Sign In

Sign Up
English speaking customer support only
1-800-464-1640
Change Language
- English
- Français
- Español
- Italiano
- Deutsch
- Pусский
- 中文
- 日本語
- العربية
- Português
- 한국인
USD
Change Currency
- EUR = Euro
- GBP = British Pound
- USD = U.S. Dollar
- AED = United Arab Emirates Dirham
- AUD = Australian Dollar
- BHD = Bahraini Dinar
- BND = Brunei Dollar
- CAD = Canadian Dollar
- CHF = Swiss Franc
- CNY = Chinese Yuan
- CZK = Czech Koruna
- DKK = Danish Krone
- EGP = Egyptian Pound
- EUR = Euro
- GBP = British Pound
- HKD = Hong Kong Dollar
- IDR = Indonesian Rupiah
- ILS = Israeli New Shekel
- INR = Indian Rupee
- IQD = Iraqi Dinar
- JOD = Jordanian Dinar
- JPY = Japanese Yen
- KRW = South Korean Won
- KWD = Kuwaiti Dinar
- MXN = Mexican Peso
- MYR = Malaysian Ringgit
- NOK = Norwegian Krone
- NZD = New Zealand Dollar
- OMR = Omani Rial
- PHP = Philippine Piso
- PLN = Polish Złoty
- QAR = Qatari Riyal
- RUB = Russian Ruble
- SAR = Saudi Riyal
- SEK = Swedish Krona
- SGD = Singapore Dollar
- TWD = New Taiwan Dollar
- USD = U.S. Dollar
- VND = Vietnamese Dồng
- ZAR = South African Rand

Gemstones
Gemstones By Color
Gemstones By Color
Popular Gemstones
Popular Gemstones
- Sapphire
- Topaz
- Amethyst
- Emerald
- Citrine
- Ruby
- Tourmaline
- Garnet
- Tanzanite
- Aquamarine
- Opal
- Zircon
New Arrivals
Gems By Price
Pairs
Lots
Calibrated
Birthstones
Birthstones

By Gavin Clarke Reviewed By Andreas Zabczyk Dec 17, 2014 Updated Jan 23, 2019

Maori Jade Jewelry

Nephrite Jade Maori Tiki Necklace Pendant

Nephrite Jade Maori Tiki Pendant

The Maori are people of East Polynesian descent who have lived in New Zealand for centuries and developed their own unique culture. The Maori settled in New Zealand long before the arrival of Europeans, who brought great change and upheaval to the Maori people.

The Maori people made use of materials they call pounamu and tangiwai for weapons and decorations. Pounamu typically refers to nephrite jade, which is classified according to its appearance. For example, translucent to opaque, pearly-white or grayish-green pounamu is termed inanga pounamu. The name is derived from a freshwater fish that has a similar appearance. The most highly desired and rarest is kahurangi pounamu, which has a high level of translucency and a vivid green color. Tangiwai usually refers to bowenite, which is a compact variety of serpentine. In English, both pounamu and tangiwai are given the general term "greenstone".

Some of the earliest known Maori decorations were reels, which were likely worn as necklaces and made from bone or stone. Also worn were whale teeth or carved replicas shaped like whale teeth, V-shaped pendants and discs decorated with designs such as fish. These were typically made from whale bone, shark teeth, whale teeth or shells.

Nephrite Jade Fish Hook Pendant (Hei Matau)

The discovery of New Zealand nephrite and serpentine came later for the Maori people; around one thousand years ago. These materials were used to make tools, weapons and decorations. It is said that the Maoris valued pounamu due to its attractive appearance, strength and durability. In fact, in 1870 when gold was to be mined in Coromandel, a prominent Maori called Te Otatu made the following remark, "Let the gold be worked by the white men. It was not a thing known to our ancestors. My only treasure is the pounamu". The greenstone was so treasured that its sources caused conflict between Maori tribes.

There are a variety of Maori motifs used for carved greenstone pendants. Fish hooks or hei matau are one design, which are said to bring luck, prosperity and promote safe water travel. Whales and dolphins are also important symbols, said to offer protection. Additionally, dolphins represent friendship. Koru resemble the spiral or curl of an unfurling fern frond and are thought to symbolize growth and new life. Circles and single twists are thought to symbolize eternity, whereas double or triple twists generally mean the joining together of people. A teardrop shape, known as roimata is believed to represent comfort. Also used as pendants are koropepe; an eel-like fish, and various mythical creatures.

Serpentine Pendant

An important Maori jewelry item is a pendant known as hei tiki or simply tiki (see top image). Tiki is the name assigned to all human figures and hei is the word for an object that hangs from the neck. These are carvings in the form of a human that are worn by women and men. They are often passed down through generations. The significance of tiki is not clear. Various theories state that the tiki could be the first man, known as Tiki, or perhaps be a human embryo, symbol of fertility or an amulet to promote safe childbirth. It is believed by some that a hei tiki can help a woman to conceive. Tiki can be female or sexless and the earliest ones were made from bone, wood or ivory. Later, tiki were made from mostly nephrite jade.

Maori people also wore a variety of ear ornaments. Some of these were long, straight polished greenstone pendants or pendants which were bent at the end. Others were drop-shaped. Also worn were rings, hooks, teeth or feathers.

The unique history of the Maori people is integral to the history of New Zealand and pounamu is an important part of Maori culture. To this day, there is a prominent Maori population in New Zealand, who continue to practice and preserve their traditions, including the carving of their treasured pounamu or greenstone.

About Us

Gemstone Information Sign up for our Newsletter

Overall Rating -> 9

Really good selection of low cost gems, which is what I care about.

Posted By Nigerian Prince in April, 2023

Source: Bizrate

Overall Rating -> 10

I enjoy the fact that I can decide the clarity cut and colour choice and that I am told everything about gem in the packaging as well ordering was very easy!

Posted By Moopie in September, 2022

Source: Bizrate

Overall Rating -> 10

I am excited for my first order, search tools were a great help to find the sapphire I needed for my next project! Thank you

Posted By Sue in April, 2023

Source: Bizrate

Overall Rating -> 10

Selection ability was straightforward and easy.

Posted By Dave in May, 2023

Source: Bizrate

Overall Rating -> 10

Lightning fast shipping, high quality, the stones I bought were described and pictured in minute detail. I got exactly what I ordered and are very well pleased.

Posted By None in November, 2022

Source: Bizrate

Overall Rating -> 10

I have loved GemSelect for years; and have ordered many pretty and special gems for my personal use and for handmade gifts. Now I am going in a new direction and plan to design and build some lovelies for sale on the web.

Posted By A Stone's Throw in February, 2023

Source: Bizrate

Overall Rating -> 10

After working with and polishing low-grade, rough fire-agate, only to be disappointed, this shop was nirvana. The costs of some gems might seem high, but I have easily spent the same amount rough polishing lousy material only to get a few hints of fire. If you want Fire-agates, BUY the agates you want. These are excellent specimens and are worth considering.

Posted By Jim in October, 2022

Source: Bizrate

Minerals, Rocks and Gems

Minerals, Rocks and Gems ...

Gem Hardness and Durability

Gemstone Hardness and Durability ...

Best Value Gemstones

The Best Value for Money Gemstones - get more bang for your buck! ...

Opal: Fire of the Desert

Opal: Fire of the Desert - Vivid splashes of fiery color ...

Maw-Sit-Sit from Burma

Maw-Sit-Sit from Burma ...