Thimble Cases: Queen Elizabeth I gave a lady-in-waiting a thimble studded with jewels. Giving thimbles as gifts became a fashion, especially as one of the premier pastimes of women until the early 20th Century was fine needlework. Thimbles, made to protect the fingers while sewing, were made in a wide variety of materials, from wood to ceramics to silver and other precious metals. In the 18th and 19th Century, fine thimbles were often kept as in chatelaines or etuis, but some had their own specially constructed thimbles cases. As much as thimbles are collectable, thimble cases are also popular for themselves. The most readily found case is the so-called barrel type. Two parts of the barrel simply screwed together to enclose the thimble. Similar forms include acorns and eggs, made of either ivory or wood. Rarer are 18th Century thimble cases, sometimes covered with shagreen. These are often engraved or carved, or decorated with transfers prints or oils. In England, the complex wood patterning of Tunbridge wares were ideal for small goods, thimble cases among them. Mauchlineware thimble cases were made in great numbers, decorated with clan tartans. Novelty shapes are especially popular amongst collectors; shoes, animals, castles, figural caricatures, lighthouses, and so on are eagerly sought. Thimble cases which contain their original thimbles command a premium.