Paua Shell Jewellery

Treasure from New Zealand

Paua shell is found mainly in the sea waters around New Zealand .  It is harvested sustainably by free divers. The mollusc which produces the shell is mainly sought after for its meat , the shell being a bi-product. The New Zealand government manages the resource by allowing the harvest of a certain number per day and these must be above a specified size..

The shells may be blue ,deep or pale pink in colour and exhibit wonderful swirling designs. They are made from many layers of nacre , created by the organism similar to the substance jcreated by oyster pearls.

Maori legend says that Tagaroa the sea god provided the shell to the abalone mollusc to protect it ,creating a dull stony looking exterior with the wonderful colourful nacre forming on the interior. It is said to afford calm and a clear view of events . 

Paua Shell is a birthstone for the water signs of Pisces , Aquarius , Cancer and Scorpio.