If you’ve visited Stórica Studio, you’ve likely heard us talk about a fascinating gemstone— Herkimer diamond quartz. These stunning, naturally faceted crystals captured my heart years ago when I was first teaching myself to make jewelry and they feature in some of my longest running designs. Today, we’re diving into what makes these gems so special and why we love using them in our jewelry collections.
What Is a Herkimer Diamond?
Despite their name, Herkimer diamonds are not actually diamonds. Instead, they are a rare form of double-terminated quartz crystal that formed over 500 million years ago in the dolomite rock of Herkimer County, New York. Their name comes from their exceptional clarity and natural faceting, which give them a diamond-like brilliance.
Discovered in the 18th century, these gemstones are prized for their unique structure. Unlike most quartz, which grows with a single termination, Herkimers naturally form with two pointed ends and an average of 18 facets —without any need for cutting or polishing.
What Makes Herkimer Diamonds Unique?
✔ Naturally Faceted & Uncut – Unlike most gemstones, Herkimer crystals emerge from the earth with their stunning geometric shape, requiring no additional polishing or shaping.
✔ Exclusive to Herkimer County, NY – While double-terminated quartz can be found in other regions, only those from Herkimer County can be called "Herkimer diamonds."
✔ Wide Range of Inclusions – Some herkimers are exceptionally clear and colorless, while others feature tiny air bubbles, black carbon flecks, or even water inclusions (en hydro inclusions) —tiny pockets of ancient water trapped inside the crystal!
Why We Love Herkimer Diamonds
At Stórica Studio, we are drawn to herkimers for their natural brilliance, affordability, and ethical sourcing. These American-mined gemstones bring a stunning, raw elegance to our designs.
If you ever find yourself in Herkimer, New York, you can even visit the local mines and try your hand at uncovering your own Herkimer diamond —a unique experience for any gemstone lover!
Herkimer Diamonds in the Glacier Collection
We primarily feature these stones in our Glacier Collection, a collection inspired by the breathtaking landscapes of Iceland —specifically the Glacier Lagoon at sunset . The collection mirrors the contrast of ice, black sand, and golden sunlight with:
💎 Herkimer diamonds for their icy brilliance
🖤 Blackened silver to reflect the dramatic volcanic sands
🌟 14k gold accents reminiscent of the glowing Icelandic sunset
Explore Our Herkimer Diamond Jewelry
At Stórica Studio, we believe jewelry should be as unique as the people who wear it. Whether you're drawn to the raw nature of Herkimer diamonds or their one-of-a-kind inclusions, our handcrafted designs celebrate their natural beauty.