When one beholds a handcrafted piece of pounamu, also known as New Zealand jade or greenstone, its depth, history, and cultural significance are immediately evident. Named “Whakapapa Arohanui,” this particular set embodies more than just the majestic aura of Raukaraka pounamu and its vivid hues of orange, yellow, and pale green. “Whakapapa Arohanui” translates to…
Jewelry often tells a story, not just of the one who wears it, but also of its origin and making. This story is even richer when the jewelry is named, giving it an identity that resonates with its essence. Such is the case with “Kōhatu Whenua”, which in Māori translates to “Land’s Stone”. From a…
Kōtuitui, a name derived from the Māori word meaning to interlink or connect, perfectly embodies the core spirit of this collection. Much like the threads that interweave to form a strong bond, this set of Pounamu pendants represents the intricate and inseparable links that bind us to family and our roots in Aotearoa. Carved from…
Pounamu, also known as New Zealand greenstone, holds immense cultural significance for the Maori people. It’s a vessel of stories, emotions, and traditions that span generations. The “Whānau Kotahi” set, which translates to “Unified Family”, is a beautiful embodiment of this sentiment. This particular set of four pendants, carved for a family of four –…
Pounamu, often referred to as New Zealand greenstone, holds a cherished place in Maori culture. Hailing from South Westland, the kawa kawa variety is particularly noteworthy for its distinctive bright green hue. From this precious stone, I’ve crafted a pendant named the “Kawakawa Comfort Drop,” a 4cm long piece that beautifully adopts the teardrop, or…
From the heart of South Westland, a distinct kawakawa pounamu, known for its enduring quality and beauty, was chosen. This greenstone, echoing the very essence of “Whānau Pūmanawa” or “Heart of the Family”, was skillfully crafted into a harmonious set of five pendants and a complementary pair of earrings, encapsulating the deep-rooted connections and stories…
I’m genuinely thrilled to present to you a set of seven distinctively carved pounamu pendants – The Mokopuna Haerenga, translating to the ‘Grandchildren’s Journey.’ This collection, commissioned by a loving pair of grandparents, is a testament to the celebration of family and a tribute to the journey each grandchild will undertake in life. Each pendant…
Within the serenity of my workshop, a tale of artistry and cultural significance unfolded as I brought to life a unique pounamu pendant, now named Wairua Taonga. Join me as we unravel the captivating narrative behind this pendant, exploring the meaning embedded within its roimata shape, koru, and pikorua symbols. Through careful carving, the roimata…
Symbolic gestures have a unique way of adding profound depth to significant milestones. Aroha Roimata, a meticulously crafted pounamu pendant, serves as an eloquent illustration of this idea. This striking piece, a large roimata fashioned from Kawakawa pounamu from the Arahura River, tells a deeply personal story. As she stands at the threshold of her…
In the realm of traditional carving, every piece has its own tale to tell, a story that interweaves art, symbolism, and deep-rooted culture. Today, I am excited to unveil two exquisite pieces from my collection, carefully hand-carved from a unique slice of pounamu, or New Zealand greenstone. Both hailing from the same stone, these two…
