If you're looking for a reason to buy something meaningful, and haven't quite made your mind up yet, here are some reasons to gift pounamu. From supporting local artists to the deep meaning associated with the stone, pounamu is a truly amazing gift to give.
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The Koru is a symbol of life and growth
Resembling the unfurling frond of the native New Zealand silver fern, the Koru connects us to new beginnings, hope for the future, and the good that will follow.
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Every detail of our packaging is thoughtfully curated, from sustainable, low-ink, recyclable materials to personalised touches like mini-meaning cards and artist profiles. For an extra special touch, our Premium Gift Wrapping service means we wrap your piece in elegant kraft paper, tied with natural string and a woven jute ribbon.
Ernesto Ovalle
The artist behind this creationHailing all the way from Columbia, Ernesto is joined by his son Sebastian and daughter Manuela, to form their jewellery studio - Oro Negro. Ernesto moved to Aotearoa in 1999 and quickly drew comparisons between his Columbian indigenous tribe - Musica - and the Māori culture. With a desire to create contemporary jewellery as in his homeland, he attended Tai Poutini Polytechnic in Greymouth to learn the craft of stone carving, before refining his talents at Elam School of Fine Arts.
A fundamental symbol in Māori art, the koru symbolises life and creation, with its fluid circular shape conveying the idea of everlastingness.
The Koru
The koru is a beloved symbol throughout Aotearoa, seen painted on tipuna (meeting houses), waka (canoes), in traditional Tā moko (Māori tattooing) and on wood and greenstone carvings. Pounamu artists use the koru pattern in many different ways; often introducing it as surface-etching or detail into other forms and shapes. It is though to depict new beginnings, life and hope.