A beautifully evocative piece of New England maritime style, this one-of-a-kind pendant features a finely engraved sailing ship rendered in the traditional scrimshaw style.
The softly aged carved pendant depicts a full-rigged sailing vessel at sea, its detailed black linework creating the wonderful character associated with historic maritime scrimshaw. The pendant has been newly paired by Luxe Curations with a 16-inch sterling silver chain, allowing an unusual vintage maritime piece to be worn and enjoyed today.
Simple and casual enough for summer by the water, yet distinctive in its workmanship and history, this is the kind of piece that feels particularly at home in New England. Wear it alone with a crisp white shirt or summer knit, or layer it among favorite sterling silver chains.
Each vintage and antique piece selected by Luxe Curations is chosen for its individual character, history and ability to be incorporated beautifully into the way we live and dress today.
DESCRIPTION
• One-of-a-kind scrimshaw-style sailing ship pendant
• Carved natural material, previously identified as bone
• Detailed engraved sailing ship motif with darkened linework
• Newly paired with a 16-inch sterling silver chain
• Pendant and chain together measure approximately 17 inches overall
• Vintage/antique pendant with a newly added chain
• Natural variations, surface wear and signs of age are part of the character of the piece
HISTORY & FACTS
Scrimshaw is closely associated with the maritime history of New England. The traditional art form developed among sailors and whalers who engraved images into whale teeth, bone and other materials during long periods at sea. Sailing ships, maritime scenes and images of everyday life were among the subjects frequently depicted.
Today, historic scrimshaw and later pieces inspired by the tradition are collected both as examples of maritime folk art and for the extraordinary connection they provide to New England’s seafaring past.
The precise age and origin of this particular pendant have not been independently authenticated, and we therefore describe it conservatively as a vintage/antique scrimshaw-style piece rather than attributing it to a specific maker or period.
CARE & MAINTENANCE
Because the pendant is an older carved natural material, we recommend gentle handling and minimal cleaning. Avoid soaking, ultrasonic cleaners, harsh chemicals, jewelry dips and abrasive polishing products.
If necessary, gently wipe the pendant with a clean, soft, dry or very slightly damp cloth and dry immediately. The sterling silver chain may be polished separately with a soft silver polishing cloth, taking care to keep polishing products away from the pendant.
PACKAGING
Comes ready to gift in a beautiful blue velvet jewelry box.
Please view all photographs carefully as they form an important part of the description and show the condition and individual character of this vintage piece.
Please contact us with any questions prior to purchase. No returns on jewelry.
