Sailor's Valentine

Sailor's Valentines

It was thought that sailor's with time on their hands aboard whaling ships in the 1800's lovingly and thoughtfully crafted these shell frames for their sweethearts back home. It's a nice thought but remember, these were tarry sailor's, whose thoughts were a little saltier than that.

In fact Sailor's Valentines were actually a cottage industry on the island of Barbados. During a stopover on a long sea voyage, sailor's picked out a shell frame and carefully brought it home to their darling loved ones.

Other shell frames were made during the Victorian era as fancy work for ladies to do in the parlor. It is thought that the shells used were brought home by sailors from their voyages to the south seas.

In any case, the Sailor's Valentine is a beautiful example of nautical decor for any home. Truly a conversation piece and a collectable for the future.

If you like these Sailor's Valentines, perhaps you would like some furniture to display them on! Please click here..

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Nautical Decor such as Books, Model Boats, Balance Toys, Nautical Notecards, Marine Art, Oregon Coast Photos, Nautical Flower Planters, Sailor's Valentines...and more!

There's beauty in small things. A Sailor's Valentine filled with small sea shells is a combination of art, geometry, skill and beauty. Made from small non-endangered shells collected on spice island beaches, these shell frames are reproductions from the originals which date back to the 1850's. While antique shell frames sell at auction for thousands of dollars (if you are fortunate enough to find any), ours sell for a fraction of the price while the quality and detail is better on average. These beautiful creations will fit in any classic interior and are not limited to collectors of nautical treasures.
Your sweetheart would love one!