LIMITED COLLECTIONS
The Guide
Nature's Perfect Crystal
Herkimer
Herkimer diamonds are not true diamonds but exceptionally clear, double-terminated quartz crystals found primarily in Herkimer County, New York. Their remarkable clarity and natural faceting have earned them the "diamond" moniker.
These extraordinary crystals are prized for their exceptional brilliance, and in crystal tradition they are counted among the most powerful of all quartz varieties. Each crystal forms with 18 natural facets, requiring no cutting or polishing to reveal their beauty.
Unlike traditional gemstones, Herkimer diamonds emerge from the earth already perfect, a testament to nature's extraordinary precision and artistry.
Durable enough for everyday jewelry wear, resistant to scratching
Double-terminated crystals with six-sided points at each end
Pure silicon dioxide quartz crystal structure
Water-clear transparency that rivals the finest gems
Pointed ends on both sides, uncommon in quartz, which usually grows attached to rock at one end
Water-clear crystal and naturally mirror-smooth faces create a diamond-like sparkle
May contain anthraxolite, pyrite, or fluid inclusions
Nearly 500 million years ago, the Herkimer region was covered by a shallow sea. Dolostone rock formations created cavities called vugs, which would become the birthplace of these remarkable crystals.
Silica-rich fluids slowly seeped through the dolostone over millions of years. The unique chemistry and slow crystallization process allowed perfect crystal formation without attachment to host rock.
Unlike most quartz that grows attached to matrix rock, Herkimer diamonds form freely within their cavities. This allows both ends to develop pointed terminations, creating their signature double-terminated shape.
The stable geological conditions of the Mohawk River Valley preserved these crystals in pristine condition. Today, they emerge from the earth as nature created them, requiring no cutting or polishing.
”Often called the stone of attunement, bridging the physical and spiritual realms with crystalline clarity.
In crystal tradition, Herkimer diamonds are known as the most powerful amplifier of spiritual energy, said to enhance meditation, dreams, and intuitive abilities. They're believed to amplify the properties of other crystals when used together.
Their exceptional transparency symbolizes mental clarity and clear vision. Traditionally used for enhancing perception, promoting lucid dreaming, and accessing higher states of consciousness.
In crystal healing practice, these crystals are associated with the crown chakra and said to clear energy blockages and promote well-being. These are beliefs, not proven effects.
The double-terminated shape represents the flow of energy in both directions, symbolizing the connection between two people, places, or states of being. Popular as "attunement stones" for relationships.
Pre-Colonial Era
The Mohawk people were the first to discover these crystals, using them in spiritual ceremonies and as adornments. They recognized the stones' exceptional clarity and spiritual significance.
Late 1700s
European settlers in Herkimer County began collecting and trading these crystals. Their diamond-like appearance and exceptional clarity quickly earned them their enduring name.
1800s
Mineralogists began studying these unique quartz crystals, documenting their unusual double-terminated formation and exceptional optical properties that distinguish them from other quartz varieties.
Present Day
Today, Herkimer diamonds are prized by collectors, jewelers, and crystal enthusiasts worldwide. Mining sites in New York allow visitors to discover their own specimens.
While most famous for their water-clear transparency, Herkimer diamonds occur in several natural variations, each with unique characteristics and inclusions.
Most prized · Exceptional transparency
Gray-brown tones · Natural radiation
Rare golden tint · Hydrocarbon inclusions
Water inclusions · Ancient trapped fluids
Black carbon inclusions · Unique patterns
Golden metallic flecks · “Fool's gold”
Use warm water and a degreasing dish soap like Dawn. Never use an ultrasonic cleaner or harsh chemicals.
Use a soft toothbrush for crevices. Never use abrasive materials.
Dry with a soft, lint-free cloth. Allow to air dry completely before storage.
“With proper care, your Herkimer diamond will maintain its exceptional brilliance for generations to come.”
The water-clear nature of Herkimer diamonds embodies purity, truth, and transparency. In color psychology, clear crystals represent:
Clear crystals evoke feelings of calm, peace, and serenity. They're associated with cleansing negative emotions and promoting emotional balance.
The transparent quality symbolizes the connection between physical and spiritual realms, which is why many people use Herkimer diamonds in meditation and spiritual work.
In contemporary design, the colorless clarity of Herkimer diamonds represents minimalist elegance and timeless sophistication, qualities highly valued in luxury jewelry.
A single Herkimer diamond pendant makes an elegant statement. Layer with delicate chains for a contemporary look.
Set in minimalist gold or silver settings, Herkimer diamonds create stunning engagement alternatives or cocktail rings.
The natural double-termination creates beautiful drop earrings that catch light from every angle.
Diamonds, pearls, moonstone, and other clear or white gemstones
Sterling silver, white gold, platinum, or yellow gold
Minimalist, bohemian, bridal, or contemporary luxury
Featured Collection
Explore our curated collection of handcrafted Herkimer diamond jewelry
From the bench · Andrea Li
A note from Andrea Li, who sets Herkimer diamonds by hand in her Denver studio.
I wanted a clean color palette for my Minimalism collection, and you can't get much cleaner than clear. I was drawn to crystal points at the time, and I loved the departure from the colorful gemstones that usually fill my collections. Then I saw these sparkling under the show lights at the Tucson Gem Show, and I couldn't resist. They had a brilliant sparkle I hadn't seen before, very much like diamonds.
”You can't get much cleaner than clear.
Herkimers are amazing to work with because of the way their points form naturally. Each one is completely unique, and those terminated points give my clusters depth, little peaks and valleys.
I buy them from the Herkimer County mines, at Tucson, and from Gem House USA. I look for clarity, two clean points, the little black inclusions, and size. I buy different sizes on purpose: it gives a design variance and depth, and gives me more ways to work them in.
My crystals always come with a hole, but for some pieces in the collection a crystal had a hole on only one side. On the other side I wired a tight cage, with a loop in the wire to thread my delicate 14k gold-filled chains through.
They can be very delicate to work with, especially the smallest ones, around 2mm. You can't stress them too much as you tighten the wire that secures them into a design.
I normally use clear Herkimers. I didn't know they came in colors until I bought a set of colored strands, and when I asked my supplier how the color was made, he told me the pink, purple, orange and blue gray were coated.
Beyond water clear
A Herkimer diamond’s own color is clear. Every other color comes from what the crystal trapped as it grew, or from what was done to it afterward. Here is how to tell which is which, and why it matters when you buy one.
Hydrocarbons trapped inside the crystal. The natural range runs from tinted clear through champagne and smoky to black.
A soft golden tint from hydrocarbons trapped inside the crystal.
The same hydrocarbons, darkened over time by trace natural radiation.
Between smoky and black on the natural range: fine carbon scattered through clear quartz.
Anthraxolite, a natural carbon, caught inside the crystal as it grew.
In the trade, these colors are made by bonding a microscopically thin layer of metal to the surface, or by dyeing.
Does not occur naturally in Herkimer diamonds.
Does not occur naturally in Herkimer diamonds.
Does not occur naturally in Herkimer diamonds.
Not part of the documented natural range. Coated: my supplier confirmed it.
Ask one question: is this color natural, or was it added? An added color sits on or near the surface, so it can wear with daily use and should be kept away from ultrasonic cleaners and harsh chemicals. In the United States, sellers are expected to disclose a treatment that is not permanent or that needs special care.
Illustrations of each color, not photographs of specific stones.
The Lookbook
Harnessing the raw, double-terminated brilliance of Herkimer diamonds, this lookbook distills luxury into sculptural silhouettes that command attention through quiet, architectural grace. Each handcrafted piece invites a deep connection to the clarity and powerful energy of the modern nonconformist.
Photography Nicole Marcelli · Model Jessica Nazarenus · Hair and makeup Mel Akana McIntosh · Creative Credits
Redefining crystalline luxury, this collection features raw, double-terminated Herkimer diamonds set in sculptural silhouettes. Explore these handcrafted pieces of wearable art, meticulously designed as luminous vessels for those who crave the uncommon and a deep, authentic connection to their own powerful energy.
Herkimer Diamond · Clear Quartz
Herkimer diamonds set to throw light, clear quartz with a natural, glassy fire. Each piece is hand-fabricated in 14k gold-filled and 22k gold vermeil by Andrea Li in Denver.
One of a Kind · Built Once
Browse Herkimer diamond earrings
Herkimer Diamond · Clear Quartz
Double-terminated Herkimer quartz worn at the throat, clear and bright as cut glass. Each piece is hand-fabricated in 14k gold-filled and 22k gold vermeil by Andrea Li in Denver.
One of a Kind · Built Once
Browse Herkimer diamond necklaces
Herkimer Diamond · Clear Quartz
Raw Herkimer crystals at the wrist, faceted by the earth and never the same twice. Each piece is hand-fabricated in 14k gold-filled and 22k gold vermeil by Andrea Li in Denver.
One of a Kind · Built Once
Browse Herkimer diamond BraceletsGifts · Handmade & One-of-a-Kind
Naturally double-pointed and water-clear, the Herkimer “diamond” is brilliant and light-filled, with none of a diamond’s price. Each piece is handmade and one-of-a-kind, sculpted by hand in my Denver studio.
Explore the Jewelry Gift Guide →
From the journal
Explore beautiful Herkimer diamond specimensAbout Herkimer Diamond Jewelry
No, Herkimer diamonds are double-terminated quartz crystals, not carbon diamonds. They earned their name from their exceptional clarity and naturally faceted form, which gives them a diamond-like brilliance. What makes them truly special is that they emerge from the earth with 18 natural facets and two pointed ends, requiring no cutting or polishing. They grew inside cavities in dolomite rock about 500 million years old in Herkimer County, New York, and only crystals from this region can authentically be called Herkimer diamonds.
Yes, Herkimer diamonds score a 7 on the Mohs hardness scale, making them harder than many popular gemstones and well-suited for daily wear in necklaces, earrings, and bracelets. They're more durable than moonstone, labradorite, and opal. For rings, a protective setting is recommended since the crystals' natural double-terminated points can be vulnerable to sharp impacts. With reasonable care, Herkimer diamond jewelry will last a lifetime.
Yes, but a Herkimer diamond’s own color is clear. Natural color comes from what the crystal trapped as it grew: hydrocarbons give a champagne or golden tint, and the natural range runs from tinted clear through smoky to black. Pink, purple and orange do not occur naturally in Herkimer diamonds. Those colors are added, usually by bonding a microscopically thin layer of metal to the surface, or by dyeing. Andrea normally uses clear Herkimers. When she bought a set of colored strands and asked her supplier how the color was made, he told her the pink, purple, orange and blue gray were coated. Before you buy a colored Herkimer, ask whether the color is natural or added: an added color can wear with daily use.
In crystal tradition, Herkimer diamonds are associated with the crown chakra and are considered one of the most powerful quartz crystals for clarity, amplification, and spiritual attunement. Their double-terminated form is believed to receive and transmit energy from both ends simultaneously, making them prized for meditation, energy work, and as amplifiers for other stones. Many wearers are drawn to Herkimer diamonds for this combination of visual brilliance and energetic resonance, a stone that connects clarity of mind with clarity of light.
Clean with warm water, a degreasing dish soap like Dawn and a soft toothbrush, then pat dry with a soft cloth. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners and harsh chemicals: ultrasonic cleaners are not safe for the stones. Store each piece separately to prevent scratching against harder gemstones or metals. Remove jewelry before swimming, showering, or applying lotions and perfumes. Herkimer diamonds are naturally clear and brilliant, so a gentle clean is usually all they need to restore their sparkle. Polish the metal parts with a Sunshine polishing cloth, but never polish oxidized silver: polishing removes its darkened finish.
Have a vision for a custom Herkimer diamond piece? Andrea would love to bring it to life.
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