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…
In the heart of Aotearoa, amidst the ancient landscapes and whispered stories of ancestors, this precious pounamu was born from the rugged terrain. Originally from the same piece of Marsden Flower jade, they hold within them a profound tale of love, strength, and the promise of generations yet to come. Crafted with this kaupapa in…
Every creation has a soul, a resonance that echoes its origins and intentions. My latest set, named Wairua Whero, meaning the ‘Spirit of Red,’ embodies just that. This spirit is not merely a reflection of the deep earthy red-brown hue of the catlinite stone but a testament to the profound stories and traditions that the…
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…
Deep within the waters of the Arahura River, a gemstone emerges to tell a tale of unity and lineage. Named “Tātai Hono,” which translates to ‘linking lineage’ or ‘connecting lineage,’ this set of twin toki is a testament to the extraordinary bond of two brothers. Sharing the same birthday, albeit three years apart, their connection…
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 –…
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…
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…
This was a find on a beach that a woman brought into me. She was interested to see if we could turn her surprise find into a taonga for her to wear. This gorgeous Roimata was the result. You can see the pounamu that we started with below. Things do not always turn out this…