About Us
THE OPAL FROM THE SEA
Marine Opal Jewellery is renowned for its stylish designs and the shimmering rainbow colours of New Zealand’s unique Paua Shell. Of all the Abalone species worldwide, New Zealand Paua is by far the most colourful and sought after.
Marine Opal Paua are harvested along the coast of the Chatham Islands, where crustaceans with the most intense colouring proliferate in the cool, clear, mineral rich waters. Strictly enforced size and quota regulations ensure that Paua numbers remain sustainable for future generations. Mature Paua are harvested by free-diving to depths of 10 metres where they are collected by hand. Once collected the heavy lime & marine encrustations are ground from shells before they are cleaned and polished to reveal the rich lustre beneath. Finished shells are then skillfully cut by craftsmen before each piece is carefully shaped and inlaid into our range of necklaces, earrings, bracelets and bangles. All Marine Opal Jewellery is Hypoallergenic with a strong resistance to tarnishing. Metals used in the making of our designs are either Imitation Rhodium, 22 Carat Gold or Palladium which has an especially low risk of allergic reaction to the skin.
HALIOTIS IRIS
paua