From the wild shores of Kaikōura, New Zealand, these naturally tumbled Pāua shells have been shaped by ocean, tide, and time — treasures sculpted by nature herself. Each piece has been hand-drilled and gently polished to reveal its inner iridescence while preserving its original, organic form.
No two shells are alike. Blues, greens, purples, and pinks shimmer in shifting light, their colours echoing the depths of the Pacific. Hung simply on natural jute cord, they make radiant and meaningful Yule or Christmas ornaments — carrying the spirit of the sea and the calm strength of nature into your home.
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Sustainability & Process
These Pāua shells are ethically beachcombed from the Kaikōura coastline — never harvested from live molluscs. Each shell is cleaned, polished by hand, and drilled for hanging, with care taken to keep their natural curves and edges intact.
By working with naturally discarded shell, each ornament helps reduce waste while honouring the cycles of ocean and earth. The jute cord complements their raw, coastal beauty — biodegradable, simple, and honest.
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Symbolism & Spirit
Pāua (Haliotis iris) is sacred in Māori tradition — symbolising protection, peace, and the eyes of ancestors watching over the living. Its iridescence represents change, emotion, and the harmony of opposites — the balance between light and dark, land and sea, seen and unseen.
Used as ornaments for Yule or Christmas, these shells bring a reminder of connection: between the natural and the spiritual, the old year and the new. Their ocean-born shimmer is a tribute to resilience, transformation, and the returning light.
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Geology & Science
Pāua shell is a type of abalone unique to New Zealand, composed primarily of aragonite (CaCO₃) crystals in a layered nacre structure. This microscopic “brickwork” formation causes light interference — creating the brilliant rainbow sheen.
The shells’ natural tumbling and weathering along the Kaikōura coast enhance both texture and pattern, giving each piece its own fingerprint of the sea.
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Details & Features
• Set of four natural Pāua (abalone) shell ornaments
• Ethically beachcombed from Kaikōura, New Zealand
• Hand-polished and drilled by artisan maker
• Hung on natural jute cord
• Retains original, freeform shape
• Symbolic of protection, harmony, and oceanic renewal
• Ideal for Yule, Christmas, coastal or spiritual decor
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Dimensions & Variations
Each shell is unique in shape and colour, typically ranging 4–6 cm across. Variations in iridescence and texture are part of their natural character.
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Care
Wipe gently with a soft dry cloth. Avoid prolonged exposure to water or direct sunlight to maintain lustre.
