Paua

The Paua shell has become a New Zealand icon, its numerous natural uses making it a small part of everyone's home. 'Paua to the People' take the whole idea one step further – handcrafting the shells to their full potential while retaining the free forms and lines.

The shells are the by-product of the main use for Paua, it's meat. In New Zealand there are strict gathering quotas in place and a sound environmental policy of sustainable management. In addition to this, there is a growing industry in farming the Paua for its meat, providing a future for this most wonderful of molluscs. Like trees, Paua shells grow thicker with age and most of our shells are in excess of 20 years old.

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. Our paua range is very affordable and a beautiful gift to give or keep for yourself. We stock a selection of paua pearl jewellery as well. The pearl is created in the paua in a similar fashion to the normal pearl . This process takes many years but well worth the wait.

We have a huge range of Art and Craft products made with Paua.

Paua Jewellery comes in a range of products including Cuff Links, Brooches, Pins, Rings and Necklaces.

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.