Clay pipe Drop Earrings

Historical Information

Type: Pipe Stem

Fabric: Clay

Date: 16th - 19th Century

Find Location: The Thames Estuary, UK

Extra information:

Your pieces are dated 16th- 19th when clay pipes were popular. The introduction of tobacco to England in the Tudor period was accompanied by the clay pipe used to smoke tobacco. The production of clay tobacco pipes began between 1580 & 1585, in London & gradually spread through the country, firstly in major cities & towns.

During the following 250 years, almost all cities, towns, & villages had a clay pipe manufacturer. In 1700, the use of snuff became increasingly popular among the upper classes, however, the manufacture of clay pipes continued to expand and reached its peak in the early 19th century.