Romance of the Sailor's Valentine

In the 1800's, sailors established a tradition of giving their sweethearts exotic shell art when returning from long voyages at sea. Sailors would commission artisans to create sentimental messages of love using beautiful tiny seashells. Sailor’s Valentines were purchased from specialty merchants typically located in Barbados.

A true sailor's valentine was said to include a flower design, a heart in any form, and a special verse or message. Romantic sentiments such as Timeless Treasure and Forever and Ever were typical. Some expressed a bit of sadness, perhaps Home at Last which perfectly represented the feelings of men whose jobs kept them away from home for years at a time. Many left a space for the insertion of a picture, perhaps a wedding photo or a photo of the sailor and his sweetheart.

These works of art were made in octagonal wooden boxes (the box resembles a compass case), were usually two sided and hinged, covered with a glass overlay, and closed with a heart shaped lock. When closed, the shell work is hidden and the glass protected so that the Valentines could be stored safely for travel.

Typically made with seashells like Cowries, Conches, and Volutes sailor's valentines can also include pebbles, stones, glass beads and driftwood. They range in design from extraordinarily intricate to fairly basic and simple.