Beaded Spectacle Chain made from recycled clay pipes fragments – 24 colour options

WEAR A PIECE OF LONDON HISTORY
These are made from fragments of clay pipes that I collect from the foreshores of the Thames at low tide. Some of the fragments date back to the 17th century. See more info below.

Nine fragments (approx 32mm each) interspersed with small 'seed' beads
24 colours available
Total length approx 56cm / 22"

Please bear in mind that every pipe fragment is totally unique and so it is not possible to replicate the original exactly as pictured. However, I promise to do my utmost to create something as close to this as possible.

Also available as a necklace: https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/167147413/necklace-made-from-clay-pipes-and-beads?ref=shop_home_active

Other lengths can be made to order – please enquire.

Please note that when handled or worn for a long period of time these unglazed clay pipe fragments will gradually absorb the skin's natural oils and take on a satin sheen. I use silver plate because it softens and/or tarnishes over time and helps to enhance their time-worn authenticity.
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ABOUT THIS RANGE

The River Thames used to be a really busy trade centre with boats bringing all sorts of commodities from all around the world. Thousands of people worked, lived, even drank by the river and most of them would have smoked disposable clay pipes.

I am really choosy about the fragments I collect – I don't pick up every piece I see. I am specifically interested in those fragments that have achieved wonderful soft edges and marbled patinations having been shaped and coloured by time and tide over hundreds of years. They are used as found; I do not alter them, enhance them, or cut them to a required size. The natural colourations vary a lot – each one will have absorbed different shades from different minerals in the silt, for instance, blue/grey from ash or coal, and browns from metals.

All of my products are totally unique as no two fragments are ever the same.

Collecting, cleaning and grading the fragments, then designing and making each individual item means this is quite a lengthy process, not as straightforward as buying pre-made beads of a uniform size. Searching for fragments of similar length, colour and shape can be time-consuming, but ultimately rewarding... just like finishing a difficult jig-saw puzzle!