Blue John fluorite handmade sterling silver pendant gemstone necklace

image shows a close up of the blue john fluorite pendant, wioth the light shining behind it as to see the colours and patterns of the gemstones
image shows the back of the blue john fluorite pendant, it is open backed so you can see the gemstone, which is flat as this is a cabochon style design. you can see and feel the blue john on the back of the bezel
image shows the blue john fluorite pendant being held up to the light, which distinct purple dappled patterns
image shows the blue john fluorite necklace being worn by a model, whilst the pendant is small, it has an unusual freeform semi-oval shape, making it eye catching and unusual in appearance
image shows the blue john fluorite necklace in full complete with the silver trace chain it comes on

Beautiful English Blue John fluorite crystal pendant necklace handmade in 925 sterling silver  

 No longer available


Crafted with meticulous care in my artisan workshop, this exquisite pendant captures the essence of individuality. Fashioned from a captivating Blue John fluorite, sourced in its raw, untouched state, its rich hue and uniquely alluring shape spoke volumes, leading me to preserve its natural beauty. Through delicate hand cutting and a gentle fingertip polish, the Blue John was lovingly encased in solid sterling silver, employing the specialist hand tool techniques I've honed over time.

The end result is mesmerizing creation that dances with the enigmatic yet harmonious patterns of nature itself. Drawing inspiration from the rugged terrain of the Peak District, where this gemstone originated, the pendant's design echoes the majestic contours of rocky hills and ancient boulders, all encapsulated into a piece of jewellery that burst with individual beauty and contemporary style.

Pendant size: 1.5cm x 1.5cm

Necklace Length:   47cm   (18.1/2 inches)

Gemstone: Fluorite (var. Blue John). This is a natural untreated gemstone, there are some surface marks and imperfections that can be seen by the eye.

Gemstone Size:  14x9mm  (approx)

Gemstone Treatment: natural, no treatment.

Gemstone Origin: Derbyshire, England, UK

Gemstone Hardness: soft, 4 on the MOHS scale. Suitable for careful occasional wear.

Technical: gemstone cut and polished in UK and pendant handmade in UK. No electrical or machine powered machines were used in the creation of this pendant. (Please note the chain the pendant is attached to is made in Italy). 

Care: handmade from solid sterling silver, and due to the delicate natural of the intricate silver wire work should always be worn and handled with gentleness and care. 


Gemstone Knowledge

Blue John fluorite is a unique and distinctive form of fluorite found in the Derbyshire area of England, UK. No one quite knows where the distinctive name "Blue John" came from; some say it is because the mineral is blue in the mine and turns a purple colour on exposure to sunlight (which makes sense as other types of fluorite can be UV sensitive too), while many people believe the name to have originated from the French words "bleu" and "jaune," which mean "blue" and "yellow," respectively. However, it's also worth noting that an old Cornish language word for fluorite is "bleujenn", which would make sense as a few hundred years ago there were Cornish miners who worked in the Derbyshire area mining for lead.

This beautiful mineral is formed by a series of complex geological processes, which include the presence of fluorine-rich fluids in the geological environment. With changes in temperature and pressure, fluorite began to crystallize from these fluids, forming in veins, fractures and cavities within the rocks present in the environment. Other geological processes (such as tectonic activity), led to the later uplifting and exposure of these mineralized rocks to the Earth's surface, with erosion over a great many years exposing the Blue John Fluorite veins.

The stunning banding and color patterns within Blue John are believed to be influenced by various factors, including the presence of trace elements and impurities during the crystal's growth (some research suggests the distinctive colour is caused by calcium particles that are dispersed in liquid). The mining of this rare type of fluorite has been a traditional industry in the beautiful Derbyshire area for centuries, contributing to the mineral's cultural and historical significance in the region.

Blue John Fluorite is a soft gemstone, being only 4 on the MOHS hardness scale, so is not suitable for daily wear as it may scratch and chip over time (it is suitable for occasional wear). 

Fluorite care: It's best to store this gemstone away from other gems to avoid it being scratched, and wrapped up well when not in use, as some types of fluorite will fade if kept in direct sunlight for a long period of time. Fluorite can be cleaned by gently wiping it with a damp cloth, drying immediately afterward. Avoid exposing it to heavy knocks as this may crack the stone. If cleaning the silver work, it's recommended that your silver polish doesn't touch the gemstone, as it may cause surface damage.