Thrown-away pipes used by sailors over three centuries ago have been found around Greenwich and transformed into beautiful jewellery.
 
The old, retired, and injured sailors who once lived out their days at the Royal Hospital for Seamen used to regularly smoke clay pipes, and the items' remains still frequently turn up on the Thames shoreline.
 
Now the eroded and coloured pipes, once smoked daily by the pensioners, have been found and reused by designer-maker Jane Parker. 

Created in the 17th century, Sir Christopher Wren’s twin-domed riverside hospital is now known as The Old Royal Navy College (ORNC) which is stocking jewellery.

ORNC retail manager Rachel de Ridder said: "There is something very special about designs that link tangibly to the history of the Old Royal Naval College site."

To learn more about the about life as a Greenwich Pensioner on a special ORNC Navy Days tour visit the website.