Paua Shell Pendants

A collection of iconic pendants made from beautifully polished Paua shell. Each has an adjustable, waxed braid so you can make it to any length. Choose from Koru, Dolphin, Fish Hook or Freeform. Made in New Zealand.

Koru
The Koru is a traditional Maori design that represents the fern frond as it opens bringing new life and purity to the world. It heralds new beginnings of peace, tranquillity, growth and harmony for its wearer.
Measures 3.5 cm (1 1/2 inches) diameter.

Dolphin
The ocean has always been the dominant force for the Maori people who travelled huge distances in their long canoes and lived on the bounty of the tropical waters. They had a great respect for the creatures of the sea, especially dolphins and whales. The dolphin, in all its playfulness, symbolises happiness and lightness of being.
Measures 5cm (2 inches) wide.

Fish Hook
The Maori fish hook, Hei Matau, was made in several designs to suit the catching of a wide variety of fish around New Zealand. Its cultural significance goes beyond the catching of food however, as the legend of New Zealand's discovery involves the god Maui fishing up the North Island from his canoe (the South Island). Today, the Fish Hook represents strength and determination and brings peace, prosperity and good health to its wearer. It also provides safe journey, especially over water.
Measures 3.75 cm (1.5 inches) long.

Freeform
Each piece unique. A tumbled and polished piece of paua shell keeping its raw and natural shape.
Measures approx. 4cm (1.5 inches) long.

Because this is a natural product, precise colour tones may vary a little from that pictured.

About Paua
The Paua, related to Abalone, is only found in the sea around New Zealand. This marine mollusk eats seaweed and lives clinging to rocks at depths of 1-10 meters, normally along the shoreline. The shell of the New Zealand Paua is the most colourful of all abalone shells.
When tumbled or polished, the Paua shell displays an iridescent swirl of intense green, blue, purple, and sometimes pink colours - flattering any skin tone. The colours change when viewed at different angles.
This iridescence, similar to that of Mother of Pearl but far more brilliant, is what makes Paua shell a wonderful addition to contemporary jewellery. Each shell is unique - different in colour and pattern making it truly one of nature's marvels.
To Maori, paua are recognised taonga, or treasure, esteemed both as kai moana (seafood) and as a valued resource for traditional and contemporary arts and crafts. Paua are frequently used to represent the eyes in Maori carvings and traditionally are associated with the stars, or whetu the eyes of ancestors that gaze down from the night sky.

Strictly enforced regulations control the size and quantity of Paua harvested. Paua divers can only free-dive to pry paua off the rocks - the use of air tanks is prohibited. By purchasing a piece of paua shell jewellery you are increasing the value of this resource and helping ensure that it continues to be a managed in a sustainable way.