The earliest thimbles date back to 202 B.C. in China during the Han Dynasty. At that time thimbles were made of bone, wood, leather and even glass. Thimbles evolved onto more than just a sewing tool to protect your fingers to artistic statements of the time. Jewelers encrusted thimbles with valuable stones and constructed them out of valuable metals. Antique sewing thimbles are today awesome collector pieces.

You can find antique thimbles in many shapes, designs and colors. Some have very elaborate patterns on them. For instance, if you are a revolutionary war buff, you can find thimbles with our founding father's names and pictures on them. Metal antique sewing thimbles can be either plain or with flowers painted or hand carved into the metal. Glass thimbles also come in many gorgeous colors and patterns.

In London, England clay thimbles are being made now to reproduce the old method of baking the clay to make thimbles which can also be hand decorated to make them appear antique. Before buying any type of antique sewing thimbles, it is best to research the specific product and the seller before any funds changes hands. There are many scams out there today just waiting to deceive the careless. There are an array of books available as well as several online communities that will help answer any questions specifically on thimbles, in general, in addition to ancient thimbles specifically .You may want to check your grandmother's darning kit and see if she held on to any family antique sewing thimbles. You can also get them appraised online for free if you wanted to sell them.

Most thimbles are moderately priced and not much over 20-25 dollars depending on the material the thimble is made of and it's condition. In addition, because antique thimbles come in such a large selection of materials and periods it is best to pick a style that you like best, i.e., metal, glass, wood or clay.You may want a distinct type of design with only fish engraved on it. Whatever your desire, antique thimbles are fun to collect and make great conversation pieces about their origins and designs.

Finding The Perfect Sewing Thimble For Your Collection
Here is an introduction to collecting sewing thimbles with some of the latest ways people have been improving the hobby to make it work for them. The article goes on to suggest different ideas and approaches, some via the Internet, to make money collecting sewing thimbles.

The Thimble: An Introduction
This article explores the evolution of thimbles beginning with the Etruscans and proceeding to modern times. It discusses the changes to thimble materials and manufacturing processes. It describes the origins of thimbles as a manufactured collectible and the state of thimble collecting today.

How To Make Some Profit From Your Collectible Thimbles
If you are a thimble collector or if you have inherited a collection from a family member and you are looking to make some money, thimbles are great items to auction off for big bucks. The most popular selling method for thimbles is auctioning them locally or online auctions.

When Did: Thimbles Originate?
This article focuses on answering the following questions. What is a thimble? When did thimbles originate? What are their uses? Who collects thimbles? Why are sterling silver thimbles popular with collectors? What makes a sterling silver thimbles collectible? When were the first commemorative sterling silver thimbles issued?

What Is Antique Thimbles
This article is about the journey to collect antique thimbles. It is a collector's dream to find the most of their items and to make it unique to his or her needs. It tells of an author's love for thimbles and how these little items complete her life.

Do You Want To Know The Shops Where You Could Go To Find A Traditional Silver Coin Locket?
If you are interested in something as unique as an antique silver coin locket, then you may think that it will be difficult for you to be able to find one. However, the opposite is actually true.

Here's How To Collect Old Thimbles For Good Cheer And Income
A very brief history of thimbles, what makes thimble collecting a good beginning hobby, where to find thimbles, what you should know before you begin and how to get this knowledge are tips that may help the new collector who has an interest in thimble collecting.