Delicate Silver and New Zealand Greenstone Spiral Drop Earrings with a contemporary layered disc design
These beautifully crafted earrings are comprised of a disc of sterling silver overlaid with a disc of translucent Pounamu (Greenstone) which in turn is overlaid with a sterling silver spiral. All are strung on a hook with complete closure.
Handcrafted from sterling silver and Pounamu (New Zealand Greenstone) by local Golden Bay jeweller, Nick Feint.
The Silver Pounamu Spiral Drop Earrings measure 14mm (½ inch) in diameter, with a drop measuring 23mm (1 inch). They come with a velvet pouch.
Made in New Zealand.
About Pounamu (New Zealand greenstone)
Pounamu 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.
Maori call the South Island of New Zealand Te Wai Pounamu, meaning "The Land of Greenstone Water". Pounamu is highly valued by 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.