As sea glass makes its way onto the "endangered list" its value is on the rise, giving artists and local treasure hunters a reasons to celebrate it.

Beachcombers and sea glass aficionados made their way to Lewes, Delaware once again this year for the Lewes' Historical Society's annual Sea Glass and Coastal Arts Festival at the end of June. About 40 sea glass vendors and artists schlepped their wares from around the country to cherish these vanishing treasures, often referred to as mermaids' tears.

The seas have swallowed the glass bottles of swarthy sailors and sunken ships' dinnerware for centuries, sprinkling beaches around the world with gems to behold for years. And for the more whimsical at heart...Mermaids cried for sailors lost at sea and have bestowed their loving tears of heartache upon our shores. However they arrived, they are now a rare find and Lewes manages to gather thousands of patrons each year in their honor.

"We're at the end of the sea glass window," according to president of the North American Sea Glass Association. "There is less glass packing now and more recycling."

Although not a horrible reason to have such a species vanish, it makes the hunt more grueling. Beuke recommends heading to the shore at low tide after a storm for the most bountiful hunt. She claims, "they are not finished yet" and neither is this festival!

Tip:

If you're looking for a new way to display your treasures, check out these ideas!