Ireland’s west coast is a place shaped by proximity to the ocean. For approximately 3,000 kilometers nothing stands between the rough North Atlantic Sea and the country’s craggy, cliff-lined shores. The cities and towns lining this coastline have roots as fishing villages and ports, and for generations, to speak Irish in them was synonymous with speaking of the sea. Each community developed its own vocabulary: words and phrases for every type of wave and tide, every shift in weather and wind, for the sea’s sounds, plants and creatures, and for the tools and tricks a fisherman used to make a living from the ocean. However, this unique vocabulary is slowly disappearing, so in early 2020 Manchán Magan —a writer, documentary filmmaker, and specialist of the Irish language—began collecting coastal words from towns along the west coast, in an attempt to preserve them. With funding associated with Galway’s nomination as a European Capital of Culture for 2020, Magan spent months recording stories and sayings in Ireland’s Atlantic communities. The recordings make up the Foclóir Farraige , or Sea Dictionary that can be found here , and sorts the various concepts and definitions by their original region. Numerous words in the Foclóir Farraige are functional. They describe tools and practices that were essential for coastal life, such as Duaim , the hair from a cow’s tail wound together to form fishing line and handmade ropes, or Crom’ubhán , a Donegal word for a long stick with a hook used to lure the crabs out of their underwater rock holes at low tide. Yet many of the words are more profound, the concepts often poetic in nature and offering an intimate perspective of the littoral world. In Donegal, there is the expression mada doininne for a particular type of dark cloud lining the horizon that foretells bad weather. The word, literally translated, means “hounds of the storm.” Or Cnámh ina béal meaning ‘Bone in the mouth’, a description for the whitewash at the bow of the boat from Co.Mayo. The Irish language has been in decline since 1603, but it was the agreement to a shared fisheries policy with the EU that is largely responsible for the loss of coastal terminology in particular. The quotas that resulted from giving EU member states equal access to Irish waters meant much of the Irish fishing industry was driven out of business, and as the fishing industry waned, so did the words connected with it. Now old fishers and mariners are the only remaining keepers of a vocabulary with has limited use, and that is no longer being passed down. To lose this everyday language is to lose a perspective on the natural world that is currently needed more than ever. Irish, like most Indigenous languages, echoes a deep relationship between humans and the more-than human. Many of the words are based upon close observations of the weather, elements, animals and sound; rich details that make the landscape come alive. Amidst the rush of modern life words such as these, so intimately entwined with our surroundings, remind us to slow down and truly notice what is happening in the present moment; acting as a gateway to more mindful living and deeper connections between ourselves and others. Although it is unlikely that the words of the Foclóir Farraige will return to everyday use, their preservation is still important. Within Ireland’s traditional coastal vocabulary are words that capture environments and actions that have been, or will be, lost to modern life and climate change. Borráite, a word for kelp and fish filled offshore reefs, for example, now describes an ecosystem that no longer exists. The type of reef it refers to now exists without its abundant kelp, and by consequence fish, due to climate change and overfishing. Meanwhile, the Scian Coirlí, a 3-bladed knife on a 16ft long pole used with a pike to gather kelp, hasn’t been employed for over 80 years and women no longer cannabhaireacht – gather seaweed on the shore and load it on cattle to bring home. Although preserving words such as these will not bring back what was lost, they act as memory keepers of times and places, and remind us to consider what is still possible to preserve. In a world full of uncertainty, languages are the roots which connect us to the past. They hold knowledge and can tell us about the history of the natural environment, its climate, plants, animals, as well as the culture, heritage and traditions of the people living alongside it. To understand this is to know that one doesn’t need to speak a language in order to recognise and honour its importance. The Foclóir Farraige is a treasure trove of wonderful words, and well worth investigating in your own time, however we have put some of our favourite words and rough translations below. Caibleadh : Spirit voices heard in the distance at sea on calm nights. Tuaimneacha: The thunderous beat of the sea. Loud noise made by the sea when powerful, fast-moving waves are banging nonstop against the rocks. Stranach: The whistling, whooshing murmur of the sea in a cove when the water rushes in and gets pulled out. Uaigneas an chladaigh: The loneliness of the strand. The sense you are never unaccompanied on the shore, that there is always the spiritual, haunting presence of people who lived and died long ago. Cúr: Froth or foam, when seen coming in on the tide a distance from the shore on a calm day it meant the coming of south-easterly wind. Buailteog: Light grey or blue half-circle surrounding the moon at night. Sometimes it’s near the moon and other times further away. It is seen as a sign of bad weather, and that storms would soon follow. Márthain Phádraig : An ancient fisherman's prayer or mantra that must be said in a continuous flow of old Irish. It must be recited verbatim and If you go astray you must return to the beginning. Each person has their own version taught to them by an elder. The words can be stitched inside a piece of clothing. Offers powerful protection. Éadáil: Flotsam and jetsam. Beach found objects and treasure that can be salvaged. Gearr Úisc: Storm Petral. Literally means 'short oil', from its habit of drinking oil from surface of the sea above oily fish. Méaróg : a thin, flat stone for skimming. Also a word for the little rings that radiate out in the water when you throw a stone in, or a fish jumps.

Have you ever taken off your favourite silver ring only to find your finger has gone green — or noticed your once-shiny necklace now looks more like something found in a shipwreck? Don’t worry, you haven't been sold a fake. This is actually a normal part of silver’s natural chemistry — and it tells a fascinating story about your skin, your environment, and even what you’ve been eating. Let’s demystify why silver jewellery can go dull, darken, or leave colourful souvenirs on your skin — and how to keep it looking bright and beautiful for longer. First Things First: It’s Not a Sign of Poor Quality Let’s bust the biggest myth up front: if your silver is tarnishing or turning your finger green, it doesn’t mean it’s cheap or low quality. In fact, the purest sterling silver (92.5% silver, 7.5% copper) will tarnish over time. It’s simply how silver reacts with the world around it. It is worth noting that much of the factory produced jewellery, or store jewellery, is plated in rhodium to keep it looking bright and shiny in the shop. That is why it can take longer to see any tarnish here, as the plating needs to be worn off for tarnish to show. Why Does Silver Tarnish? Silver is a bit of a drama queen when it comes to air and moisture. It loves to bond — especially with sulphur, a naturally occurring element that can be found in the air, on our skin, and in the things we cook and eat. When silver meets sulphur, it forms silver sulphde, which appears black or dark grey. That’s the dull film or discoloration you see on your jewellery. It can also look yellowish, bluish, or even iridescent — depending on what it’s reacting with. Common Tarnish Triggers Here’s what could be speeding up the tarnishing of your silver: Air pollution and humidity – Sulphur compounds are in the air, especially in cities or near industry, and within restaurant environments or workshops. High humidity makes it worse. Your skin’s pH – Everyone’s skin is a bit different. More acidic skin (from diet, hormones, or even stress) can cause faster tarnishing. Lotions, perfumes, and cleaning products – These often contain chemicals that silver doesn’t get along with. Sweat – Especially after a workout or on a hot day, sweat contains salt and acids that can accelerate tarnishing. Food! – Eggs, onions, garlic, and even broccoli release sulphur when cooked. Leave your jewellery on the kitchen counter while making an omelette, and it could darken just from the fumes. *Interesting Experiment* - boil and egg, peel the shell off and leave an (simple/easy to clean) item of silver in a Tupperware box with the egg overnight - see how it tarnishes! Storage habits – Leaving silver out in the open air exposes it constantly to moisture and pollutants. What About That Green Finger? If your silver ring is turning your finger green, copper is the likely culprit. Remember that sterling silver contains 7.5% copper — and copper reacts with acids (including the ones in your sweat or skin oils) to form copper salts, which are green. People differ in their skin acidity and the oils they produce, and can do so according to their natural cycles/medications/foods consume, so one person might get the green finger, while another person will not. Totally harmless, just a little surprising. Fun fact: Copper is antimicrobial, so in a weird way, that green tinge is part of silver’s superhero powers. How to Prevent Tarnish (or Slow It Down) Tarnish might be natural, but you can keep your silver jewellery looking fresher, longer with a few easy habits: 💍 Wear it! Surprisingly, the friction from wearing your jewellery actually helps keep tarnish at bay. Silver likes movement. 🧴 Keep it dry and clean Avoid wearing silver in the shower, pool, or gym. Wipe it down after wearing with a soft cloth to remove oils and sweat. 🍳 Don’t store it in the kitchen Sulphur-rich cooking fumes (especially from eggs and garlic) can react with silver just by being nearby. Pop your rings off before cooking and keep them in a closed container. 📦 Store it smart Use an airtight storage bag or a jewellery box lined with anti-tarnish cloth. Toss in a piece of chalk, a silica gel packet, or a commercial anti-tarnish strip to absorb moisture and chemicals. 🧼 Polish gently Use a silver polishing cloth (not a tissue or paper towel — those can scratch) to restore shine. Avoid chemical dips unless really needed, as they can be harsh and strip away patina you might actually want to keep. Tarnish is Normal — But Not Forever Silver has a beautiful way of telling the story of where it’s been. The darkening, the occasional green mark — its chemistry in action. And it’s totally reversible. With a bit of care (and maybe a polishing cloth), your silver jewellery will shine again and again. So wear your silver with pride — and maybe don’t leave it next to the frying pan while making scrambled eggs. Want more tips on jewellery care or curious about the science behind your favourite metals? Let us know in the comments — or check out our guide on how to clean silver at home, naturally.

When it comes to choosing an engagement ring, tradition often points us in one direction: gold or platinum, solitaire diamonds, predictable settings. Yet, increasingly, women are searching for alternatives that reflect individuality, ethical awareness, and design that transcends the mass-produced. The rising interest in silver engagement rings for women marks a quiet but powerful shift—one that celebrates the beauty of authenticity, craftsmanship, and style that feels personal. Why Choose Silver? A Modern Answer to a Traditional Question There’s a reason the question “can silver work as an engagement ring?” surfaces so frequently. For generations, engagement rings have been cast from harder metals like gold and platinum, and there’s a long-standing assumption that anything less is simply inferior. But let’s unpack that idea. Sterling silver—while softer than gold—remains a durable, time-honoured metal. With proper care, a silver ring will last a lifetime. And in a world where people increasingly change rings, stack them, or update settings over time, the idea that a ring must be eternally untouched is no longer relevant for everyone. For those who wear their rings as symbols of evolving love stories—not static heirlooms—silver is both practical and poetic. Silver Engagement Rings with Real Diamonds and Sapphires Contrary to assumption, silver pairs beautifully with high-quality stones. Whether you’re dreaming of a silver ring with real diamonds, or gravitating towards the mystical depth of silver rings with sapphires, the cool tone of sterling silver enhances clarity and colour with a grace that warmer metals often overpower. Boho Silver’s ethically sourced diamonds and sapphires are set with a deliberate contrast in mind: a celebration of raw elegance, where the organic meets the refined. These aren’t factory-made replicas—they’re wearable stories. From Thin Silver Bands to Bold Statements: Find Your Form Silver engagement rings can be made with thin bands—and are popular for good reason. Minimalist, elegant bands provide a refined frame for any gemstone, and their lightness adds to the everyday wearability of silver. But if you’re looking to make a statement, thick band silver rings with bold textures or sculptural settings offer an equally beautiful, confident choice. The laterals makes for a more robust silver engagement ring. At Boho Silver, our rings are designed with the wearer in mind—not the market. Whether delicate or dramatic, each piece is made to align with the personality of the hand it adorns. Organic Style: The Beauty of Imperfection One of the most distinctive features of Boho Silver’s engagement rings is our signature organic style. Instead of sterile perfection, we embrace natural forms—twists, asymmetries, and hand-forged textures that reflect the individuality of the love they’re designed to symbolise. Mass-produced rings may shine, but they lack soul. In contrast, an organically designed silver ring tells a deeper story: one of process, of craft, and of something real. A Ring That Reflects You Engagement is a promise—but the ring that marks it should be more than a convention. It should reflect your personal style, your values, and your willingness to stand apart from the crowd. Choosing silver isn’t about compromise. It’s about choosing meaning over marketing, individuality over imitation. At Boho Silver, we believe that what you wear on your finger should feel like you. Our designs are ethically made, handcrafted with intention, and rooted in a belief that love—like silver—need not follow rules to shine. Whether you’re searching for a silver engagement ring with sapphires, a real diamond set in a thin band, or a bold, organic-style silver ring that no one else owns, Boho Silver invites you to find your forever piece—one that reflects your spirit, not someone else’s tradition. Your love is unique. Your ring should be too. Use the Commissions page to get in touch so we can start the process to create your unique, ocean-inspired, one-of-a-kind ring.

Along the wild, salt-laden fringes of Scotland’s coast, where the land meets the restless Atlantic, you can sometimes find a small, glossy shell glinting among the pebbles and seaweed. This is the cowrie shell, a beach find whose pale ridged surface and evocative slit is a vessel of history and stories, a symbol of feminine power, and a talisman for protection and prosperity. Across continents and centuries, the cowrie has woven its way into the fabric of human culture, linking the tides of the sea to the cycles of life, death, and rebirth. Shell Money: the currency of cowries The journey of the cowrie shell is as vast as the oceans themselves. Although most prolific in the warm, shallow waters of the Red Sea, Indian Ocean, and Pacific Ocean they have been found and carried by traders as far North as Orkney and Shetland. Historically, these shells were so prized that they became the world’s first pan-regional currency in Africa. In West Africa particularly, cowries were exchanged for goods, dowries, and even used to pay tribute to royalty, their value so ingrained that the Ghanaian currency, the cedi, derives its name from them. In Asia and the Americas, cowries were also used as money, their gleaming surfaces a universal symbol of wealth and status. “Whoever is patient with a cowrie shell will one day have thousands of them”  — Hausa People Proverb Their relatively small size, hardness and portability meant they could be used as loose currency or strung together into bracelets and necklaces, or to form larger set units. In Bengali markets this meant it was common for large transactions to be made through baskets of cowrie shells, with each basket containing about 12,000 shells. The use of cowries as money continued into the 20th century, and they are still sometimes used in ritual payments. However, the cowrie’s significance extends far beyond commerce, and they were often combined with other elements to form charms or added onto textiles and sculptural designs as decorative elements. La Mer: Cowries, Seas, and Divine Femininity Perhaps the most enduring and widespread symbolism of the cowrie shell is its connection to the feminine powers of the sea. Emerging from the waves, the cowrie has long been associated with water’s powers of renewal, fertility, nurture and creation- life giving abilities that are shared by women. This is reflected in its very form, with the shell’s smooth, curved back seen to represent a pregnant belly, and its central slit the vulva, making it a universal emblem of fertility, birth, and womanhood. It is for this reason that in many cultures, the cowrie shell is seen as a physical manifestation of the ocean goddess’s protection and strength, with many African legends describing cowries as gifts from the goddess, bestowing life, abundance, and the wisdom of the tides upon those who carry them. To wear a cowrie is to carry a piece of the ocean’s magic, a talisman that connects the wearer to the primal, nurturing forces of water and the divine feminine. Their resemblance to female reproductive organs is also believed to endow them with the power to increase fertility and vitality, and in certain African societies they were even referred to as givers or elixirs of life. Anthropologists have also uncovered cowrie-adorned figurines in prehistoric graves, suggesting that the connection between cowries and females has existed for millennia. Even today, women and girls across the globe are drawn to jewellery that features cowrie shells, finding in it a connection to ancestral wisdom and wearing it to bless pregnancies, ensure safe childbirth, or simply celebrate the power of the feminine spirit. Cowrie Traditions: Good Luck, Protection & Healing Powers Throughout history the cowrie shell has been revered as a potent charm for good luck and protection. In Africa, cowries were sewn into garments, worn as amulets, and placed on altars to safeguard against evil spirits and misfortune. The shell’s oval form and slitted aperture was believed to act as an “eye” that watched over its bearer, particularly children, and warded off negativity and the evil eye when placed horizontally. In India, many households considered cowries to be sacred to the goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and fortune, and were used in rituals to attract abundance and shield against harm. Similar beliefs are held in the ancient Chinese practice of Feng Shui, where cowrie shells are viewed as powerful symbols of prosperity and are often placed near doorways or in living spaces for wealth and protection. In Scotland, Shetland and Orkney, cowries are known as ‘groatie buckies’ or ‘faoiteag’ in Gaelic. Finding one is said to bring good luck, and that if you carry three of them on your person, you will always find your way in the thickest mist. There even exists a unique Scottish charm known as the “plague spoon” formed of a cowrie shell set in silver with a handle that is hinged. The upper part is formed of two entwined serpents, and on the top is a figure with a bow, which may be intended either for Cupid or for Death. Medicine taken from this spoon was believed to provide an infallible remedy for the plague, and people came from all parts of the country to test its healing powers. Cowries in Divination: Sacred Tools and Spiritual Magic Cowrie shells have long been revered not only as ornaments and talismans but also as powerful instruments for divination—a bridge between the material and spiritual worlds. Their use in seeking guidance, insight, and answers to life’s mysteries spans continents and centuries, with each culture developing its own unique methods and meanings. The roots of cowrie shell divination are deepest in West Africa, particularly among the Yoruba people, where the practice is known as Ifá or Ẹẹ́rìndínlógún. Here, a diviner (often a priest or priestess) casts sixteen cowrie shells onto a sacred mat or tray, invoking the Orishas—deities of nature and ancestors—before interpreting the patterns in which the shells land. Each combination of “open” (slit up) and “closed” (slit down) shells corresponds to an odu, a specific oracular verse or message that provides wisdom, warnings, or blessings. This system is highly complex, requiring years of study to master, and is considered a sacred ritual that connects the seeker with the wisdom of the ancestors and the spiritual realm. The practice spread across the Atlantic with the African diaspora, becoming central to Afro-Caribbean religions such as Santería, Candomblé, and Umbanda. In India, Cowrie Shastra is a form of fortune telling in Vedic astrology that uses anywhere from five to twenty-five cowrie shells. Practitioners cast the shells to determine the Arudha, a zodiac sign that serves as the starting point for astrological calculations. The number of cowrie shells that land upside down when thrown is interpreted to signify planetary influences and potentially predict future events. Across all these systems, the act of casting the shells is a ritual in itself. One that is often accompanied by prayers, offerings, invocations and their placement on altars alongside water, flowers, and candles to honour ancestors or mark a life transition. Today, cowrie shell divination continues to thrive among practitioners of traditional religions and those drawn to holistic and spiritual practices. Some modern witches and holistic healers incorporate cowrie readings into their rituals and alters, using the shells to seek spiritual guidance, attract abundance, connect with ancestors or to set intentions for healing, abundance and clarity. Cowries and the Afterlife: Rituals of Passage The cowrie’s role as a spiritual messenger also extends into the mysteries of death and the afterlife. In India, among the Toda and Dimasa peoples, cowries are placed on or around the deceased during cremation and subsequent burial rites. They serve as spiritual “payment” for the land where the body is laid to rest and as tokens to guide the soul safely into the next world. Their role in providing safety for deceased family is also seen in Ancient Egypt, with cowries being found in tombs, often near the head or worn as amulets, due to the belief that they protected the soul from evil and ensured rebirth. Cowries were also laid as symbolic unclosing eyes upon the eyelids of the dead to guarantee sight in the afterlife. Similarly, across Southeast Asia, cowries were sometimes placed in the mouths or hands of the dead. This was to symbolise both status and wishes for a smooth journey beyond. Despite cultural differences, the similarity between these burial rites is significant, and their continuation a testament to the cowrie’s enduring power as a companion in life’s most profound passages. Modern Resonance: Cowrie Shells in Contemporary Jewellery & Fashion Today, cowrie shells are increasingly appearing in fashion, transitioning from traditional cultural contexts to modern designs. From high-fashion runways to traditional and artisan jewellers, cowries continue to captivate those drawn to the ocean, nature, and feminine powers, and have remained a powerful symbol of resilience, womanhood and heritage. They can be found in various forms, from clothing embellishments to jewellery and even hair accessories, with icons like Beyoncé donning cowrie-adorned headpieces, and independent crafters embracing them as a way to produce more sustainable designs. In a world that often feels unmoored, for many women wearing a cowrie shell offers a tangible link to something timeless and sacred. Whether carried as a talisman, worn as a jewel, or used in ritual, the cowrie invites reconnection with the ocean, the natural cycles and feminine strength. It is a reminder that we, too, are shaped by tides both seen and unseen, and that the power and wisdom of the ocean can be drawn from every shell we hold. cowrie shell meaning, cowrie shell jewellery, cowrie shell symbolism, cowrie shell rituals, cowrie shell spirituality, ocean-inspired jewellery, Scottish folklore, feminine spirituality, holistic health, sea magick, afterlife rituals, nature symbolism, ancestral rituals

Returning to Self & Reclaiming Your Selkies Soul

Scotland, Sea Magick & Seals

Can I take jewellery in my hand luggage? And other top jewellery travel tips.

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.

The Meaning Behind Moonstone