Sailors Valentines are shell mosaics first created in the early 19th century and were traditionally formed in octagonal glass covered boxes. Sailors and whalers brought them back to their loved ones to show they had traveled the world to exotic places. While there is proof that some were crafted by the whalers themselves, the large majority were made by women in Barbados to be sold at the local curiosity shop. Barbados was often the last stop before heading back home so many a romantic Sailors Valentine found it's way to New England whaling ports. These ornaments are a simplified version of the traditional Sailors Valentines that can be viewed on the previous page. Each ornament is unique, dated, signed and numbered and produced in very limited quantities. Please contact me for current availability. Individually boxed – History of the Sailors Valentine included. $25 each