Few materials carry as much cultural weight and natural beauty as pounamu — the greenstone of Aotearoa New Zealand. If you're considering pounamu jewellery, or simply want to understand what makes it so special, this guide is for you.
What is Pounamu?
Pounamu is the Māori name for a group of hard, green stones found only on the South Island (Te Wai Pounamu — "the waters of greenstone") of New Zealand. The most prized varieties include:
- Nephrite (kawakawa, kahurangi, īnanga) — the most common and culturally significant form, ranging from deep forest green to pale, translucent grey-green.
- Bowenite (tangiwai) — a softer, more translucent stone, sometimes called "serpentine," with a glassy quality.
Each variety has its own name, character, and traditional associations in Māori culture.
The Cultural Significance of Pounamu
For Māori, pounamu is taonga — a treasure. It holds deep spiritual and cultural significance, and has been used for centuries to make tools, weapons, and ornaments of great prestige. Pounamu was traded across the country and gifted to mark important relationships, alliances, and life events.
Traditional pounamu forms each carry meaning:
- Hei tiki — a human figure representing ancestors and fertility, often passed down through generations.
- Hei matau (fish hook) — symbolising prosperity, safe travel over water, and good luck.
- Koru (spiral) — representing new life, growth, and the unfolding of a new journey.
- Manaia — a spiritual guardian, often depicted as a bird-human figure.
Pounamu as a Gift
In Māori tradition, pounamu is most meaningful when it is gifted rather than purchased for oneself. A piece of pounamu given with intention carries the mana (prestige and spiritual power) of the giver, and grows in significance as it is passed on through generations.
This makes pounamu jewellery one of the most thoughtful and enduring gifts you can give — for a birthday, a milestone, a wedding, or simply to tell someone they matter.
Caring for Your Pounamu
Pounamu is a hard stone, but it benefits from respectful care:
- Clean with a soft, damp cloth — avoid harsh chemicals or ultrasonic cleaners.
- Store carefully to avoid chipping against harder surfaces.
- The stone may develop a beautiful patina over time with wear — this is natural and cherished.
Each piece of pounamu is unique — shaped by the stone itself, by the hands that worked it, and by the story it carries forward.
Explore our pounamu jewellery collection and find a piece with meaning.