I have recently had a pleasure of having my eldest sister visit from Australia (or “across the ditch” as we affectionately call it!) Her precious visit reminded me to tell you about our very special Australian inspired pieces of unique Paua Shell and Jade New Zealand Jewellery.

Kangaroo Pendant Paua – GP805/PO805
Kangaroo Pendant Jade– GO805/JO805

The Kangaroo is the national symbol of Australia, somewhere I love to visit for holidays in the sunshine and at this time of year when it is cold in New Zealand it is the perfect holiday destination with their warmer seasons and idyllic beaches.

The kangaroo is a marsupial with large, powerful hind legs, large feet adapted for leaping, a long muscular tail for balance, and a small head. An interesting fact however is that the Kangaroo cannot jump or walk backwards and it was for this reason that it is believed to have been chosen as the internationally recognised symbol for Australia
It is thought that the Kangaroo was chosen to represent the country’s progress because they are always moving forward and never move backwards.

The indigenous people of Australia are Aboriginals and the name kangaroo originates from the word Gangarru an Australian Aboriginal word.
In Aboriginal lore these people held the Kangaroo in a position of honour and respect not just because it was a source of food but in the observations of how the Kangaroo nurtured their young.
Female kangaroos sport a pouch on their belly to cradle baby kangaroos, called joeys. New-born joeys are tiny, about the size of a grape – cute! After birth, joeys travel unassisted through their mother’s thick fur to the comfort and safety of the pouch. At around 4 months, the youngster emerges from the pouch for short trips, and at ten months, it’s mature enough to leave the pouch for good.

The Kangaroo is therefore a great symbol for family, nurturing and protection.
Aboriginal history says that many “dream time” stories and paintings, present the Kangaroo as a spiritual warrior and worthy opponent. They state that one of the best qualities that you can learn from a kangaroo is their strong warrior energy. This is applicable not only to men, but to women as well.

Our beautiful pieces of Paua Shell and Jade jewellery may be worn with pride by both Australians and those who may have visited this beautiful country and seen this majestic animal for themselves.
I myself have purchased these beautiful pieces of unique handcrafted jewellery for many friends and family living in a country we class as being our “closest neighbour.”

Koala Pendant – GP578/PO578

Another well recognised animal in Australia is The Koala. This plump fuzzy marsupial lives predominately in Eastern Australia and can spend up to 20 hours a day sleeping so you will often see them snuggled into the branches of the eucalyptus trees in which they live and feed on. They can also be visited and cuddled in any of the many zoos in Australia.

Time of birth

At the time of birth a Koala Joey has to travel into the front pouch of its mother, slowly but steadily traveling by itself with the help of its small limbs. It has a good sense of smell to identify its mother’s pouch.

A joey grows and develops in the pouch for about six months. Once strong enough, the youngster rides around on its mother’s back for a further six months, only using the pouch to feed. So to me the very popular Koala symbolises protecting and nurturing. They look after their tribe, showing keen interest in their society, and willing to help others in need.

Origin of the name

These magnificent mammals get their name from the indigenous people of Australia – the Aboriginal term meaning, ‘no drink’. It’s believed this is because koalas get almost all their moisture from the leaves they eat, and rarely drink water.

Our wee pendant captures the essence of these cute cuddly Koala holding a beautiful piece of Paua in their paws symbolising the greens, yellows and other colours of their native habitat and surroundings.