Boho Silver Sea Glass Jewellery UK

The Sea Glass Series:

Where to find Sea Glass Beaches in England

St Ives, Cornwall

Sea glass, mermaid tears, beach treasure. 
Whatever you choose to call it, this smooth and frosted glass has a magical allure for beachcombers all around the world. England, with its picturesque coastline and rich maritime history, offers an abundance of beaches on which to find these wave-tumbled gems. If you are sea glass addicts like us, they are essential additions to your beach bucket list. 

Already packing your bags? We’ve put together a handy list of the best beachcombing spots in England to help plan that next sea glass expedition.

Durham 

Featuring Seaham beach, Durham is the most famous place in the UK, if not the world, for sea glass. With cliffs pounded by the North Sea, the English East coast regularly gets incredible finds deposited on all its beaches. The best, however, can be found at the town of Seaham. 
Home to The Seaham Bottle Works from the 1850s to early 20th century, this harbour town had up to six glass houses, sometimes manufacturing for 24hrs a day, with the bottle works the largest factory of its kind in Britain! For years, broken or below grade glass was routinely discarded by these factories into the sea; from beverage bottles to one-of-a-kind perfume containers. 
This has resulted in Durham, and Seaham Hall beach particularly, being one of the richest sources of sea glass in Britain. Every day, the tumultuous waves toss a fresh array of coloured glass on the shore, and the beach becomes a treasure hunt for green, blue, white, and seafoam pieces as well as rarer reds, oranges, and UV glass. Seaham is particularly famous for multicoloured pieces, typically called ‘multis’.  
Whether you are a dedicated sea glass hunter sifting through the shingle, or someone who simply enjoys walking the shore, you are sure to find something interesting.  


Kent

Totalling almost 350-miles of chalky white cliffs, expansive beaches, secret inlets and bustling coastal towns, the pebbles and coarse sands found in Kent are perfect for tumbling glass into smooth nuggets. Known for its wild and rugged beauty, the ports and harbours of this Southeast English coastline have a long history of maritime traffic, and in the early 19th century was popular with smugglers. With such a rich past of human seafaring activity, the vast beaches offer a treasure trove of sea glass waiting to be discovered, including cargo from over 2000 shipwrecks. The best known include the Isle of Sheppey and areas around Folkstone harbour, however small inlets hidden within the nooks and crannies of the cliffs are well worth exploring. 

Yorkshire

The powerful waves and currents of the Yorkshire coast are fantastic for dredging up long forgotten treasure from the ocean bed. Although better known for fossilised remains that can be found there, the sand and shingle boast an impressive array of sea glass; usually overlooked by any fossil hunters. The best places are Withernsea, Robin Hood’s bay, Cayton, Whitby and Runswick bay. Famous for its connection to Bram Stoker's Dracula, Whitby is particularly good due to the town's rich maritime history and offers the unique beachcombing opportunity to find the gemstone Whitby jet. The product of decomposition of wood from millions of years ago, jet is a mineraloid that has been used as a decorative gemstone for thousands of years. Whitby jet comes from wood that is the ancient ancestors of modern pine trees. It was buried in the presence of salt water and with pressure and heat became jet. Nearly 200 million years old, Whitby jet has a reputation as the finest in the world and is an exciting find for any avid beachcomber. 


Devon

Another beautiful Southern county, Devon is unique in that it features two unconnected coastlines. Straddling a peninsula, it looks across the Bristol Channel and Atlantic ocean in the north, and the English Channel in the south. They also couldn’t be more different! In the north you’ll find rugged cliffs, striking views, wild surf and large expanses of sand, but further south and along the ‘English Riviera’, the coastline is soft and winding, with beautiful estuaries, secluded coves and charming villages. Facing the Atlantic, the turbulent waves of the northern coast are more suited for tumbling glass smooth and is therefore the best coast for sea glass hunting. Best known beaches include Combesgate, Barricane, Ilfracombe however, sea glass has also been found at Bovisands and Teignmouth in the south.

Cornwall

With over 400 miles of coastline, and over 300 beaches, Cornwall’s shores are rich and varied. From large swathes of golden sand, rugged cliffs and sea stacks, to glistening inlets and picturesque coastal towns, it is renowned for some of the most beautiful beaches in Britain. Having seen centuries of maritime traffic, Cornwall’s numerous harbours are ideal for discovering sea glass, and the various peninsulas and jutting headlands fantastic for ensnaring waves filled with treasure. There are numerous beaches known for depositing beautifully weathered sea glass, but the best include Pentewan, Marazion, Portreath, St Ives harbour, Holywell bay, Towan, Maenporth, Perranporth and Sennen cove.
For sea glass hunting with a stunning view Cornwall is paradise! 



From the industrial remnants of Seaham to the sparkling coves of Cornwall, England offers an abundance of opportunities for sea glass hunting. Whether you're a seasoned collector or a curious beachcomber, these locations provide the perfect backdrop to embark on a sea glass expedition and discover some rare beach treasure. Let us know of your English beachcombing finds, and any other beaches we have missed through our socials @bohosilver on Facebook or @bohosilverstudio on Instagram! 


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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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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.
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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. 
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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
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