Pounamu, the greenstone of New Zealand, isn’t simply beautiful; it carries deep significance for Māori, representing a taonga (treasure) steeped in tradition and spiritual meaning. This taonga is named “Manaaki.” It’s carved from South Westland hapopo pounamu, its 6cm form has a unique blend of curves and angles. The coolness of the stone, mirroring the…
Toki, traditional Maori adzes, are renowned for their strength and the skilled hands required to craft them. But sometimes, the greatest transformations occur when we surrender to nature’s artistry, as is the case with my newest piece, “Dawnlight”. This toki began its life as a humble agate, a gemstone formed within the fiery heart of…
One of the greatest joys of my work with pounamu is the collaborative journey I sometimes take with clients. Recently, I had the honor of working on a unique commission that embodied this spirit of collaboration with both the stone and the person who brought it to me. The piece began as a beach pebble,…
Today, I want to share a recent creation: a tangiwai pounamu roimata, a teardrop pendant carved from a particularly beautiful piece of translucent tangiwai pounamu. Measuring just 4cm long and adorned with a sleek black lashing, this roimata is a captivating blend of delicacy and strength. The near-translucency of the pounamu allows light to dance…
This pounamu toki, which I’ve named Kia Maia (“be brave”), is so much more than a beautiful piece of jewelry. It’s a symbol of everything about the recipient – strength, resilience, and a heart filled with warmth. The toki itself, a traditional Maori treasure, represents the courage and determination that I know guides our spirits….
I’ve always been captivated by the beauty and significance of pounamu, New Zealand’s precious greenstone. That’s why I was thrilled to craft a pair of earrings from a piece of kawakawa pounamu sourced from the Arahura River on the West Coast. My earrings are simple yet elegant, about 3 centimeters in length, showcasing the vibrant…
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…
The roimata, with its teardrop shape, is a deeply touching pounamu (greenstone) design. The name I’ve chosen for this piece, “Waiora”, means “life-giving water” or “healing water”, reflecting the roimata’s symbolism of support and renewal. This slender pendant, widening towards a gently curved, rounded base, feels soft and soothing despite being carved from stone. The…
Marsden flower jade, also known as putiputi pounamu, is a treasure. Its swirling greens and vibrant flashes of orange evoke the beauty and vitality of the New Zealand bush. It’s a rare and precious type of pounamu, making it even more special to work with. This toki, measuring 7cm long, showcases the full spectrum of…
The name “Manawa”, meaning “heart” or “courage” in Māori, feels deeply fitting for this toki pendant. The rich, deep green of the pounamu, with its striking dark patterning, speaks of raw power and quiet strength. And the toki itself holds a special place in Māori culture. The toki (adze) was a vital survival tool for…