Important information about sealskin and qualities:Sealskin is graded in qualities A, B, C, D, E, and rejected skins. "A" skin = top quality (very rare). "E" quality = skin with many flaws. Please note that all our product photos of sealskin in the webshop are taken from C or B skins. Color tones vary from skin to skin. Sizes also vary from skin to skin.
The skin you see in the product photo is NOT the one you are purchasing. If you have specific preferences for a skin, please write it in the comments on your order, and we will do our best to find a suitable skin, but we do not guarantee fulfilling these requests.
Quality descriptions: A, B, C, D, E, and rejected. A-skin has a maximum of two flaws. B-skin can have up to eight flaws. C-skin can have more flaws, including one to two major flaws. D-skin can have areas without hair or hard leather. E and rejected skins are typically very damaged with discolorations, only suitable for producing very small items, after which the rest of the skin is entirely discarded. In Great Greenland's own production of finished goods, we primarily work with C and D qualities.
Seals live in the wild, which often results in "damage" from nature's side, affecting the quality of the skin. However, this is also what makes each sealskin unique! Quality descriptions tell you something about the overall condition of the skin,
how perfect or imperfect it is. Read more about sealskin
here:
Ringed Seals:
Ringed seals are also known as netsides, and they are probably the seal most people associate with Greenland. Their distinct markings along the back have been seen on Inuit clothing for hundreds of years, and today, the skin is still used for both clothing and interior purposes.
Ringed seals are naturally light gray but have strong dark ring
markings along their back, which can vary from light gray, to dark brown, to almost black. The expression in the skin is very diverse but always decorative. Ringed seals are available in both
long-haired (LH) and
short-haired (SH) varieties. The long-haired seal has a more furry appearance, while the short-haired one is flatter. Additionally, the short-haired ringed seal is considerably larger than the long-haired one.
Colored sealskin: At Great Greenland, we primarily sell natural skin, but we also dye many skins in popular and fashionable colors. Dyeing is only considered if the natural skin is seriously discolored. Dyeing thus salvages the skin from being discarded, ensuring sustainable production. A beautiful natural skin will never be dyed unless necessary.
Decorative or handcraft skins? Sealskin is highly decorative and can be used as, among other things, rugs, chair or sofa cushions. Only your imagination sets the limits. Sealskin behaves like other leather goods regarding wear and maintenance. It is a wonderful material for crafting.
All sealskin processed by Great Greenland is caught by Greenlandic Inuit hunters along the Greenlandic coast. All skins are tanned at Great Greenland's tannery in South Greenland. All sealskin complies with EU regulations concerning sealskin. Only Inuit-harvested sealskin is approved for sale, production, and import in the EU. See more here on the
EU's official website.Please note that all our skin product photos on the webshop are taken from B and C skin qualities. Sealskins are all unique and can vary in size and color shades within the same quality group.