by Scarlett McQuillan
•
3 June 2025
For the avid beachcomber, sea glass is one of the most intriguing and coveted finds. Treasured for its beauty and rainbow hues, one of the largest lures of sea glass is the hint of mystery behind its origins. Formed from broken glass that has tumbled in the ocean for years, often decades, to become smooth and frosted, each piece of sea glass is a unique treasure with an individual story. Although the specific journey from glassware to ocean to beach will inevitable remain unknown, those curious to discover more about their shoreline finds need not despair! By studying the specific colour of the glass it is possible to find not only an indication of the glass’ history, but also its rarity. For ease, we’ve put together a simple guide to understanding the likely origins of sea glass colours, from the most common shades to the rarest and most prized, for anyone who loves collecting, wearing, or simply admiring these ocean gems. As a jewellery business who loves incorporating sea glass into our designs, we’ve also suggested ways to pair and style each sea glass jewellery hue to enhance different fashion looks and complement a variety of outfits. Read on for your detailed guide, or scroll to the bottom for a condensed version. White (Clear) Sea Glass Rarity Level: Common Origins: White or clear sea glass often originates from common household glass items like soda bottles, milk bottles, or windows. Due to its abundant sources, white sea glass is one of the most common colours found. Over time, exposure to saltwater, sand, and sunlight gives it a frosted look, transforming everyday glass into a beautiful, polished piece. Fashion Pairing: White sea glass is versatile and understated, making it a fantastic neutral piece for any season. Try layering white sea glass necklaces with simple silver chains for a minimal, bohemian look. For casual wear, pair white sea glass earrings with linen dresses in summer, or stack white sea glass rings with chunky sweaters for a cozy winter vibe. Brown Sea Glass Rarity Level: Common Origins: Brown is another relatively common colour, its ubiquity stemming from the vast production of brown glass in the 19th and 20th centuries. Valued for its ability to block sunlight and preserve contents, most of the brown sea glass found today typically comes from beer, whiskey, and soda bottles, as well as various glass jars used for food storage. In the Mediterranean some older, thicker brown pieces originate from much older bottles. Fashion Pairing: The warm, earthy tones of brown sea glass are perfect for rustic and bohemian fashion styles. For a soft, neutral outfit, pair brown sea glass earrings or pendants with a camel or tweed coat, beige turtleneck or maxi corduroy skirt to enhance its rich, organic feel. For a boho-inspired look, a long pendant worn with layered fabrics, suede, or fringe details creates effortlessly cool vibes. Earthy or warm toned dresses and skirts also pair well for a harmonious looking outfit. Green Sea Glass Rarity Level: Common to Uncommon Origins: Green sea glass can come from wine, soda, and spirit bottles, as well as old medicine bottles and ship lanterns. Green sea glass is found in various shades, from deep forest green to light lime. While kelly green is common, certain shades, like seafoam or olive, can be less frequently found and are therefore that bit more special. Fashion Pairing: Green sea glass adds a natural burst of colour to any outfit. It pairs beautifully with floral prints and light fabrics in spring and summer or with chunky knits in shades of forest green, brown, or mustard during autumn. Try pairing a bright green sea glass pendant with an emerald jumpsuit or wearing olive green sea glass hoops with a pair of complementary khaki cargo trousers. Seafoam Sea Glass Rarity Level: Uncommon Origins: This softer green shade often comes from old Coca-Cola bottles, vintage mason jars, and glass tableware. Seafoam green is one of the most sought-after colours in sea glass. It has a soft, pastel quality and is slightly less common than standard green, making it a popular choice for collectors. Fashion Pairing: With its soft, pastel hue, seafoam green sea glass is ideal for airy and ethereal outfits. This colour looks stunning with flowy white dresses and pale pink or blue silks. For a beachy summer look, wear seafoam sea glass bracelets with a white sundress, or layer seafoam pendants over a soft blue shirt for an elegant, ocean-inspired vibe. Its pale lucent glow can also create a striking contrast when worn with an all-black outfit. Amber Sea Glass Rarity Level: Uncommon to Rare Origins: Often found in vintage beer bottles, medicine bottles, and some food jars, amber sea glass has a beautiful, warm hue that ranges from honey to deep amber. Amber glass is harder to find than green or white, but not as rare as some other colours. Fashion Pairing: Amber sea glass has a warm, russet colour that’s perfect for vintage-inspired outfits. Pair an amber sea glass ring with autumnal colours, such as burnt orange, olive green, or deep burgundy, to enhance its warmth. For a more rustic look, layer amber sea glass pendants over chunky knits and denim jackets, or style with leather accessories for an earthy, bohemian feel. Cobalt & Cornflower Blue Sea Glass Rarity Level: Rare Origins: Cobalt and cornflower blue sea glass most commonly originates from old medicine, poison, and cosmetic bottles or jars, as well as vintage tableware. Due to the limited production of this glass, particularly the lighter shade of cornflower, it’s a rare find on the beach and is a prize addition to any collection. Fashion Pairing: The vibrant, deep hue of cobalt blue sea glass is an ideal choice for evening wear or any outfit where you want to make a statement. Pair cobalt blue sea glass earrings with a little black dress to add a pop of colour, or work it into a monochrome blue outfit. For a chic daytime look, both cobalt and cornflower blue necklaces work well when worn with crisp white shirts or denim. Cornflower blue pieces are also a beautiful addition to pale blue or pearl white silk maxi and shirt dresses. Pink Sea Glass Rarity Level: Rare Origins: Mostly originates from Depression era tableware and decorative pieces. Manganese-rich clear glass can also turn pink with extended sun exposure. Fashion Pairing: From pale to dusky pink, this shade of sea glass always has a lovely natural tone to it. Combine it with materials in neutral tones of cream, warm white, grey or taupe to add a subtle hint of colour to your outfit, particularly when matched to a pink lipstick or lipgloss. Pairing or layering it with pearls also enhances the pink sheen in each jewellery piece, and adds a soft, feminine aura to any outfit. Aqua Sea Glass Rarity Level: Rare Origins: One of the most widely used glass colours prior to the 1920s, aqua sea glass comes from ink wells, condiment jars, electrical insulators, and soda, mineral water, and medicine bottles. Fashion Pairing: The bright hues of aqua sea glass evoke a sense of summer and the ocean that is perfect for beachy inspired looks. Pair an aqua sea glass pendant with a casual t-shirt and rough-hem shorts for a laid back look, or combine a statement ring with a neutral maxi dress for an evening drink at the bar. For a more bright and quirky summer look, try pairing with sunny colours like yellow, or layer with other sea glass colours for a fun, eclectic vibe. Purple (Amethyst) Sea Glass Rarity Level: Rare Origins: Most often this is originally clear glass that becomes purple due to manganese-induced sun colouration. Occasional, and extremely rare, pieces come from amethyst or lavender coloured decorations, tableware and perfume bottles. Fashion Pairing: Often lavender-toned in hue, purple sea glass works fantastically with fine knits in smoky grey and charcoal. A pair of purple earrings would also look stunning with a sheer, satin or silk evening dress in silver or grey. For a modern vintage style, matching purple sea glass earrings with velvet or lace fabrics adds a whimsical touch to your outfit. Teal Sea Glass Rarity Level: Extremely Rare Origins: vintage water, ink, wine and sauce bottles, sometimes glass fishing floats from Japan. Fashion Pairing: Part green and part blue, this oceanic colour is both beautiful and versatile. For an elegant and formal look, try coordinating teal glass jewellery with a teal element in your outfit, such as a pendant with a black polo-neck, silky teal maxi skirt and black boots. Teal also works great with denim, so you might want to try pairing drop earrings with a tailored white shirt and your favourite jeans. Grey Sea Glass Rarity Level: Extremely Rare Origins: largely from crystal tableware popular in the 1800s – 1940s. Fashion Pairing: Subtle and smoky, grey sea glass suits all complexions and can be styled as both elegant and grunge. For laid back alternative looks, pair grey sea glass jewellery with your favourite leather jackets, mini-skirts, or a pair of grey cargo pants. For more formal occasions you could pair it with a slinky grey slip or shirt dress. Grey glass also works with the full spectrum of blue hues, so whether you prefer stonewashed or indigo denim the addition of grey sea glass jewellery easily elevates your look whilst keeping it casual. Black Sea Glass Rarity Level: Extremely Rare Origins: remains of bottles as old as the 1700s to 1800s that are dark olive-green (or occasionally other colours) when held to light. Fashion Pairing: Jewellery that features a black gemstone, or in this case glass, setting is more unusual to see than other colours yet always striking. This is especially the case when incorporated in a monochrome look, such as the classic little black dress, or in contrast with a crisp white shirt. As black sea glass is actually an extremely dark shade of green glass, it can also add rich depth when worn with an emerald green dress or more casually with khaki cargo trousers or military style jacket. Turquoise Sea Glass Rarity Level: Extremely Rare Origins: comes from older glass items, typically decorative glassware such as pressed glass dishes, vases and seltzer bottles. Fashion Pairing: This electric shade is distinctive, eye catching and is great for adding a flash of colour to more neutral looks. Particularly suited to greys and navy, turquoise sea glass is great for elevating casual outfits, and when worn with denim effortlessly creates boho style. For more formal events or statement looks, contrast a bright pair of turquoise sea glass studs with a dark, or even black, jumpsuit. Red Sea Glass Rarity Level: Extremely Rare Origins: As the process to make red glass sometimes required gold to be made, it was often reserved for Victorian lamps, art, and tableware, and is one of the rarest colours. Later types may be from auto, railroad, and marine lights. Fashion Pairing: Like a ruby, red sea glass is bold and instantly eye-catching, perfect for adding a standout element to any outfit. For a formal occasion, pair red sea glass earrings or a necklace with a monochromatic outfit in black, white, or red to create striking visuals. Red sea glass also pairs beautifully with metallics or green, making it a perfect accessory for the festive season. Orange and Yellow Sea Glass Rarity Level: Exceptionally Rare Origins: Orange and yellow sea glass are the rarest of all, having rarely been used in glass production. They primarily come from decorative tableware, sculptures and vases, sometimes reflector or warning lights. Some clear glass also turns yellow overtime in sunlight due to its selenium content. Fashion Pairing: These bright, warm colours make a striking addition to any look, especially in summer or autumn. Pair yellow sea glass with bold patterns and warm tones, like mustard or rust, to create a cheerful, autumn-inspired outfit. Orange sea glass adds a touch of warmth to earthy tones and looks stunning when paired with boho-inspired pieces, like fringed jackets, linen tunics, or embroidered fabrics.