 Sailor valentines are typically octagonal, glass fronted, hinged wooden boxes ranging from in width, displaying intricate symmetrical designs composed entirely of small sea shells of various 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 motto or sentimental message.Although the name seems to suggest 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.