If you're looking for a reason to buy something meaningful, and haven't quite made your mind up yet, here are some reasons to gift pounamu. From supporting local artists to the deep meaning associated with the stone, pounamu is a truly amazing gift to give.
Every piece is one-of-a-kind
Our pieces are handcrafted with love
A gift that will last
Forever connected with a loved one
Supporting local artists
Our Promise
Hand carved
Smooth lines, soft finishes, no scratches and no cuts.
Sustainable packaging
Wherever possible we use sustainable packaging.
Gift wrapping
We offer a Premium Gift Wrapping service.
Free shipping
On all domestic orders.
The Breastplate is a symbol of strength and leadership.
The pounamu breastplate is thought of as a shield, giving the wearer strength and offering them protection throughout their life.
Gift, with love
Every detail of our packaging is thoughtfully curated, from sustainable, low-ink, recyclable materials to personalised touches like mini-meaning cards and artist profiles. For an extra special touch, our Premium Gift Wrapping service means we wrap your piece in elegant kraft paper, tied with natural string and a woven jute ribbon.
James Pirika
The artist behind this creationJames is an emerging pounamu carver whose journey began in the Mountain Jade Studio after finishing high school. With a talent for storytelling through his art, his path has been one of exploration, growth, and a deep connection to his culture.
After spending seven years honing his craft within the walls of our studio and learning the foundations of carving from Tamaora Walker, James felt the pull of the wider world, embarking on a four-year hiatus, eager to soak up diverse experiences and perspectives. This time away from carving moulded him, shaping his perspectives and outlook on life and growing his collection of stories to tell.
The breastplate acts as a physical and symbolic shield and is thought to be a protective talisman. It represents strength, resilience, and the ability to shield oneself from negative energies or harm.