Boho Silver Sea Glass Jewellery UK

Top Tips for Travelling with Jewellery 

For as long as humans have journeyed across oceans and deserts, or through forested paths, we’ve carried with us small, beautiful things. Jewellery, durable and hand-forged, has travelled through time not just as ornament, but as amulet, talisman, and token. Across cultures and centuries, it has offered protection, carried prayers, and marked rites of passage. From the Eye of Horus in ancient Egypt, believed to guard travellers and the deceased on their final voyage, Medieval pilgrims with cross-shaped tokens , or carved Celtic silver worn to shield the wearer from spirits or misfortune, jewellery has been both a companion and talisman.


As they journey with us, these pieces of jewellery become part of the memory- the necklace that caught the light on a sun-drenched terrace in Lisbon, the ring that clinked gently against a wine glass at sea, the earrings still scented faintly with salt after a morning on the coast. We create our own Boho Silver pieces with the hope that they not only complement your travels, but quietly accompany them to serve as quiet protectors and memory keepers.


So whether you’re boarding a plane, crossing moorland, or sinking your toes into salt-wet sand, this guide offers advice on how to travel with your jewellery—ensuring every ring, pendant and bracelet continues to endure and witness any adventure you choose to go on.



1. Choose Solid Metals Over Plated Pieces


When packing jewellery for travel, opt for solid metals such as sterling silver or 9ct/18ct gold. Unlike plated or vermeil alternatives, solid metals are less vulnerable to wear, water exposure, and chemical reactions. They age gracefully, acquiring a soft patina rather than degrading. At Boho Silver, we use only solid sterling silver and gold, so your pieces stay luminous whether you’re swimming in saltwater or wandering sun-soaked streets.


2. Minimise Moisture


Jewellery and water may share a romantic history, but not always a practical one. While solid metals are durable, even they can tarnish in prolonged contact with salt, chlorine, or humidity. The occasional dip won’t cause harm, but be mindful: remove rings before paddleboarding, necklaces before a hot spring soak. When you do swim or sweat, rinse gently with fresh water and pat dry with a soft cloth.


3. Avoid Tan Lines and Skin Sensitivities


Before sunbathing, take a moment. Apply SPF thoroughly, and check which pieces rest against the skin. Metal on skin in intense sun can lead to uneven tanning — or worse, burns. If you're wearing a pendant, consider turning it around to your back while you sunbathe. It’s a small shift that saves your skin from some questionable tan lines.


4. Invest in a Proper Jewellery Case


A  jewellery case with soft, padded interiors, separate compartments and closures can ensure security without crushing your pieces. Linen or cotton rolls work beautifully for helping protect delicate items like necklaces and large rings from tangling or damage. For earrings and smaller items, pill organisers or recycled tins offer charm and practicality.


Bonus tip: If you’re traveling with multiple necklaces, use a simple straw trick to prevent tangles- simply thread the chain through a straw and secure the clasp. 



5. Always Keep Jewellery in Your Carry-On


Valuable jewellery should never be checked in. Airlines frequently recommend storing valuables in carry-on luggage, not only for safety but to prevent exposure to sudden pressure or temperature changes. This is especially important for gemstone-set jewellery, which can be sensitive to extreme environments.


6. Pack With Purpose: Choose Pieces that Travel Well


It’s usually not the best, or safest, idea to take your whole jewellery collection on holiday. Plan your looks ahead and curate a small, versatile collection that reflects your style and your journey. Think: a pair of statement earrings that elevate a linen dress at dinner, a silver stacking ring that feels grounding in the airport, or a necklace that works equally well with a swimsuit and a silk blouse. Choose pieces that adapt and layer; less, here, really is more.


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by Scarlett McQuillan 5 June 2025
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Scotland, Sea Magick & Seals
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.
by Scarlett McQuillan 3 June 2025
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by Elizabeth Mcquillan 20 July 2024
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by Elizabeth Mcquillan 20 July 2024
The Art of Handcrafted Jewellery: Ocean Treasures from Boho Silver At Boho Silver, we believe in the power of handcrafted jewellery to tell stories and evoke emotions. Our ocean-inspired pieces are created with heart and soul, reflecting our love for the sea and our commitment to artisanal craftsmanship. Each piece begins with a spark of inspiration from the ocean’s beauty. We organically design and crafts each item, ensuring that we capture the essence of the ocean, the tideline and the seascape.. We have recently started to include precious facets gemstones within our wax carved designs; main blue, green and Australian parti sapphires to capture sea’s mesmerizing colours, and echoes of the rock pools in the basalt rocks. What makes our jewellery truly special is the personal touch we bring to every piece. As real people passionate about our craft, we pour our creativity and care into making jewellery that is not only beautiful but also meaningful. We want each piece to connect with you, to remind you of the ocean’s wonders and the strength within you. Explore our collection and discover the magic of ocean-inspired jewellery. Each piece is a work of art, handcrafted with love and designed to make you feel connected to the sea and yourself. 
20 July 2024
Unlocking Creativity with Wax Carving: Crafting Sea-Inspired Jewellery Exploring the world of jewellery design often leads to the discovery of various techniques, each offering its unique advantage. One such method that we have recently discovered is wax carving. The technique is perfect for us as it really allows 'flow' and an organic feel that works so well for our sea-inspired pieces. As jewellery artists, it allows us to bring our inspirations to life with remarkable detail and fluidity. Why Use Wax Carving? Wax carving offers unparalleled flexibility in jewellery design, particularly when aiming to capture the organic shapes and fluid lines of sea motifs. Unlike metal, which can be rigid and challenging to manipulate into natural forms, wax is malleable and easy to shape. This characteristic makes it an ideal medium for replicating the soft curves of waves, the delicate structure of coral, or the intricate patterns of seashells. How To Make Wax Jewellery? The process begins with a block or sheet of wax, which is then carved into the desired shape. These are a variety of tools we can use to cut, scrape, and smooth the wax, allowing for precise control over the final design. This level of detail is essential when aiming to create pieces that echo the beauty and complexity of the ocean. It is a time consuming process, and very experimental, but it is also a very mindful. Creating Sea-Inspired Jewellery The goal with our latest collection is to harness the power of wax carving to craft sea-inspired jewelry that not only captures the essence of the ocean but also stands out with vibrant blue and green sapphires. These gemstones are chosen for their stunning hues, reminiscent of the sea’s depth and the sparkling surface of water under sunlight. Integrating these gemstones into our wax-carved designs ensures that each piece is not only a work of art but also a celebration of nature’s beauty. Click To Paste Click To Paste
Aberdeen beach in Scotland. Scottish sea glass beach with sand and driftwood at sunset.
by Scarlett McQuillan 2 September 2023
If you scour the internet for Things to do in Scotland you’ll find a plethora of articles titled “Top 10 Places in Scotland” and “Best beaches to Visit in Scotland”; most of them identical itineraries for inland castles and white-sand beaches. This isn’t a bad thing, but if you are an avid beachcomber then these places (although beautiful) are typically not the best when it comes to interesting beach finds. This is why we thought we’d step in and create a guide specifically made for the curious mermaids and flotsam scavengers. Below we’ve collated six areas in Scotland known to provide sea glass success, and they just so happen to be some of the most beautiful coastal areas to be found here. With over 6,100 miles of rugged coastline and rich maritime heritage, Scotland is a treasure trove for both local and visiting sea glass enthusiasts. Ready to start planning your next sea glass hunting trip? With so many tempting spots, you might struggle to choose where to start… Edinburgh & East Lothian Primarily renowned for its stunning architecture and historic attractions, Edinburgh’s status as a coastal city is often overlooked despite various beaches and harbours being located just miles from the city’s metropolitan heart. At the nearby shoreline you’ll find long stretches of sandy shore, pebbled inlets, smooth promenades, quaint fishing villages and, best of all, sea glass. From Edinburgh’s seat at the Firth of the Forth, to East Lothian’s 40 miles of headlands, bays, and coastal islands, the area is rich in beachcombing options. With the moniker ‘Auld Reekie’ (Scots for ‘Old Smoky’), it’s perhaps no surprise that it used to be a site heavy with waterfront business and maritime traffic. The urban coastline featured many glass and pottery works, and even now there still stands two old brick pottery Kilns; possibly the best examples to be found in Scotland. Take a stroll along the shoreline, and you're almost guaranteed to come across beautifully weathered sea glass and pottery fragments, each with its own unique story. The best places for sea glass near Edinburgh are Portobello, South Queensferry, Prestonpans and Cramond, whose award-winning ice cream parlours and cafes will help fuel you on your way. Dunbar, Coldingham bay, Longniddry and Gullane beach are the most promising spots in East Lothian. All provide stunning backdrops for a spot of beachcombing, and many have been awarded the prestigious Scotland’s Beach Award (as of June 2023) by the Environmental charity Keep Scotland Beautiful. Aberdeen The place where our sea glass addiction began. With rugged cliffs, sweeping sand dunes and golden beaches, it’s no surprise we could spend hours at a time exploring the Aberdeenshire coast. Situated in the northeast of Scotland, the relentless and storming waves of the North Sea polish glass and pottery to perfection and is the perfect backdrop to sea glass hunt or seal watch. From the city centre Aberdeen beach lined with seaside cafés, esplanade and arcades, to the quiet nature reserve of St Cyrus, there is a beach to suit everyone’s beachcombing preferences. We would recommend the above to beaches in addition to Cruden bay, St Combs, Stonehaven and Balmedie for the best sea glass finds. Fife A natural peninsula fringed by the Firth of Tay in the North, and Firth of the Forth in the South, Fife possesses many harbours and beaches. Those of the north are most well-known, with their golden sands, picturesque vistas and quaint fishing villages. However, when it comes to sea glass the industrial wharves of the south should not be overlooked! With a spectacular coastal path of 187km featuring 15 major award-winning beaches, if you have no specific beachcombing treasure in mind then the entire Fife shore is worth exploring. Alongside the sandy beaches, you’ll be able to enjoy estuaries, wildlife reserves and the Elie Chainwalk, Scotland’s coastal via ferrata. On sections of path that traverse the East Neuk (“neuk” being the Scots word for “nook” or “corner”) you’ll find beaches particularly good for finding sea glass, and all vastly different from each other. One may have massive chunks of sea glass, another might have pottery, but all ensure a beachcombing experience with an incredible backdrop. Other good areas in Fife to look for sea glass include Burntisland, Pathhead sands and Aberdour. Ayrshire Located on the shores of the Firth of Clyde, treasures that wash up on the beaches of Ayrshire emerge from the deepest coastal waters in the British Isles. These beaches are best found by following the Ayrshire Coastal Path running from Glenapp in the South to Skelmorlie in the North. The route includes incredible vistas, diverse wildlife, and some of Western Scotland’s best sand dunes. Sea glass found in Ayrshire can primarily be traced to Irvine, who’s northern harbour was one of the most important ports in 16th century Scotland before being overtaken in the 19th century by those in Glasgow and Greenock. In addition to this commercial maritime history, glass manufacturing became a key industry of Northern Ayrshire from the 1920s after Portland Glass Co. was established there. On the beaches of Stevenston, Ballantrae and Girvan it is the remnants of this industry that will mostly be found, now transformed into colourful nuggets of sea glass. The Ayrshire coast is also home to some unusual and noteworthy geology. Rocks found there are some of the oldest in Scotland, and in addition to sea glass there are incredible finds such as gemstones (scenic and onyx agate) and fossils to be discovered on the beaches. Moray One of the ancient Pictish kingdoms, Moray was first known as moreb, meaning "low lying land near to the sea" in Celtic- Brittonic translation. An apt name considering its great plains of fertile soil and a coastline that follows the Moray Firth, Scotland’s largest firth. With dramatic cliffs, sandy beaches, pebbled bays and rare coastal plants it is a beautiful part of the world, complete with colourful coastal villages and historic harbours. Places known to have sea glass wash up include ancient fishing ports such as Nairn and Lossiemouth. With a harbour flanked by two spectacular beaches, Lossiemouth in particular is worth visiting- even if it is just for the views! There is a reason it has earned a reputation as ‘Jewel of the Moray Firth’ and the ‘Riviera of the North’. The small village of Cummingston is also worth checking. Situated between the fishing villages of Burghead and Hopeman, its beach is not well known but is one of Moray’s best kept secrets. Popular with climbers it features a short stretch of sand surrounded by beautiful rock formations and caves, with nearby paths leading to Burghead and Hopeman beach respectively. In addition to sea glass, the Moray Firth is one of the most important places on the British coast for observing bottlenose dolphin, harbour porpoise and occasionally common dolphins or minke whale. The wildlife viewing area at Chanonry Point is particularly renowned for hosting some spectacular cetacean displays, and just so happens to also be fantastic for discovering sea glass. With such a diverse coastline, Scotland offers a plethora of enjoyable and interesting beachcombing opportunities. From the more urban shores of Portobello Beach to the remote beauty of Moray, each location presents an incredible blend of sea-swept shores and historical remnants. Whether you're a seasoned collector or just beginning your beachcombing journey, Scotland makes for an unforgettable sea glass hunting experience. Let us know of your Scottish beachcombing finds, and any other beaches we have missed, through our socials @bohosilver on Facebook or @bohosilverstudio on Instagram!
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