The nearest town to where I live is called Picton – it is the first port of call for anyone travelling to the South Island of New Zealand on our inter-island ferries.

Palm Tree Pendant – GP589/PO589

As you will see in the picture below the local foreshore is dotted with large palm trees and I wear my Palm Tree Pendant to remind me of this beautiful idyllic spot.
To me the Palm Tree pendant speaks of sunny skies and relaxing vacations. But I am sure that wherever you are in the world you may be lucky enough to have seen palm trees somewhere along your travels….I know that there are over 2000 native species that grow in various palm tree locations throughout the world. They thrive from the Caribbean to Asia; Africa to Australia, the United States to Canada. South and Central America, Mexico and the Middle East are also home to many varieties. Europe has quite a few more than you may think
The most popular kinds found in the Middle East and Africa are the date and oil producing varieties. The Caribbean is one of the world’s most popular vacation destinations. You can’t picture a tropical beach to relax on without palm trees springing to mind.
Many cultures around the world use palms for several things. The trees shelter them. Feed them with fruit. Quench their thirst with water.
These trees play an important role supplying them with the some of the basic necessities of life.
So whenever I wear my Palm Tree Pendant I am reminded that our New Zealand Jewellery is sold to all the corners of the world and many people will have their own special significant memory of the majestic palm tree.

Nautilus Shell Pendant – GP588/PO588

A symbol of life, internal harmony, and the perfection of nature, the Nautilus Shell evokes a sense of mystery and awe. The chambers of the nautilus shell are symbolic of growth, evolution and renewal – the stages each individual passes through life. The spiral itself is a symbol of creation, movement, and fluidity. My gorgeous Nautilus Shell pendant captures these attributes perfectly and makes the perfect statement piece to give me a serene sense of balance and well-being.

The ancient Nautilus Shell is a symbol of proportional perfection. It is the most inspiring and energetic form known to human kind. It is also the perfect paradox – having survived relatively unchanged for millions of years, the Nautilus Shell is, oddly enough, a symbol for expansion and renewal as it grows increasingly larger chambers throughout its life. Its shape represents the golden mean number, known as PHI, in which the digits continue indefinitely without ever repeating themselves. PHI is found in all living forms, and when used in artwork and architecture, it renders the object beautiful to the human eye.

To me the Nautilus Shell reminds me of what I strive to achieve in my life ….balance, beauty, consistency and continual growth.
It also symbolises what it is that Ariki New Zealand Jewellery represents – we are a small jewellery manufacturer based in Marlborough New Zealand who produce unique beautiful quality jewellery and export it to all the corners of the globe… a remarkable achievement indeed.

Cats Eye Earrings – PE244/PE144

I love to team my unique Cats Eye Earrings with my Nautilus Shell pendant.
The Cat’s eye shells which these gorgeous earrings are stylised on are fascinating as they actually are the protective lids or ‘doors’ of the common sea snail. When these snails withdraw into their shells, it is this very cat’s eye that encloses them. That’s why cat’s eyes are great symbols of safety, protection, new life and new season.

Egret Pendant – GP889/PO889

Stylised on the Egret, a beautiful creature, exhibiting grace, and noble stature. My elegant Egret Pendant brings me the feeling of the peace and harmony of seeing the Egret on a twilight evening fishing in the shallow waters.
New Zealand’s Egret is known as the white heron or kotuku and is well-loved by the New Zealand people, but it is rarely seen except by those who specifically seek it out.
Its sole New Zealand breeding site near Okarito Lagoon in Westland is well-known and well-protected, but elsewhere it is ‘He kotuku rerenga tahi’ or the bird of single flight, implying something seen perhaps once in a lifetime.

It is revered by our native New Zealand people Māori for its elegant white feathers. This graceful bird has long, slender legs and a long, thin S-shaped neck, which has a distinct kink when flying.
When seen in close proximity it is a magnificent bird, with its large size and clean white plumage. White herons have never been recorded attempting to breed anywhere else in New Zealand and despite the risk of the entire population being in just one site they seem to thrive in this protected precious piece of paradise.

The adult Birds arrive at the breeding colony in August, where they build nests in trees and tree ferns up to 15 m high. Their eggs are laid in September-October and are incubated by both parents. The cute little Nestlings are fed by both parents.

Their leaving of the nest begins with short flights, followed by final departure about 64 days after hatching.
As a symbol of things both beautiful and rare, the kōtuku occupied an important place in Māori myth and folklore, and to compare a visitor to a kōtuku was a compliment of the highest order.
My Egret pendant is very special to me and I often receive compliments on its unique style and beauty whenever I wear it.