So, you've stumbled across Herkimer diamonds and now you're intrigued. Maybe you saw one sparkling in someone's necklace and thought, "Wait, is that a diamond diamond?" Or perhaps you're drawn to their raw, uncut beauty and want to know what all the fuss is about.
Either way, I'm glad you're here. Because Herkimer diamonds are genuinely one of my favorite gemstones to work with, and I think once you know their story, you'll understand why.
Let's dive into the ten things you absolutely need to know before adding a Herkimer diamond necklace to your collection.
1. They're Not Actually Diamonds (But That's Part of Their Charm)
Here's the thing, Herkimer diamonds aren't diamonds at all. They're actually a very special form of clear quartz crystal. The "diamond" nickname comes from their exceptional clarity and natural sparkle, which honestly rivals the real thing in many ways.
But here's what I love about that: you get all the brilliance without the ethical headaches or the astronomical price tag. It's like finding a designer bag at a thrift store, except it's been hiding in the ground in upstate New York for about 500 million years. (More on the New York thing in a second.)
2. They Have a Unique Double-Terminated Shape
Most quartz crystals grow attached to a rock matrix, which means they only develop a point on one end. Herkimer diamonds? They're rebels. They form freely in pockets of sedimentary rock, which allows them to develop naturally faceted points on both ends.
This double-termination creates their signature shape, 18 natural faces arranged in a gorgeous hexagonal structure. No cutting, no polishing, no human intervention required. They come out of the earth looking like that. Nature really said, "I got this."
3. They're Harder Than You'd Expect
Okay, let's talk durability, because if you're investing in a necklace, you want to know it's going to last.
Herkimer diamonds score between 7 and 7.5 on the Mohs Hardness Scale. For reference, actual diamonds score a 10 (the hardest), and your fingernail is about a 2.5. This means Herkimer diamonds are hard enough to scratch glass and stand up beautifully to everyday wear.
Are they as indestructible as mined diamonds? No. But they're harder than most popular gemstones like opal, turquoise, and even pearls. For a necklace that you want to wear daily without babying it, they're an excellent choice.
4. Their Clarity Is Genuinely Stunning
One of the things that makes Herkimer diamonds so sought-after is their exceptional transparency. The finest specimens are what gemologists call "water clear", so transparent they almost disappear when submerged in water.
Now, not every Herkimer diamond is perfectly clear (and that's okay, some contain beautiful inclusions or have a smoky quality that's equally gorgeous). But the really pristine ones? They catch the light in a way that makes people stop and ask, "Wait, what IS that?"
That's always a fun conversation to have.
5. Every Single Stone Is One-of-a-Kind
This is something I genuinely love about working with Herkimer diamonds. No two are identical. Ever.
Each stone has its own unique character, slight variations in clarity, size, shape, and even tiny rainbow inclusions that appear when light hits them just right. When you choose a Herkimer diamond necklace, you're not getting a mass-produced, cookie-cutter piece. You're getting something that nature created exactly once.
I think there's something really beautiful about that. Your necklace is yours in a way that's almost impossible with other gemstones.
6. They Pair Beautifully With Quality Metals
Here's where I get a little opinionated (shocking, I know).
Herkimer diamonds deserve to be set in metals that match their quality. That's why we work with 14K gold filled and sterling silver settings, never plated junk that'll turn your skin green or flake off in six months.
Gold filled jewelry contains actual layers of solid 14K gold bonded to a core, which means it's:
- Hypoallergenic (perfect for sensitive skin)
- Tarnish-resistant (it stays beautiful)
- Durable enough for daily wear (yes, even in the shower)
Sterling silver offers that classic, cool-toned elegance that lets the crystal's natural sparkle take center stage. Either way, you're getting a necklace that's built to last, not fall apart after a few wears.
7. They're Surprisingly Affordable
Let's be real: actual diamonds are EXPENSIVE. Like, "maybe I should sell a kidney" expensive. Herkimer diamonds give you that same wow-factor sparkle at a fraction of the cost.
Does that mean they're cheap? No: quality stones set in quality metals still represent an investment. But it's an accessible investment. You can own something genuinely beautiful and unique without needing to finance it or feel guilty about it later.
I think that's pretty great.
8. Setting Them Takes Extra Care and Skill
Here's something most people don't realize: Herkimer diamonds are actually quite tricky to set in jewelry.
That beautiful double-termination I mentioned earlier? It means there's no flat back to work with. Traditional settings don't really apply. Each stone needs to be individually assessed and secured in a way that showcases its natural shape while keeping it safe.
It's one of the reasons I love creating these pieces: it's a genuine craft that requires attention and intention. When you wear a Herkimer diamond necklace, you're wearing something that someone actually thought about. Every prong placement, every wire wrap, every design choice was made deliberately.
9. They Carry Meaning (If You're Into That Sort of Thing)
Now, I'm not going to promise that wearing a Herkimer diamond will change your life or unlock your third eye. But I will say this: these stones have been treasured for centuries for reasons beyond just their beauty.
Often called the "Stone of Attunement," Herkimer diamonds are believed by many to:
- Amplify energy and intentions
- Promote clarity and focus
- Strengthen connections between loved ones (making them meaningful gifts)
- Support meditation and spiritual practices
Whether you believe in crystal energy or just appreciate a good story, there's something undeniably special about wearing a stone that's been forming quietly underground for hundreds of millions of years.
10. They Can Be Found All Over the World (Including Right Here in Arizona!)
Okay, quick myth-bust: while these crystals became famous thanks to finds in Herkimer County, New York (hence the nickname), double-terminated quartz crystals like this are actually found in multiple places around the world.
And honestly? I love that. It means we can source truly beautiful, high-quality stones from a variety of locations—choosing for clarity, shape, and that signature sparkle—rather than being limited to just one region.
At Lotus Stone Jewelry, we work with trusted suppliers and select stones from several high-quality sources, then we bring them home to Arizona (where we’re headquartered) to turn them into the kind of everyday, forever jewelry you can actually live in. So yes—your “Herkimer diamond” necklace might have a New York-inspired name, but it has a very real Arizona-made story.
Ready to Find Your Perfect Piece?
If you've made it this far, I'm guessing you're at least a little bit smitten with Herkimer diamonds. (I don't blame you: haven't we all fallen for something sparkly at some point?)
The beautiful thing about these stones is that they work for everyone. Minimalist who wants a single delicate pendant? Perfect. Maximalist who wants to layer three necklaces at once? Also perfect. Looking for a meaningful gift that says "I thought about this"? Especially perfect.
Browse our necklace collection to see what speaks to you. And if you have questions: about Herkimer diamonds, about our metals, about anything: I'm always happy to chat.
Happy shopping, friend.
xoxo,
Kristen
P.S. If you're curious about why we're so passionate about quality metals (and why I will literally never sell plated jewelry), this post breaks it all down. Trust me( your skin will thank you.)
