David carved a pendant for me...in JADE

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The unique designs and forms of New Zealand jade Pounamu has special significance for the Maori. The Maori believe that Pounamu absorbs the 'mana' or spiritual power of its wearer. The Maori also believe that a piece of Pounamu will always yearn to return to its source in the rivers and mountains.

New Zealand jade carving is unique in its designs and forms. We owe this to the Maori who have refined techniques of working with the stone over a long period of time. We can trace their use of Pounamu back to the twelfth century. Because of its extreme hardness, Pounamu was used by the Maori for weapons and tools. It was also prized by the Maori for jewerly - pendants and earrings and soul protection.

Many of the designs are contemporary interpretations of traditional designs . It can be said that all jade carving has an organic dimension and it is dynamic and diverse depending on different sources of inspiration. We went to Bonz-n-stonz a carving shop in Hotikika, New Zealand the Jade capital of the world. We had the opportunity have our own carving experience and had the honor of being guided by Steve Gwaliasi . For more info click here bonz-n-stonz

David carved a Koru (spiral) for me which means new beginnings, growth and harmony and I carved a hei matua (fish hook) for him which means "Save journey through water" for his protection.

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