What is Scrimshaw?

Scrimshaw is the art of scratching or etching decorative designs into ivory. It was practiced by Native Americans and later adopted by Yankee whalemen in the 1800's, who on long voyages would pass the time by etching designs into whale teeth and bones.

Anyone who makes scrimshaw is called a Scrimshander. Conscientious Scrimshanders in the United States use only pre-embargo ivory, recycled elephant ivory (piano keys), fossilized ivory from mastodons and ancient walrus, and naturally shed antler from deer and moose. All ivory that we use in our RingSpindles is legally obtained ivory.

Golding RingSpindles lend themselves well to utilizing the art of Scrimshaw.

The spindle whorl is handcrafted with an inset of vintage ivory which has been scrimshawed, and then framed by ebony, walnut, cherry, butternut, or purpleheart wood. Designs are almost limitless and even favorite photos of pets, farms, etc. can be used for the scrimshaw artwork. The ring material around the circumference of the whorl is either our standard bronze alloy ring or one of our vintage or decorative rings (sterling silver, copper, enamel, bone, brass, to name just a few).

How To Order

1. Spindles with an "add to cart button" can be purchased now.
2. Those spindles without an add to cart button must be ordered by contacting us at 1-800-710-1872 or by emailing us. For the wood that frames the ivory inset you have a choice of purpleheart, ebony, walnut, butternut, or cherry. You can also choose the ring material from our wide selection of vintage stock, of which Tom can email you photos.
3. If you have your own art work, photo, or an idea in mind for a Scrimshaw RingSpindle Tom can work with you in creating a custom spindle that is uniquely yours. The process to complete a custom Scrimshaw RingSpindle takes approximately 3 weeks. To place an order, and for a quote, contact Tom at 1-800-710-1872 or email him.

	"MUSK OX" 3 1/4" Linden Whorl (Dyed) Scrimshaw on Vintage Ivory by Lucinda Bush Bone Ring 1.45 oz $277 Below:  Views of Musk Ox
	"DRAGONFLY" 2 3/4" Ebony Whorl Scrimshaw Inset by Jan Elliott on Vintage Ivory Vintage Onyx/Tooth Ring 1.56 oz $250
	"VIKING SHIP" 2" Walnut Whorl Inset is Scrimshaw by Jan Elliot on Vintage Ivory Bronze Alloy Ring 0.73 oz $167
	"SEA SCALLOP" 2 3/4" Walnut Whorl Scrimshaw on Ivory by Jan Elliott Vintage Mother of Pearl Ring 1.63 oz $225
	"THREE GRACES"   2 3/4" Ebony Whorl Vintage Ivory Inset (Scrimshaw by Jan Elliott) Sterling Silver Ring 1.84 oz $300  SOLD-CONTACT TOM FOR AVAILABILITY
	Side view of Three Graces
	Lighthouse 2" Walnut Whorl Scrimshaw by Jan Elliott Bronze Alloy Ring 0.72 oz $167
	"WHALING SHIP" 2" Walnut Whorl Inset is Scrimshaw by Jan Elliot on Vintage Ivory Bronze Alloy Ring 0.73 oz $167
	"Spindle N" Alpaca and Cria 2 3/4" Walnut Whorl w/ vintage ivory inset Scrimshawed by Jan Elliott Vintage Sterling Silver ring   1.6 oz $300
	"WOLF" 2 3/4" Cherry Whorl Scrimshaw by Jan Elliott on Vintage Ivory Vintage Alpaca/Turquoise Ring 1.34 oz $275
	Side view of Wolf
	Blackface Sheep 2 3/4" Ebony Whorl w/vintage ivory inset Scrimshawed by Jan Elliott Vintage Sterling Silver Ring 1.8 oz  S0LD-CONTACT TOM FOR AVAILABILITY   $325            View of "Blackface Sheep" RingSpindle with        Vintage Sterling Silver ring
	English Country Farm House 2 3/4" Bog Oak Whorl w/vintage ivory inset Scrimshawed by Jan Elliott Vintage Sterling Silver ring 1.7 oz $350
	Spider 2 3/4 '' Ebony Whorl w/Vintage Ivory Inset Scrimshawed by Jan Elliott Vintage Shell Ring 2.0 oz $275
	Farmhouse 2 3/4" Ebony w/vintage ivory inset Scrimshaw by Scrimshander Sandy Beauldieu Vintage Danecrart Sterling Silver Ring 1.9 oz $350