Blue John Stone

[anaxcrosswords]

Just bought a lovely Blue John necklace for my daughter, thoroughly worth its £25 tag. Lady who sold it to me said that prices for similar items on sale in Castleton are going to rise sharply because - she claimed - the Blue John is running out.
Just wondered if anyone is aware of this and can confirm it? I like to think that my daughter's necklace might eventually become quite valuable.

[emeritus]

Yes I believe it is getting scarce

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Derbyshire_Blue_John

[anaxcrosswords]

Hmm. Although the article acknowledges that production has decreased over the years, it doesn't specifically point to depletion - could be that production slowed simply to give Blue John ware an air of exclusivity.

[woofgang]

...or because there is less demand?

[rockyracoon]

Hmmm, methinks I shouldn't have been tight when I was in Castleton last year, I should have bought some jewellery.

[jake-the-peg]

True-ish

There is certainly a lack of large pieces so large antique bowls etc. are unlikely to be replicated but as from that link there is still half a tonne a year being mined so I'd imagine the production of jewelry sized pieces is safe for some years to come!

I do rather suspect that's a line used quite a bit by the sales-woman!

:c)

I'm sure it's lovely though but better as an ornament than an investment

[FredPuli43]

It's only unknown in big enough pieces to work into tall vases and suchlike. The result is that these fetch serious money;they must be of some age, can't be reproduction, were fairly uncommon when they were made, and are suddenly sought again. Given enough time though, the saleswoman will be right. But, heck, it makes beautiful jewellery and if you can get that cheaper than elsewhere that is all to the good.

[curious81]

Try contacting Blue John Cavern or Treak Cliff cavern, Castleton! These are both where Blue John are mined!

[Sir Alec]

Blue John is now very scarce. When you visited the caves in the past, you used to be able to pick up small pieces from the tracks to and from the site, but they ask you not to now. Local shops in Castleton sell varying sizes of Blue John trinkets and they are becoming very expensive. £25 sounds an excellent price for a necklace and yes, it will rise in price in the coming years. A wise investment, well done!