Blue John isa rare and captivating gemstone steeped in legends and myths, making it a prized possession for collectors and jewellery enthusiasts alike. Named after the beautiful blue hues, this stone has centuries of interesting stories around it. Here we explore what Blue John is, where it is found and the long-told tales of this magical gemstone.
What is Blue John?
Blue John, also known as Derbyshire Spar, is a unique variety of fluorite found only in the UK, specifically in the Blue John Cavern and Treak Cliff Cavern in Castleton, Derbyshire.
The name Blue John is thought to come from the French word bleu-jaune, meaning blue-yellow, which is represented beautifully in its colouration. The Blue John gemstone has eye-catching shades of blue, purple and white, which makes it perfect for fine jewellery pieces.
Legends and Myths of Blue John
This precious gemstone comes with many stories surrounding it. Blue John is often at the centre of a variety of myths and legends. One age-old tale suggests that Romans were the first to come across Blue John, using it to create exquisite vases which were then shipped back to Rome.
Another legend speaks of a group of miners who worked in the Blue John Cavern and upon finding a particularly rich patch of this precious gem, went mad with greed. The group decided to keep this magical discovery a secret and planned to mine all of it for their own benefit. However, their plan was soon uncovered, and the miners met with mysterious and untimely deaths – is this a coincidence? Locals began to believe that the spirit of Blue John sought revenge against those who tried to exploit it dishonestly.
A less sordid tale behind the Blue John stone is its mystical properties, bringing about calmness and institution. It’s thought that if you sleep with a Blue John under your pillow at night, it will grant you peace and spiritual insight.
Blue John Jewellery Gift Guide
Looking for a special gift that features this gemstone? We’ve got you covered. Here at Hepburn & Hughes, we love taking semi-precious stones and turning them into pieces of jewellery that you can cherish for years to come.
1. Blue John Cufflinks - £129
Our Blue John cufflinks are a sophisticated choice for any gentleman. Each piece has been handcrafted to reflect the natural beauty of this beautifully British gemstone. Perfect for any special occasion or as a thoughtful gift, you can sport the gemstone of legends on your wrist. We have three shapes to choose from and each one will surely impress.
2. Blue John Earrings - £115 - £129
The gemstone's natural beauty really shines through in a pair of earrings. Set against the sterling silver base, the colours from the Blue John stone will add a touch of elegance to any outfit. In our Blue John collection, we have three different sets of earrings, each with a different shape. Our Oval Blue John Earrings pair perfectly with a sleek dress or a business suit for a polished look. Our triangle shape works well with a cocktail dress or a smart-casual ensemble to make a statement. Our Teardrop Earrings are lovely statement pieces and complement evening gowns or formal dresses.
3. Blue John Necklaces - £45 - £135
Similar to our Blue John Earrings, our necklaces featuring this beautiful gemstone come in a range of shapes. From our Pointed Marquise to our Hexagon pendant, each piece is set in sterling silver. One of our favourites from our Blue John collection has to be our Tree Of Life Pendant. A stunning silver tree of life, set on a backdrop made from Blue John really pays tribute to the myths and legends in which this gemstone came from. As the tree of life is a powerful and ancient symbol representing growth, strength, and connection to all living things, the combination of these two elements creates a piece that is not only aesthetically pleasing but also rich in meaning and history.
