A sailors' valentine is a magnificent shell art form, developed in the early 19th century by women of Barbados and other Caribbean areas, for sailors to take home to their loved ones. Sailor valentines are typically octagonal, glass fronted, hinged wooden boxes, displaying intricate symmetrical compositions, created entirely of small sea shells of different colors glued onto a backing. Patterns often feature a centerpiece such as a compass rose or a heart design, hence the name, and in some cases the small shells are used to spell out a sentimental message and often include romantic phrases such as "Forget-me-not" and "Remember me".
Contrary to myth, that the sailors themselves made these objects, a large number of them originated in the island of Barbados, which was an important seaport during this period.
Today, antique sailors' valentines are collectables, valued for their unusual beauty. Many sailors' valentines, both new and old, can be found today, on Nantucket, Massachusetts.