Herkimer Diamond and Ruby Sterling Silver Ring

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.

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 harder. The purer the metal, the higher the polish, but it is a lot softer (thus less durable). The harder the metal is, the harder 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 stone’s 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.

Relax - you can shop with confidence at Two Skies. If you change your mind, simply get in touch to let us know you want to return one or all your items within 7 days of receiving your order, and we'll get a replacement/refund arranged - no quibbles!

Read our full refunds policy here

July's birthstone  and one of the four renowned 'precious' stones (together with sapphire, emerald and diamond), it's value is determined using the four 'c's - clarity, cut, carats and colour.  Although this gemstone's name comes from 'ruber', latin for red, many of the bright red rubies on the market are heat-treated to create this shade. At Two Skies most of our rubies keep their natural pink, burgundy and purplish tones, and with our Trapiche Rubies you'll also see their natural hexagonal shapes.