About Our Pounamu

What is Pounamu?

Pounamu — known in English as greenstone or New Zealand jade — is one of Aotearoa New Zealand's most treasured natural materials. Found primarily along the rugged West Coast of the South Island, it has been used by Māori for centuries to craft tools, weapons, and ornaments of deep spiritual and cultural significance.

Our Carvings

Every piece in our collection is hand-carved from genuine New Zealand Pounamu, sourced from the West Coast of the South Island. Each carving is entirely unique — no two pieces are alike in colour, pattern, or character. We number each piece individually so you know exactly which stone is yours and that you have received the right one.

Caring for Your Pounamu

  • Clean gently with a soft, damp cloth.
  • Avoid exposure to harsh chemicals, perfumes, or ultrasonic cleaners.
  • Store wrapped in a soft cloth or pouch to prevent scratching.
  • If your piece loses its lustre over time, it can be re-polished by a professional carver, we can offer this just ask about the details through the contact us option.
  • Pounamu is a relatively hard stone but can chip if knocked sharply — handle with care.

Authenticity

All pieces sold by KiwiRocks And Gems From Kiwi Country are genuine New Zealand Pounamu. We do not carve any nephrite or serpentine from other countries. If you have any questions about a specific piece, please don't hesitate to get in touch.

Oil the Stone

All jade is porous, and some parts of the stone are more porous than others, making it harder for these parts to retain oil. We recommend oiling your necklace when you notice these "dry spots". You can do this by using a paper towel to dab a light, odourless oil (canola or lanolin is good) onto the carving and rub it all over. Avoid getting it directly on the cord. Leave the stone covered in oil for 5-10 minutes. Then use a dry paper towel to remove all the oil from the stone.

Although you will not damage your stone if you wear it in water, such as when showering or swimming, it can lead to the stone becoming dry, meaning you will need to oil it more frequently.