Wire Wrapped Crystal from Herkimer Diamond Mine

I previously told you about my experience at the Herkimer Diamond Mine when I was on a recent vacation.  Spoiler:  It's not actually a diamond mine.  Herkimer Diamonds are actually very beautiful, clear quartz crystals.You can read about my experience mining here.We ended up with a few crystals:These are the crystals in their just-from-the-mine state.I knew I wanted to make a necklace with the largest one.  In fact, when my husband found that one he asked me if I could make jewelry with it.  Then we left with our mission accomplished.So I cleaned it up, which encompassed just running water over it and very gently using an old toothbrush to get into the crevices.And then I wire wrapped the crystal to make a pendant.And added a chain.Now I have a simple and beautiful souvenir of my anniversary trip and one that is so much more meaningful than anything I could have purchased.I know that before I started wire wrapping stones it seemed so complicated and confusing.  I learned how to do it and now it's a technique that I teach both in Rediscover Your Creativity & Make Jewelry (Week 1 is all about nature!) and in my Charm Bracelet eCourse.You can also learn how to make a souvenir charm bracelet with my Free Rediscover Your Creativity & Make Jewelry Mini eCourse -- but it's a different sort of souvenir bracelet.  I show you how to make a photo charm and bead dangles and make a souvenir charm bracelet.  (I do not show you how to wire wrap rocks in that free mini eCourse, though.)I love finding unique things on trips for souvenirs.  Going to the Herkimer Diamond Mine was definitely a unique experience and I'll have this necklace for years to come to remember it by!