About Charles Hoyt Designs
Charles Hoyt, architect turned jeweler, exhibits tremendous passion for his unique sea glass jewelry designs. His affection and respect for the oceans treasured beauty, shifted his passion in the direction of making high quality jewelry for sea glass lovers around the world. His jewelry can be found locally at 960 R Sagamore Ave, Portsmouth NH or at the Sister We Three at 57 Pleasant Street, Newburyport Massachusetts.
This one of a kind piece of jewelry utilizes a unique combination of sterling silver beads, genuine surf tumbled glass, and an authentic bead from an ancient civilization. The gem quality sea glass comes from all over the world, but many of my creations utilize locally found sea glass picked from the Rye, New Castle and other New England beaches. The beads of glass first given by man to the sea, are surrendered back with as much beauty than any thing man or naturally made. The single ancient bead, by merit of its cultural origin, material, and shear workmanship also warrants individual recognition. Enjoy your jewelry for many years and thank you for your purchase.
Sincerely, Charles Hoyt
Testimonials:
” Charles, don’t forget to let me know when you get your website up! You are the Louis Tiffany of beach glass jewelers!”
~ P.E. Eddenborough of Sea Glass Artists & Sea Glass Collectors.
“Charles, your work is truly in a class by itself–I’ve been to the annual Sea Glass Festivals (seeing many artist’ work, side by side), and yours is among the best I have seen.”
~ Peter Messerschmidt of North Beach Treasures
“Charles….they are so beautiful, I can’t even find the words! It is so exciting to finally see pieces made from the glass that I provided…I really & truly appreciate you taking the time to share these pictures with me. I can’t wait to share them with my family and friends. You’re alright!
~ Tammy Davis of Mendocoast Treasures
Trash to treasure is what they are. Quite a unique phenomenon sea glass is. Whether it is born from man’s early dumping grounds, or after a ship wreck, pulled up many years later from the sea; it is given back to us with more beauty than anything man or naturally made.
Sea glass is found virtually all over the globe, but is becoming scarcer due to the stricter dumping laws and also the replacement of plastic over glass for today’s containers. The sea glass I use to adorn my jewelry has been carefully selected for its shape, clarity, size, and color. Some of my best sea glass is pieces I found myself on local and distant beaches.
Watch how the sun transforms the gem! Something more alive and radiant than anything you’ve ever seen! See the colors of the sea glass change with the intensity of the light hitting the surface. Even artificial light will bring the shard to life! The slightest frosting and dimpling that years of pounding by the sea and sun, only adds to its “personality”.
I also buy my surf tumbled glass from highly reputable suppliers. Their hunting grounds are mainly the west coast of America specifically the rugged coast line of Washington and California. Hawaiian sea glass is also excellent. I have enjoyed many emails and correspondences from my trusted suppliers and look forward to collecting there beautiful shards from the sea.
Within my creations, you will find echoes of the past. The ancient beads, if only they could tell a tale of owners long since gone–perhaps a story that is Roman, Egyptian, Viking or possibly Chinese. The first beads
must have taken days to create and been very valuable. The ancient Vikings prized them and would use them as payment for goods and services. The Egyptians drilled amethyst beads and they were used to ward off evil spirits… perhaps beads were mankind’s first art.
One of the joys my jewelry affords with an ancient artifact, is the patina of age; the link to our ancestry. You will find yourself rubbing the ancient bead between your fingers, wondering who wore this…feel the energy, the karma of what is old!
The Ancient beads I purchase come from reputable suppliers. I trust them to be 100% authentic as sold to me. Their reputation in the jewelry supply industry is excellent.
Handmade silver beads make up the majority of the silver findings and focal beads used in my jewelry. They come from Bali, Thailand or Tibet, handmade by skilled silversmiths that have passed down there trade from
generation to generation. Hand crafted beads are made with soul and patience.
The gems selected for my art are steeped in an old and mystic past. The amethyst beads add depth and a bit of mystery to my jewelry. amethyst is used for inspiration and intuition. It is associated with prosperity and psychic powers. The intense purple color is hard to resist and is linked to spirituality.
From Egyptian times, Garnet has been associated with passion and love. Garnets were also used in necklaces to protect against thieves. Some people believe that garnets help to purify the body and enhance creativity.
Rubies are associated with wealth, joy, sexual energy and power. They are believed to generate passion and assist with spiritual endeavors. At one time, rubies were thought to protect against misfortune, inspire courage and attract life. I use all these gems to contrast my sea glass focal pieces and next to silver or gold they are exquisite.