfather of Sea Glass

Richard LaMotte Boosts the National Profile of Sea Glass
Few sea glass collectors DON'T recognize the name of Richard LaMotte. As the author of Pure Sea Glass: Discovering Nature's Vanishing Gems, LaMotte is a nationally recognized authority on sea glass. His book is now in its 5th printing, and he is routinely interviewed by national media including Coastal Living magazine.
The Journal: How did you become interested in collecting sea glass?
LaMotte: I've always enjoyed beachcombing. When my wife felt that making sea glass jewelry would allow her to work at home I quickly went to work trying to find sea glass along the Chesapeake. After a slow start I found several spots that produced amazingly well-worn and rounded shards of aqua, cobalt blue and soft green. I was hooked.
The Journal: Other than bottles what are some sources of sea glass?
LaMotte: Tableware and utility glass make up a fair portion of the sea glass that is not originally from bottles. The types of glass found are often site-dependent. Tableware pieces from Pressed Glass, Depression Glass, Fiestaware and other early to mid-20th century patterns can quickly add color to one's collection.
If a collector is in an area where they only find standard brown, green and white they are likely in a bottle-heavy area, seeded in the mid- to late-1900s. Utility glass refers to lighting, insulators and several odd forms of glass used for electrical applications over the past 100 years.
The rarest colors often come from what I call vanity ware and vases — items used to display or hold special objects around the home. Art glass is also unique but very hard to date.
See more by clicking LaMotte Sea Glass Interview