The Whaler's Girlfriend Cuff
$375.00
Description
Double stave Nantucket basket cuff with mammoth end caps.
A refined take on Whale Tail Weaving's Whaler’s Wife Cuff, the Whaler’s Girlfriend Cuff is bold yet elegantly understated—the perfect balance of statement and sophistication.
With its double-stave construction more delicate than the Whaler’s Wife. Handwoven rattan and ethically sourced fossilized mammoth end caps create a striking contrast, embodying the artistry at the heart of Whale Tail Weaving.
Available in one size that fits most wrists - inside diameter measures 2 5/8"
Materials: Brass, Cane, Rattan, Fossilized Mammoth
About Whale Tail Weaving and The Nantucket Lightship Basket Tradition
In the early to mid-1800s, Nantucket Island in Massachusetts was considered the whaling capital of the world. During this time, lightships acted as mobile navigation stations, upon which the sailors manning them would also have to live for long stretches of time. To pass the time, sailors would often carve whale bone and weave baskets. When the baskets came home to Nantucket, they started out as purely utilitarian, and grew to become family heirlooms, passed down through generations.
Today, Whale Tail Weaving honors that history and offers modern pieces of wearable art that hold true to America’s whaling and lightship history. Nantucket basket bracelets, necklaces, and accessories are hand-made in the classic tradition.
“I have vivid images of our kitchen counter growing up, where there was often an upside-down hard wooden mold with lots of thin wooden “fingers” sticking out, untamed and spread wide open. Every week, especially throughout Cape Cod winters, my mom would gather up her supplies and visit her 'Basket Ladies'. These Basket Lady sessions intrigued me, but it wasn’t until much later that I learned to weave myself. I now have a sense of how important that activity was to her — socially, as well as for the satisfaction and joy of creating something beautiful with your own hands.
Today, I weave in my mother’s footsteps to keep this American art alive.” -Bridget Wiatrowski, Whale Tail Weaving
Product Care
To keep your jewelry in pristine condition, avoid exposure to chemical products, perfumes, excessive sweat, seawater, and pool water. Both saltwater and chlorine can harm your pieces: chlorine can discolor and damage metals mixed with gold and gradually wear down the finish and polish of charms. Additionally, lotions and sprays can leave a film that dulls your jewelry’s shine.
To prevent tarnish and maintain your jewelry’s luster, gently clean it with a soft, damp cloth, making sure to reach all the small crevices. Keeping your jewelry dry is crucial, as moisture accelerates tarnishing.
For storage, keep different types of jewelry separate. We suggest using a Ziploc or sandwich bag with the air squeezed out to minimize oxidation and preserve your pieces.