The Pāua shell is the iridescent highly coloured shell of a unique species of edible sea snail, Haliotis iris, found only in the coastal waters of New Zealand. The pāua is renowned for its intense swirling patterns of blue, green, purple and pink. Often referred to as the ‘Sea Opal’
In Māori culture, pāua is a taonga (treasure). It is deeply symbolic.
Represented as the Eyes of Ancestors, it is frequently used for the eyes in traditional Māori carvings (Whakairo), symbolising the connection to ancestors and the sea god, Tangaroa.
It represents the oceans life force and is believed to bring harmony to relationships
Length 5cm including bale - width 4cm
Pāua shell is set in 925 Stirling Silver
Designed by Merchants of Venus, Australia
The Pāua shell is the iridescent highly coloured shell of a unique species of edible sea snail, Haliotis iris, found only in the coastal waters of New Zealand. The pāua is renowned for its intense swirling patterns of blue, green, purple and pink. Often referred to as the ‘Sea Opal’
In Māori culture, pāua is a taonga (treasure). It is deeply symbolic.
Represented as the Eyes of Ancestors, it is frequently used for the eyes in traditional Māori carvings (Whakairo), symbolising the connection to ancestors and the sea god, Tangaroa.
It represents the oceans life force and is believed to bring harmony to relationships
Length 5cm including bale - width 4cm
Pāua shell is set in 925 Stirling Silver
Designed by Merchants of Venus, Australia
