Derbyshire has a long tradition in transforming rare semi-precious stones and minerals into beautiful objects.

The tradition of inlaying Ashford Black Marble in Derbyshire dates back to the 18th century. Examples can be seen in many museum collections including Buxton, Derby and Manchester, as well as at Chatsworth House.

In the early Victorian period, inspired by the Florentine craftsmen producing inlay work, Pietra Dura, local artisans started to manufacture table tops other decorative items using Ashford Black, a locally mined bituminous black limestone, inlayed with Blue John, Jasper, Quartz, Azurite, Malachite, Lapis Lazuli etc.

Unfortunately Ashford Black Marble is no longer available and Belgium Black is now used for the background.

Lowe's Marble and Granite use the traditional Derbyshire method for the inlay work employing hand tools only, which makes each piece unique.