TEARS THAT TELL A STORY
Jewellery inspired by the Suffolk coast
At Tears of the Sea, we craft handmade necklaces that capture the quiet essence of nature’s beauty.
Sea glass - affectionately known as mermaid tears - are ocean-born gems washed ashore after being naturally weathered and tumbled by waves for decades. Sand, salt, and time work together to soften each fragment, giving every tear its own distinctive character and presentation.
These treasures begin life as discarded glass items such as bottles and other vessels. Along the Suffolk coastline, they appear in a variety of beautiful shades - most commonly green, white, clear, blue, and brown.
It can take 20–40 years for a piece of glass to become textured and develop its frosted appearance. More distinctive tears may have spent 50–100+ years in the ocean, gradually acquiring their smooth, polished finish.
And when a mermaid is ready to shed a tear, this one-of-a-kind treasure finds its way to shore, waiting patiently to be discovered and transformed into something truly special.
OUR COLLECTION
From tear to treasure
All of our necklaces are crafted with sterling silver chains and bails, chosen for their quality and timeless appeal. Each piece is presented in a gift box and includes a silver cleaning cloth to help maintain the beauty and shine over time. Our chains are a standard 20 inches in length, offering a comfortable and elegant fit.
DISCOVERY
How our tears are sourced
Our tears are discovered washed ashore along the Suffolk coastline, between Lowestoft and Southwold - a wild, beautiful stretch that also embraces the villages of Pakefield, Kessingland, Benacre, and Covehithe.
We search for them with care and respect, always mindful of the tides and the ever-changing nature of the shoreline, ensuring each discovery is made safely and responsibly.
Every tear holds its own story. When we find one, we take time to consider how it might be lovingly transformed into a meaningful and cherished keepsake.
THE JOURNEY OF YOUR TEAR
From discovery to gifting
STEP 1: CLEANING
Once discovered, your tear is given the opportunity to begin a new life. After years of being shaped by the ocean, your tear is carefully cleaned. It is placed in a gentle solution of white vinegar and warm water for several hours, then removed and carefully cleansed.
STEP 2: POLISHING
To preserve the tear's natural character and individuality, a small amount of mineral oil is gently applied to the glass. This gives it a soft polish while retaining its authentic ocean-worn beauty. Any excess oil is delicately removed, and left to dry.
STEP 3: CRAFTSMANSHIP AND NATURE COMBINED
Once prepared, your tear is ready to be transformed into a unique necklace. Each piece is thoughtfully transformed using a sterling silver chain and bail to complement the shape and character of the tear.
STEP 4: PACKAGING
Your finished piece is placed in our uniquely branded gifting box, with silver jewellery wipe, ready to be treasured in its new home.
TotS NUMBER
Each tear is individually numbered according to when it was handcrafted.
OUR STORY
Born and raised in Pakefield, our love for beachcombing began at an early age, shaped by countless hours walking along the shoreline. Though our careers eventually led us away from the coast - into the worlds of science and nursing - our connection to the Suffolk seashore never faded and we return home as often as we can.
In 2026, we turned that passion into something more. What began as a simple idea grew into a creative venture: transforming sea-worn fragments into beautiful, handcrafted sea glass jewellery. Each piece we create is truly one of a kind, shaped by the sea and finished with care, capturing a little piece of the coast to be treasured wherever it goes.
Through our work, we hope to shine a gentle light on this remarkable stretch of the Suffolk coast - a place that brings us immense joy and inspiration. Through thoughtfully crafted jewellery, we hope not only to celebrate the beauty of this landscape with its vast skies, quiet beaches and timeless coastal charm, but also to share that happiness with others - creating meaningful gifts that make friends and family smile.
GALLERY: SUFFOLK COAST
Images showcasing the Suffolk coast - where the sea holds our tears
