Distinctive New Zealand Greenstone (New Zealand Jade or Pounamu) Necklace made up of three linked discs hung in perfect balance.
Simplicity of design enhances the beauty of the semi-precious stone and is reminiscent of artefact jewellery from the ancient world. The Greenstone is beautifully shaped and polished to show off the colour and pattern of the stone. It is soft and warm to the touch and looks great on skin or against fabric.
Necklace is made up of one large and two smaller Greenstone disks, linked by large sterling silver links and hung on a sterling silver snake chain with silver, spring ring clasp. Made in New Zealand.
Necklace measures 50cm (19¾ inches).
Because this is a natural product, colours tones may vary a little from that pictured.
Created by Nelson artist, Ian Longley as part of his Concepts in Stone collection. Ian has been making jewellery for over 30 years and the main focus of his work is in using New Zealand stone, jade, argillite, jasper, agate etc. He is very inspired by the natural beauty that exists in stone, creating pieces that allow the inherent qualities of the stone to shine forth.
About Pounamu (New Zealand Greenstone)
Pounamu (New Zealand greenstone) is a highly prized hard nephrite jade found in New Zealand. It is composed of chlorite and epidote which makes the stone a mid-to-dark green colour and is considered New Zealand's most treasured precious stone.
Greenstone rocks are generally found in rivers. They appear as nondescript boulders and stones and are difficult to identify without cutting them open. The mining of pounamu is closely controlled.
The Maori call the South Island of New Zealand Te Wai Pounamu, meaning "The land of Greenstone Water". Pounamu is highly valued by the Maori and is considered a taonga or treasure, and so is protected under the Treaty of Waitangi.
Pounamu is a very hard stone and must be worked with care and patience. Traditionally it was used as an alternative to iron in axes and similar hand tools. The Maori club, the mere, was often made of pounamu. Because of its beauty and value it was also turned into beautiful jewellery in traditional Maori designs. Pounamu artefacts were often given as gifts to seal important agreements. Today, diamond tools are often used to carve it and Pounamu jewellery is very popular among New Zealanders who see it as somewhat iconic of the country.