Latest find of ‘Blue John’ stone put to use
Terry & Kim Kovel
Prices for antiques and collectibles are determined by many things that change with time: age; availability; condition; decorative value; fame of maker, artist or past owner; and even who is bidding and whether there is a bidding war.
As a result, rare Beanie Babies that cost hundreds of dollars for the few years they were in demand are sold today for a few dollars.
In the early 18th century, an attractive new stone was found in Treak Cliff Cavern near Derbyshire, England. It was a rare form of the mineral fluorite with bands of purplish-blue or yellow. It came to be called “Blue John.”
Matthew Boulton, a famous manufacturer in the 1700s, made many urns and other decorative objects using Blue John. The stone became a symbol of British art and was sought after by the elite.
Recently, a new vein of Blue John was found, the 15th known, and new jewelry and objects are being made.
Q: I’m clearing my mom’s estate and found a vintage Fiestaware six-piece relish set with a red base that is in wonderful condition. Can you tell me it’s value?
A: Fiesta was introduced by the Homer Laughlin China Co. in 1936. It was redesigned in 1969, withdrawn in 1973 and reissued again in 1986 in different colors. It is still being made.
The six-piece set has four relish dishes around a small round dish, all on a circular pottery tray. The tray and inserts came in a variety of solid colors. In some sets, each piece is a different color; other sets are all one color.
Most sets sell at auction for $65 to $130. A very rare set of medium-green inserts on the red base sold recently for more than $7,000.
Q: I have inherited a violin signed “Anton Stradivarius, Cremora, Italy.” It came with a case and legal paperwork! Where is best place to get it appraised?
A: Antonio Stradivari (1644-1737) made violins, violas, cellos, guitars, mandolins, harps and bows, but is best-known for his violins. There are 244 authentic Stradivarius violins still in existence and documented, although a few have been stolen, and their whereabouts are unknown.
The violins were made between 1666 and 1737. Thousands of copies have been made. Most date from the early 1900s and are of little value. Take it to a music store or have a professional violinist play your violin to see whether it has a concert-quality sound. There are also appraisers who are violin experts.
CURRENT PRICES
Current prices are recorded from antiques shows, flea markets, sales and auctions throughout the United States. Prices vary in different locations because of local economic conditions.
• Roseville bean pot: Raymor pattern, lid, elongated handles, 7½ by 16½ inches, $25
• Venetian glass: goblet, double swan stem, cobalt blue, Salviati, 9¼ inches, $125
• Candelabrum: bronze, six-light, geometric swirls, patinated, Art Nouveau, continental, 24-by-2-by-7 inches, $180
• Fountain pen: Parker, marbleized white resin, 18-karat gold nib, 5½ inches, $240
• Limoges charger: woman, gentlemen, visiting mother, baby, garden, hand-painted, gilt, border, 15½ inches, $425
• Enamel: plate, horses, rearing, bucking, teal, copper, William Hunt Diedreich, 1925, 7¾ inches, $1,000 A pair of 15-inch high obelisks made of rare “Blue John” stone and rock crystal sold at a Neal Auction in New Orleans for $2,176.