New Zealand Pounamu greenstone jade Hei Toki adze pendant with raw live edges.

This traditional Hei Toki (adze) pendant has been carved from genuine New Zealand Pounamu (nephrite jade), its shape following the natural raw outer surface of the stone itself. The front and sides have been hand-polished to a soft satin sheen, while the back remains completely raw — a nod to the unshaped power of the earth and a reminder that beauty often lies in what we leave untouched. While the bottom of the pendant has been left completely raw from a natural crack in the rock slab— a live edge that tells the story of the stone’s natural formation. This balance between polished and unworked surfaces makes the pendant both refined and deeply organic, carrying the presence of the whenua (land) it was born from.

🌿 Cultural & Symbolic Meaning
• Hei Toki (Adze): In Māori tradition, the adze is a symbol of craftsmanship, strength, authority, and the ability to shape and create. As a pendant (Hei Toki), it connotes personal power, clarity of purpose, and a connection to one’s creative and leadership potential.
• Pounamu as Taonga: Pounamu (greenstone/jade) is a taonga — a sacred treasure in Māori culture. It is believed to hold mana (spiritual power, prestige, authority), and is often passed down through generations as a legacy. Wearing Pounamu is a way of carrying your ancestors, your land, and your story with you.

In Māori culture, the Hei Toki represents strength, authority, and wisdom. Originally shaped after the working adze tool used by ancestors, it symbolises one who carries both power and skill — leadership guided by balance and restraint. The raw back of this piece is a deliberate choice: it honours the wairua (spirit) of the stone, showing reverence for the untouched elements of Papatūānuku (Earth Mother).

🔬 Science, Geology & Geography
• Stone Type: Nephrite Jade — a fibrous, interlocking amphibole (actinolite–tremolite series).
• Hardness: About 6 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale.
• Structure: Its toughness comes from its dense, interwoven fibers, which make it both durable and able to take a high polish.
• Origin: Pounamu is found primarily in the rivers and mountains of New Zealand’s South Island (Te Wai Pounamu). It is formed through metamorphic processes under intense pressure and heat in fault zones.
• Appearance: Depending on the piece, Pounamu can vary from translucent pale green to deep forest or olive greens, often with inclusions, mottling, or veining that tell its geological history.

Sourced from the riverbeds and valleys of New Zealand’s South Island, this Pounamu formed deep within the earth over millions of years. Composed mainly of nephrite jade — a calcium magnesium silicate — it is known for its incredible toughness and silky texture. The deep green hues, with natural inclusions and veins, reflect the unique mineral composition of Aotearoa’s geology.


✨ Spiritual & Metaphysical Qualities
• Protection & Grounding: Pounamu is widely used as a protective stone, grounding the wearer and shielding from negative energies.
• Balance & Harmony: It helps align the physical, emotional, and spiritual bodies, encouraging inner peace and stability.
• Connection to Ancestry and Land: Because of its cultural importance, Pounamu links you with your heritage, the whenua (land), and deeper spiritual roots.
• Growth & Transformation: The Hei Toki form adds a dynamic element — the will to shape one’s life, carve one’s path, and evolve with purpose.

Spiritually, Pounamu is a taonga (treasure), believed to protect its wearer, absorb their mana (spiritual energy), and grow more powerful over time. It is often gifted to mark new beginnings, milestones, and deep connections between people.

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🧭 Care Guide
• Avoid exposure to harsh chemicals or ultrasonic cleaners.
• Wipe gently with a soft cloth after wearing to maintain its natural lustre.
• Every few months, rub with a drop of natural oil or beeswax to preserve shine and hydration.
• Treat it with respect — in Māori belief, Pounamu holds wairua (spirit) and should never be treated carelessly or left where it might be disrespected.

Adjustable Cord:
The pendant is suspended from an adjustable waxed polyester cord, made adjustable vis barrel knots. An adjustable waxed polyester cord allows for versatile styling and ensures comfortable wear and is waterproof.

Photos are captured under LED lighting to ensure true color representation, though slight variations may occur depending on individual lighting conditions.

Shipping Information:

Packaged securely to ensure safe delivery.
Standard shipping via Royal Mail for most countries, Evri for USA for Tarif reasons. Other international options via courier is available upon request.

Customs & Import Duties
Please be aware that customs duties, tariffs, and import taxes are the responsibility of the customer. By placing an order, you agree that you are aware of and accept responsibility for any charges required under your country’s laws (including the new U.S. tariffs).

If customs fees are not paid and the item is returned, this will be considered a non-consented return. In line with legal requirements (such as within the EU), refunds will be processed where applicable, but any charges or costs incurred on my end may be deducted from the refund.

-Important Notice – Contact Details Required for U.S. Orders-
To ensure a smooth and timely delivery, it’s essential that all customers provide the requested contact details in the personalisation section at checkout. These details are required for customs and shipping documentation.

Please note that failure or refusal to provide this information will result in your order being cancelled and refunded. Unfortunately, I’m no longer able to chase missing details, as doing so takes valuable time away from production and can cause delays that are penalised by Etsy’s system.

Your understanding and cooperation help keep everything running smoothly for all customers — thank you for supporting a small, independent maker who values your time and trust.