Nautical jewelry has a long history.
Throughout the ages, sailors were parted from their
loved ones, sometimes for years. as they sailed the seas
hunting the whales, making war or delivering cargo from one
continent to the other.
 Their
lovers and wives were never far from their minds and
they frequently made gifts from items found aboard the ships. Sailors used braided
and knotted line aboard their ships to make jewelry for the
loved ones left behind.
Love knot bracelets, Turks head wrist bands
and interlaced collars were common presents for the sailors
to bring home during the days of square riggers.
While the sailors created boxes made of
shells, carved ivory pieces and even beautiful scrimshaw,
the personal gift of hand-tied knotted and woven jewelry was
the most treasured of gifts.
Many of you will recognize the sterling
silver ring to the right as a reef knot. It is
easy to appreciate the fine detail of this knot that
even includes the marlinespike seamanship technique of
whipping the ends.
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