Bohemian seaside jewellery: embrace a free, natural style

A linen dress that drifts in the breeze, sandals left by the door, salt still on the skin: bohemian seaside style is less a trend than a way of life. It loves natural materials, easy layering and jewellery that tells a story. Sea glass finds its place naturally here, because it comes from the shoreline itself. Here is how to build this style, piece by piece, without it looking like a costume.

What is bohemian seaside style?

It is a relaxed style, inspired by life near the ocean. For clothing, it favours linen, cotton, gauze, loose cuts and soft colours: off-white, sand, ecru, pale aqua. For jewellery, it prefers raw or natural materials to cut stones and overly perfect sparkle.

Sea glass matches this spirit perfectly. It is glass recycled by nature, fragments of bottles tumbled for decades by the waves and the sand until they take on their frosted look. At Éclat d'océan, it is gathered by hand on beaches, with respect for the environment, and set without being recut or altered. To go further, read our article on sea glass, a recycled material.

Which jewellery suits a bohemian seaside style?

The ideal jewellery wardrobe brings together a few pieces that combine with each other. The most characteristic elements:

• sea glass, ideally in soft shades such as moss green, frosted white or clear glass;
• seashells and cowries, symbols of the shoreline, as on the Rivage necklace, which brings together sea glass, cowrie shells, starfish and seashells;
• cord, more relaxed than a chain, with the Noosa bracelet and its green sea glass bead;
• botanical motifs, such as the monstera leaves of the Byron earrings;
• the anklet, the barefoot piece of jewellery above all others.

The art of layering

Bohemian seaside style loves layering, as long as it stays light. The secret comes down to a few simple principles.

Cascading necklaces

Layer two or three necklaces of different lengths, from shortest to longest, so they do not tangle. A simple pendant at the top, such as the Celestún necklace, then a richer piece below. If you are wearing the Rivage, already very generous, a single fine necklace beside it is enough. All our pieces are gathered in the necklaces and pendants category.

Mixed bracelets

This is where you can be most daring. Mix a cord, a fine chain and a bangle: the Noosa, the Victoire bracelet with its foliage chain, a Pelagos bracelet with its raw charm. The different materials echo each other, and the sea glass ties them together.

Rings spread out

Rather than one large ring, spread two or three fine rings across several fingers. The silver-tone Vanikoro ring, open around a sea glass pebble, and the Tide ring, with its wave medallion, go together beautifully.

Gold or silver for a bohemian look?

Both work, with different effects. Gold-tone evokes warmth and late-afternoon sun, and pairs very well with tanned skin and sandy tones. Silver-tone recalls sea foam, cool morning light and white outfits. Mixing the two is also very bohemian, provided it is done deliberately, across several pieces.

Our stainless steel settings come in a silver-tone or gold-tone finish, presented on our materials page. For more detailed advice, see our guide gold or silver jewellery.

From morning to evening: three seaside looks

The morning market

A linen shirt dress, a wicker basket, flat sandals. For jewellery: discreet studs such as the Sirena earrings, the Noosa bracelet and a fine ring. Light, practical and already in holiday mode.

The afternoon by the water

Barefoot, the anklet comes into its own. The Brume salée bracelet, silver-tone with its star charms, seashells and sea glass bead, is worn on the ankle. Before swimming, however, it is better to take your jewellery off: we explain why in our article swimming with your jewellery.

Dinner on the terrace

A long plain dress, shoulders bare. This is the moment for a bolder piece: the Rivage necklace, or drop earrings such as the Perle des lunes. Add two bracelets and leave the rest at home.

Frequently asked questions

Can bohemian seaside style be worn in town?

Yes, as long as you pare it back. Keep one or two sea glass pieces, a ring and a fine necklace for example, and pair them with a simple outfit: jeans, a white shirt, a knitted jumper. The sea glass then adds a discreet touch of the shoreline, without looking like a holiday outfit.

Can you wear sea glass jewellery on the beach?

On the sand, yes, but with care. Take it off before swimming, avoid contact with sun cream and wipe it with a soft dry cloth if it gets wet. In the evening, store it separately, away from moisture. Our guide to caring for stainless steel and sea glass explains these habits in detail.

Where do the names of the jewellery come from?

Our jewellery is named after real shorelines: Byron, Noosa, Vanikoro, Lérins, Celestún, Rincon, Snapper Rocks. An invitation to travel that suits the bohemian spirit perfectly. We tell the story of these places in our article on the shorelines that give our jewellery its names.

Where can I find the whole collection?

All our handmade jewellery is gathered in the shop, by category. Every piece is unique, since every piece of sea glass is different. Orders are packed in a jewellery box, and delivery is free in France on orders of 79 € or more. You can also find our inspiration on Instagram, @eclat.ocean.