Learn about the Herkimer diamond value, what it is, and what makes it so valuable compared to other gemstones. Find out why some diamonds cost up to $18,750.00 and what factors contribute to their worth.
The Herkimer diamond is a type of quartz that looks like a real diamond due to its perfect crystalline structure, brilliance, and luster. Although it is not a real diamond, it is still quite valuable, and some of the higher-quality Herkimer diamonds can cost thousands of dollars.
They have been used in jewelry for centuries and have a long history as gemstones. Herkimer diamonds are sustainable because they can be mined above the ground and grow independently due to chemical processes. Continue reading to get more information about the Herkimer diamond and its value.
What Is Special about Herkimer Diamonds?
Herkimer diamond is a double-terminated quartz crystal with a natural diamond-like shape. It is named after the place where it was first discovered in Herkimer County, New York. Unlike other diamonds, Herkimer diamonds are not diamonds, but they resemble diamonds due to their unique brilliance and clarity.
The brilliance and unique luxurious look get many collectors and jewelers gasping for it. After all, it has a vast value which is nearly priceless. But many people don’t understand the Herkimer diamond and often confuse it with other types of diamonds.
Herkimer diamonds are estimated to be 500 million years old, making them some of the oldest gemstones. They were used to make various tools and placed on garments and ornaments for adornment.
Locations For Mining Herkimer Diamonds
Herkimer diamonds, including Herkimer County in New York, Ukraine, China, Norway, and Afghanistan, are found worldwide. They can be mined above the ground, making them more sustainable and ethical than diamonds, often mined by cheap labor and slaves.
Their Characteristics
- Double-terminated crystals: Herkimer diamonds are doubly terminated crystals, meaning they have termination points at both ends of the rock.
- Hardness: Herkimer diamonds are quite hard, with a Mohs hardness rating of 7.5, which makes them suitable for cutting and shaping.
- Clarity: Herkimer diamonds are generally clear and free of impurities, although they may have small chips, cracks, or air bubbles.
- Inclusions: Some Herkimer diamonds may have visible rainbow inclusions or be smoky or foggy, which can decrease their value.
- Cut: Herkimer diamonds can be cut into different diamond shapes without crumbling, and their naturally occurring facets allow for the perfect accentuation of their sparkle.
Exploring the Worth of Herkimer Diamonds
Herkimer diamonds may not be actual diamonds, but they hold significant value in the world of gemstones. The highest-priced Herkimer diamond ever sold was a Herkimer diamond Quartz that fetched over $18,000 in 2012. This variant was considered the best quality and most valuable Quartz sold. Here's what you need to know:
Yes, Herkimer Diamonds Can Be Sold for Money
Despite not being original diamonds, Herkimer diamonds are among the most valuable gemstones available. This means that if you possess any jewelry or garment made of Herkimer diamonds, you can earn considerable money by selling them.
Identification is Key
Identifying Herkimer diamonds can be challenging, but you can determine their true value once you can identify them. Each variation of Herkimer diamonds carries a different value, so it's important to be aware of these variations.
Herkimer Diamonds Vs. Real Diamonds
Herkimer diamonds are less valuable than actual diamonds for several reasons. Diamonds are harder to mine and extract, and their clarity and brilliance are unmatched. In contrast, Herkimer diamonds may be durable and chip-resistant but are not as hard as real diamonds.
Quality Matters
Herkimer diamonds come in various qualities, with the price range varying accordingly. Smokey, foggy, and low-quality stones sell for between $1-5 per carat, while good-to-mint-quality stones are priced at $50-100 and potentially more per carat. If you want to purchase or sell Herkimer diamonds, consult a chart to determine their true value.
Herkimer Diamond Price Range
When shopping for Herkimer diamonds, you can expect a mint-quality stone to start at around $50-60 per carat, whether from physical jewelry stores or online marketplaces.
If you have multiple Herkimer diamonds, it's advisable to appraise them to make a fortune potentially. The most exquisite quality Herkimer diamonds are priced at $100 per carat or even higher, particularly if they are clear, brilliant, and shiny.
Comparison to Other Quartz Variants
Herkimer diamonds are among the most valuable types of Quartz despite Quartz being one of the less expensive and less rare gemstones. Some forms of quartz are sold for as little as $2 per carat.
Ways to Identify and Evaluate Herkimer Diamonds
If you're new to identifying and evaluating Herkimer diamonds, it may be challenging to differentiate between a real diamond and a Herkimer diamond. However, certain ways exist to identify and evaluate the value of Herkimer diamonds.
- Carat: Herkimer diamonds in jewelry should not exceed 2 to 4 carats. Some people may not prefer larger carats, resulting in a lower value.
- Flecks of Black Carbon: Flecks of black carbon inside Herkimer diamonds can be a distinguishing feature to identify them from real diamonds, but they don't add much value in evaluation. Jewelers usually prefer Herkimer diamonds without impurities or imperfections, which can affect their clarity and overall quality.
- Clarity: Clarity is one of the 4 C's used to evaluate Herkimer diamonds. The higher the clarity, the better the diamond. A Herkimer diamond should be completely clear, with a reflective and shiny luster that doesn't decrease in quality.
- Two Ends: One of the easiest ways to identify Herkimer diamonds is to look at their ends. Herkimer diamonds are double-terminated, meaning they have two pointy ends at each side, which helps jewelers and novices identify them.
- Cut: Herkimer diamonds can be cut into various shapes, including cabochons, which makes an attractive option for jewelry.
- Color: The best quality Herkimer diamonds are colorless and transparent, allowing their sparkle to shine. However, low-quality Herkimer diamonds may have cloudy and grayish colors, indicating a low selling point.
Where to Buy Herkimer Diamonds?
When it comes to buying Herkimer diamonds, there are two main options:
- Local Jewelry Stores: Many jewelry stores sell Herkimer diamonds, allowing you to see them in person before making a purchase decision.
- Online Marketplaces: E-commerce sites like Amazon and Etsy also sell Herkimer diamonds, providing a convenient way to browse and purchase from the comfort of your home.
Conclusion
Herkimer diamonds are among the most valuable types of quartz and hold significant value in the world of gemstones. The highest-priced Herkimer diamond ever sold was a Herkimer diamond Quartz that fetched over $18,000 in 2012.
They are found in various locations worldwide, and the most exquisite quality Herkimer diamonds are priced at $100 per carat or even higher. The value of Herkimer diamonds varies depending on their quality. They can be sold for a considerable amount of money if you possess any jewelry or garment made of them.
