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…
The phrase “Te Ngākau Kaha” speaks of the strength/kaha that resides within the heart and spirit. It’s a fitting title for this pendant, inspired by the toki I recently carved from a remarkable piece of inanga pipiwharauroa pounamu. Inanga pounamu, with its gentle green hues, evokes tranquility. Yet, it holds a hidden beauty – the…
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…
Pounamu (greenstone) possesses a unique energy, a connection to the land and its history. That’s one of the reasons I love working with this precious stone, transforming it into pieces that hold meaning for those who wear them. Recently, I had the pleasure of carving a small roimata pendant – a traditional teardrop shape known…
Kia ora, friends. Sometimes you need to create something just because your hands itch to do so, you know? That’s how I felt the other day. I found myself with a beautiful piece of kawakawa pounamu, and all of a sudden, I could see its true shape waiting to come out. This toki (adze) design…
