For centuries, pounamu (greenstone) has held a sacred place in Maori culture, revered for its beauty, strength, and spiritual significance. This 4cm kawakawa pounamu cross pendant embodies this legacy, offering a touch of the divine in a captivating piece of jewelry. The cross is carved from kawakawa pounamu, a type of greenstone prized for its…
This striking breastplate pendant, named Manawa Riri (Heart of Courage or Fighting Spirit), is carved from a beautiful piece of light grey pakohe, sourced from the Nelson region. Pakohe, or argillite, is a fine-grained mudstone highly prized by Māori for its durability and ability to take a sharp edge. This name reflects the strength of…
Pounamu, the treasured greenstone of New Zealand, holds deep spiritual and cultural significance. When carved into a cross, a timeless symbol of faith and spirituality, its power and beauty take on an even greater depth. I’d like to share my latest creation, a beautiful cross pendant carved from a rich, deep block of kawakawa pounamu….
I want to share a pounamu pendant that holds a story close to my heart. It’s a piece I call “Kaha Wahine,” which translates to “Strong Woman” in Te Reo Māori. The name wasn’t chosen lightly. This pounamu was commissioned by a remarkable woman who has battled and emerged stronger from breast cancer. The pounamu…
Pounamu (greenstone) isn’t just beautiful, it carries meaning. That’s especially true when a piece has been worn and treasured for years, absorbing the energy of its owner. Recently, I had the honor of undertaking a unique commission – replicating a beloved wahaika pendant. The original wahaika, a traditional Māori short club design, the client had…
This Pounamu pendant, named Rau Aroha, offers a glimpse into the heart of New Zealand’s artistic heritage. Carved from pipiwharauroa pounamu, this 6cm free-form piece captures attention with its subtle interplay with light. Rau Aroha translates to ‘leaf of love,’ mirroring the pendant’s natural silhouette and the warm intentions behind its creation and gifting. Unlike…
Crafted from the rich, dark green stone native to New Zealand, this Pounamu pendant takes the shape of the Ruru, New Zealand’s native owl. The carving, with its smooth, curved lines, mirrors the Ruru’s natural silhouette. The pendant’s colour is a deep forest green with lighter green hues, resembling the shades of the New Zealand…
The Ngākau Aroha set encapsulates the essence of affection and connection that is deeply rooted in the New Zealand Māori culture. From a single piece of kawa kawa Pounamu sourced from the Arahura River, these taonga – a three-centimeter heart and a five-centimeter circle with a double koru – are named to reflect the love…
Carving, at its core, is an intimate act of transformation and storytelling. A recent visitor to our workshop brought in two unique stones she had unearthed while fossicking. These stones, carrying the whispers of the land, have now been shaped into pendants – not just ornaments, but symbols of connection and memory. The crafting of…
The huia, a now-extinct bird that was native to New Zealand, is remembered for its striking plumage and distinctive tail feathers. In Maori culture, the huia feather is a symbol of nobility, worn traditionally by high-ranking individuals. It is a physical representation of leadership and mana (prestige). Capturing this significance, an 11cm black jade carving…