Herkimer 'Diamond' Sterling Silver Drop Pendant

Herkimer Diamonds

Herkimer quartz "diamonds" are rare, naturally formed and faceted crystals of exceptional clarity, originally discovered in Herkimer county, upstate New York - hence the name! They are named after diamonds not only because of their sparkling clarity, but the naturally formed double termination (pointed ends) and 18 sided facet. Like diamonds, they are extremely rare and difficult to find! Our current stock of Herks were mined at a new location in Afghanistan. Although not from Herkimer, New York, these “diamonds” display the same unique double terminated formation and same beautiful clarity. They are also known in the jewellery trade as “Afghan Herks”. Some Herkimers may have subtle, natural inclusions, such as water or plant inclusions which are extremely rare and demonstrate the stone's natural formation. Stones of attunement, they are said to relieve tensions and heal addictions.

Sterling Silver (925%)

Why do silversmiths use 925%? Measured in parts per thousand, pure silver (999%) is too soft so silversmiths mix it with other metals to make it it harder. The purer the metal, the higher the polish, but it is a lot softer (thus less durable). The harder the metal is, the more hard wearing the jewellery is, but it will also tarnish easier as it has less silver content. Therefore, the silver industry set a standard percentage content for fine silver (925); what we know as "sterling silver". At Two Skies our silversmiths use 925 (sterling) silver for ring shafts and moving parts, and a very high 950% on our stones settings, which enables us to get a strong jewellery item with a beautiful and secure stone setting, without any gluing. Each piece of our jewellery is hand stamped with our Two Skies Hallmark alongside the recognised industry 925 Hallmark.