he story of the Sailors' Valentine takes us back to the glory days of Nantucket's history when sailing ships and whaling adventures took the sailors to far away islands.

Returning home after their long voyages these sailors brought gifts to their wives and loved ones. These gifts, lovingly known as Sailors' Valentines, were charming mosaics created from shells such as Volutes, Cowries, Conchs, and Cockles arranged in octagonal wooden boxes resembling compass cases. Popular motifs were hearts, flowers and anchors with romantic sentiments such as "Timeless Treasure" and "Forever and Ever".

Since 1995 the Jewelers' Gallery has recreated these works of art in 14k gold miniatures.

(Small Sailors' Valentines are available in the store.)

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