I’m Campbell Potter, a New Zealander of European descent living in Christchurch. I’ve spent the last ten years learning to carve Pounamu, alongside my work as a teacher. These days, I carve full time from my small workshop at home. I do everything myself—from finding and cutting the stone to shaping, polishing, lashing, and photographing each piece. For me, carving is about connection. Each taonga I make carries meaning, whether it’s a story, a memory, or something to anchor a moment in time. I create taonga to be worn, gifted, and passed on.
This matching pair of Roimata has been carved from the same piece of bright green Kahurangi Pounamu, creating a strong visual and symbolic connection between the two taonga. A vivid dark inclusion runs through both pieces, naturally linking them together and reflecting relationships such as tuakana-teina, parent and child, or close whānau bonds. The larger Roimata measures 80mm and the smaller 45mm, both finished with black three-hole ring bolt lashings.
This matching pendant and stud earring set is carved from icy blue Guatemalan jadeite in a rare “snowy princessa” tone. The pendant features a 7mm domed circle set in sterling silver, designed with an open back to let light pass through and reveal the stone’s translucency. The 4mm stud earrings mirror the circular form, creating a clean and balanced set. Jadeite of this clarity and colour carries a sense of calm, clarity, and quiet strength.
These handcrafted sterling silver cufflinks feature stunning Inanga Pounamu with soft creamy greens and beautiful translucency. The square Pounamu tops are approximately 9–10mm across and 4mm thick, giving them a solid and refined presence without being oversized. The Pounamu is secured with a strong hidden pin system into the sterling silver base for durability and long-term wear.
Worn to elevate formal clothing, these bring an added connection to Aotearoa and the significance of Pounamu into that setting. They suit weddings, formal events, business wear, or special occasions where a subtle but meaningful detail can stand out.
This Tapatoru pendant is carved from Inanga Pounamu with gentle Raukāraka tones and a striking natural band running across the middle — a flaw that’s become a feature. It’s 25mm across, set in sterling silver by M.V.H Jewellers, and hangs from a fine silver-coloured chain. A clean and elegant taonga born from collaboration.
This 7cm Kapeu is carved from vibrant and translucent Kahurangi Pounamu, suspended on a hand-braided tan 4-cord necklace. Traditionally worn as an ear ornament, the Kapeu symbolises refinement, mana, and leadership. It can also carries quiet associations with motherhood, once used to soothe teething pēpi. A graceful and meaningful taonga, made to be worn close to the heart.
This 45mm cross, carved from vibrant Kahurangi Pounamu, symbolises unity and strength. Its translucent green tones represent hope, resilience, and connection.
A one-off pair of earrings made from Kaitorete Spit quartzite, featuring white flowering patterns in purple-grey stone. 40mm long with flat and curved sides. This taonga holds the memory of a place where land meets sea, offering a quiet sense of balance and connection.
A one-off pair of earrings made from the centre of a beach pebble found at Kaitorete Spit. Cut to preserve the natural outline, they taper from narrow at the top to wider at the base. 55mm long, flat on both sides, with flowering white patterns in soft purple-grey quartzite. Holding the heart of the stone, these taonga speak to stillness, strength, and the quiet beauty held within.
This 55mm Toki is crafted from Whatuaho (Greywacke), sourced from Kaitorete Spit in Canterbury. Greywacke forms the bedrock of the Southern Alps, symbolising strength and resilience. The Toki represents courage, leadership, and the ability to shape one’s destiny, connecting you to the powerful heritage of Aotearoa.
This naturally tumbled Kawakawa Pounamu has taken the form of a small knife, complete with a handle-like shape. Measuring 60mm long, it’s not sharp or functional as a blade, but the form evokes purpose and intention. The rich green colouring of the stone comes through clearly, with some natural inclusions adding depth and character.
These matching Kawakawa Pounamu earrings have a graceful flowing shape with one straight edge and a gentle outward curve on the other. Around 65mm long (plus the hooks), they taper from the top to a softly pointed base with a subtle outward curve. The deep green stone shows beautiful translucency when held up to the light, revealing the natural character within the Pounamu.
A functional work of art — this guitar pick is carved from beautiful translucent Kawakawa Pounamu. It’s 30mm long, 25mm wide, and 4mm thick at its centre, tapering at the edges for comfortable playing. Designed to be used, this pick creates music through the touch of stone and string — a taonga that makes art through art.
This 65mm roimata is carved from rich kawakawa pounamu with a deep green colour and a beautiful glow when held up to the light. The design carries the gentle form of a traditional roimata, with a softly curved base that gives a subtle connection to the shape of a toki while maintaining the smooth, flowing lines of the pendant. Suspended on a black roimata lashing, it is a taonga that symbolises healing, strength, and the ability to move forward through life’s challenges.
A solid sterling silver ring set with a deep green Kawakawa Pounamu cabochon that I carved by hand. The band features a textured finish and a split design near the top, with a row of silver beads flowing across the surface. The contrast between the polished Pounamu and the raw silver texture gives this piece a timeless, natural character.
These handcrafted cufflinks combine solid sterling silver with rich green Kawakawa Pounamu. The stones are shaped into softly curved rectangular cabochons, measuring approximately 10mm long by 7mm wide, giving them a smooth and understated look suited to formal clothing.
Kawakawa Pounamu is known for its deep green colouring and natural depth, which stands out beautifully under light. The sterling silver fittings use a hidden pin attachment extending into the stone itself, creating a strong and secure finish designed for regular wear.
They are a refined way to bring the significance and beauty of Pounamu into weddings, business attire, and formal occasions.
This 70mm roimata is carved from Kawakawa Pounamu, with a simple form that gently tapers in thickness towards the flatter base. The deep green stone has a gorgeous soft glow when held up to the light and is finished with a black cord. The roimata represents emotion, healing and connection, as well as strength through difficult experiences.
Notifications
