Te Koru Iti

This taonga is a small but powerful expression of growth, renewal, and personal identity. I’ve named it Te Koru Iti, meaning “the small koru,” reflecting both its physical size and the quiet strength it carries. The koru is a deeply significant form in Māori culture, symbolising new beginnings, ongoing growth, and the unfolding of life. Worn as a single in-lobe earring, it becomes a subtle but constant reminder of that journey, sitting close to the wearer and moving with them through everyday life.

I carved this piece from very dark Kawakawa Pounamu. In natural light, the stone reads as almost black, giving it a strong, grounded presence. When light passes through it, though, it reveals a rich green glow that brings the stone to life. That contrast adds another layer to its meaning — what sits beneath the surface, what is revealed over time, and the depth carried within something that at first appears simple.

The koru itself is 25mm across, with a very specific requirement from the wearer that the thickness be held at 5mm throughout. Achieving that level of consistency across a curved, spiralling form like this required careful control at every stage. The curves needed to remain clean and even, both through the spiral and across the face of the stone, without losing the natural flow of the koru. That balance between precision and organic form is something I always aim for, and I’m really pleased with how it has come through in this piece.

Unlike traditional earrings that hang or sit on a post, this is an in-lobe design, where the Pounamu itself passes directly through the ear. There’s no metal, no added material — just the stone. That creates a direct connection between the wearer and the taonga, both physically and symbolically. It also keeps the focus entirely on the Pounamu and the form it holds.

Carving something at this scale always brings a different kind of focus. There’s less room for adjustment, and every line matters. This piece pushed that precision, but it also reinforced why I enjoy working with Pounamu — even in something small, there is depth, meaning, and a strong connection to the stone itself.