Electroformed copper pendant with a rough quartz point with black mineral inclusions concentrated at the termination, held by a copper crown with four small beads. A Herkimer diamond — a natural, high-clarity, double-terminated quartz — is integrated into the copper arch embracing the point. Piece dimensions: 68×32 mm. Includes a 60 cm black leather cord.
Piece Details
| Minerals |
Quartz with inclusions · Herkimer Diamond (DT quartz) |
| Piece Dimensions |
68×32 mm |
| Shape |
Natural rough point + integrated DT crystal |
| Finish |
Completely raw, unpolished stones |
| Metal |
Electroformed copper |
| Hardness |
7 Mohs |
| Treatment |
Untreated |
| Cord |
Black leather, 60 cm |
| Piece Type |
Unique piece |
Technique: Copper Electroforming
Electroforming deposits copper using electric current onto non-conductive models, creating organic-textured settings impossible to replicate with molds. The crown of this piece was built directly around the quartz point and the Herkimer, allowing the shape of the stones to dictate the architecture of the metal. The four small copper beads were manually added to the arch before completing the process.
This Specific Piece
The dark inclusions in the quartz point — likely minerals from the chlorite or tourmaline family — are concentrated at the lower termination, creating a gradient of opacity: more nebulous at the tip, more transparent towards the neck where the copper embraces the stone.
The Herkimer diamond integrated into the crown adds a high-clarity counterpoint to the main quartz's mineral and dark character. The two quartzes from the same crystalline system, with opposing characteristics: one mottled and earthy, the other transparent and precise.
The Herkimer Diamond and Lapidary Tradition
Herkimer diamonds are double-terminated quartz crystals that form in dolomites in Herkimer County, New York. Their exceptional clarity and natural termination at both ends — without human intervention — distinguish them from ordinary quartz. They are not diamonds: the name comes from their transparency comparable to that of diamonds, not their mineral composition.
Quartz with dark inclusions has a long history in protection amulets in Mesopotamian and Celtic cultures. The mottled opacity was interpreted as a sign that the mineral had "absorbed" something from the environment during its formation.
In crystal tradition, Herkimer is associated with energy amplification, and dark quartz with protection and grounding.
The symbolic properties attributed to minerals belong to cultural and historical traditions. They are shared for educational purposes, not as medical advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is a Herkimer diamond?
A natural double-terminated quartz extracted from the dolomites of Herkimer County, New York. Its name refers to its extraordinary clarity, not its composition — it is quartz (SiO₂), not diamond.
Are the inclusions a defect?
No. They are natural mineral inclusions formed during the crystal's growth. They make this point unique and provide its distinctive visual character.
How do I care for electroformed copper?
Avoid prolonged water exposure and direct cosmetics. Copper can develop a green patina (verdigris) with moisture — harmless and aesthetic. To maintain the original tone, rub with a dry cloth. See jewelry care guide.
See also: all pendants · outlet collection
