Mother Of Pearl & Paua Shell Carvings:

Pendants, Necklaces, Sculptures & Earrings

Pacific Pearl shell, or Mother-of-Pearl, is a true treasure of the deep and is absolutely stunning when polished and carved. It has layers of gold or black through the silver/white pearl which seem to shift and swirl around as the carvings are turned. Pacific Pearl comes in gold lipped or black lipped varieties which often reach 10 inches or more in diameter and close to an inch thick. Pearl is almost as hard as jade so is a wonderful long lasting material intricate carvings.

Paua which is similar to the American Abalone but much larger is a beautiful rainbow coloured shell which like pearl changes as the carving is turned. It is spectacular in the vibrancy and richness of its colour. Paua shell is often used as inlays in silver or bone carvings.

All carvings are supplied complete with a traditional style cord & bag.
Most cords are hand made from black waxed braid with a loop and pearl toggle fitted. A woven flax presentation case and information on the meaning of the design is also included.  Some come with a silver chain and/or in a jewelry box as illustrated
Cords & Packing Detail

Fast airmail shipping worldwide is now just US$6.95 for up to 5 pendants.

These are truly unique pieces. Due to the wide range of coloration and layer formation in the shell, it is impossible for two pieces to ever be the same. The carvings also often look totally different on each side as in the example Hei-Matau below.  Colours are therefore indicative only and may vary considerably between carvings.

SPECIAL NOTE:
Due to an extreme shortage of high quality pearl shell worldwide, many of these designs are now in very limited supply and will be withdrawn from our site when current stock is sold.

Click Here For
Christmas Delivery Deadlines

Front View		Back View
An example of the colour variations found in a Pearl carving as it is turned

Koru (Spirals): The spiral is a Koru, represents the fern frond as it opens bringing new life and purity to the world. It also represents peace, tranquility and spirituality along with a strong sense of regrowth or new beginnings. The Koru is also often associated with nurturing so when interlocked with others is frequently used to represent the strength and purity of a loving relationship within a family. Now Over 15 Designs In This Section

Hei-Matau (Hooks): These very stylised fish hook jade carvings or pendants represent prosperity,abundance, fertility and strength. They are also seen as good luck charms, particularly for those traveling over water. Hei-Matau are symbols of power and authority which are held in great reverence by the Maori people. - Some of the Paua shell carvings are set in sterling silver Now Over 20 Designs In This Section

Twists: The twist with its crisscross form represents the many paths of life and love and as such is regarded as the original eternity symbol. The single twist in particular shows the joining together of two people for eternity. Even though they sometimes move away from each other on their own journeys, they will always come together again sharing their lives and blending to become one. It tells how the strength of bond of friendship, loyalty and love will last forever. The double and triple twists have a similar meaning but refer more to the joining of two peoples or cultures rather than individuals. They also refer the the three baskets of knowledge. Now Over 15 Designs In This Section

Other Pearl & Paua Shell Carvings & Gifts:

These pieces are a mixture traditional decorative styles along with some more contemporary designs. Many are based on Maori legend while some are modern designs inspired by ancient Maori styles with flowing lines, scrolls and soft forms. Some of these pendants are also based on Celtic or oriental designs.
- Pendants, Earrings & Gifts

Now Over 20 Designs In This Section

Large Polished New Zealand Paua Shells

Sterling Silver with Pearl and Paua inlays

Also check out our sterling silver section
featuring Pearl and Paua shell inlays.

Featured Artists & Unique or Limited Edition Custom Carvings:

These are very special carvings are often spectacular unique or limited edition pieces in bone, pearl, wood or jade from guest artists and are not part of our normal range.

These often reclusive artists take their inspiration not only from Maori mythology but also from the many other cultures that now share our beautiful land. They also illustrate the deep respect these artists have for the natural and spiritual worlds.

As soon as each carving is sold it will be removed from our site permanently so check for updates often and be quick when you find one that you like, it may be your only chance!!