New Zealand Rainbow Pāua Shell Roimata Pendant Handcrafted from sustainably sourced pāua shell, this striking teardrop pendant celebrates the iridescent beauty of Aotearoa’s oceans. The natural colours of the shell shimmer with blues, greens, and purples, echoing the rolling tides and coastal light of New Zealand’s wild shores.
Shaped in the traditional Roimata (tear drop) style, this pendant holds deep meaning in Māori culture. Roimata forms are often worn to represent healing, connection, and the gentle release of emotion—bringing calm, empathy, and protection to the wearer. It is a form of comfort, particularly for those experiencing emotional journeys.
Pāua shell is more than just visually stunning. Scientifically, it is a form of nacre (mother-of-pearl), composed of aragonite crystals (CaCO₃) bonded by proteins in a layered structure that gives it its luminous, rainbow-like play of colour. Found along New Zealand’s coastline, pāua is deeply entwined with the cultural and ecological identity of Aotearoa.
This pendant is lightweight, eye-catching, and filled with meaning—perfect as a gift, or a personal talisman to wear close to the heart.
This item is made to order, meaning each piece is individually crafted and may require additional time for materials to be sourced. If specific characteristics—such as a certain grain pattern in wood or a particular shade in stone—are important to you, I’m happy to work with you to create a piece that best suits your preferences. Due to the natural variation in materials, no two pieces will ever be identical; differences in color, grain, patina, or inclusions make each one completely unique. The photos provided are examples of previous work in this shape and style, but the final piece may vary slightly in size by a millimeter or two. If you have any custom requests or specific requirements, feel free to reach out—I’ll do my best to accommodate them!
