Cobble to Taonga

At Campbell Carving, we’re constantly amazed by the natural wonders that come through our doors. Recently, a customer brought in a pounamu cobble they found on the beach. What appeared to be an unassuming stone held a hidden treasure trove of colour inside!

This particular pounamu revealed stunning shades of green, ranging from deep emerald to lighter, more playful tones. Hints of black swirled throughout, creating a captivating visual tapestry. Recognizing the pounamu’s potential, we transformed it into two beautiful pieces: a large toki (adze) and a pounamu roimata (tear drop).

The remaining piece of the cobble was polished to a high shine, allowing its natural beauty to take center stage. Now, it sits proudly on display, a testament to the raw potential hidden within an ordinary beach find.

This experience is a perfect reminder that pounamu is more than just a stone; it’s a taonga (treasure) waiting to be revealed. Each piece holds its own unique story and beauty, just waiting for the right time to bring it to life.

If you have a pounamu you’ve found or have been gifted, we’d love to help you discover its potential. At Campbell Carving, we specialize in working with pounamu to create stunning taonga that reflect your vision and cultural heritage.