ASD Jewellers

ASD Jewellers, Blue John handcrafted jewellery in Castleton

ASD Jewellers is a family-run business with its own workshop in Castleton, in the heart of the Peak District (Derbyshire). The company has been handcrafting jewellery since 1977 and its signature is Blue John, a semi-precious mineral known for its distinctive bands of purple-blue or yellowish colour. According to the firm itself, this is the only known deposit of Blue John in the world, mined since the 19th century in the caverns surrounding Castleton.

The business combines creating pieces in the workshop with selling through its online shop, which offers its own collection and provides free UK delivery.

Pieces and collections

The catalogue is organised into several product families. Earrings include stud, drop and clip-on styles; neck and wrist jewellery includes pendants, necklaces, bracelets and bangles; there are also rings, brooches, beads and charms. The men's section features cufflinks and shirt studs, and the shop completes its offer with gift cards and a section for unique and sale products.

Among the featured pieces in the catalogue are pendants such as the 22 mm diameter double-sided Tree of Life, a 16 mm triangular pendant, a large 40x20 mm oval pendant with an 18-inch chain, and a double-sided pendant. Rings include models such as an open ring with two pear and round stones, a Blue John and diamond ring available in 9 and 18 carat yellow and white gold and in platinum, and 9 carat white gold variants with a 5 mm or 3 mm round stone with a diamond halo. Stud earrings include 10 and 12 mm round models, 12x7 mm pear shapes and 12x8 mm oval shapes, some with a rope edge.

Gemstones and materials

In addition to Blue John, the jeweller works with a range of gemstones and materials including Blue Goldstone, Bumblebee Jasper, Fordite, Lapis, Malachite, Mother of Pearl, Turquoise and Whitby Jet. The website explains Blue Goldstone, also called Aventurine Glass after its original Italian name, a material whose invention is attributed to the Miotti family in Venice during the 17th century, although alternative stories circulate about an Italian monk who accidentally spilled copper into molten glass.

More than four decades of history

The company presents itself as a family business that has maintained traditional jewellery-making methods since 1977. Its workshop is in Castleton, a town historically linked to Blue John mining, and from there it designs and produces the pieces that it later sells in its online shop.

Location and contact

The Island, Castleton, Hope Valley, Derbyshire, S33 8WN · Phone: 01433 620964 · Opening hours: Monday to Friday: 9:30-17:00; Saturday: 9:30-17:30; Sunday: 9:30-17:30