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New Zealand Paua or Abalone Paua is a unique New Zealand product. Traditionally the native Maori population have used the Paua Shell in carvings and artwork, regarding the shell as a treasure or Taonga. The meat of the Paua, as it is with Abalone in many places in the world, is a delicacy and a favourite food for important celebrations.

 

Locally known as Paua this shellfish is a species of Abalone (haliotis iris) and is found only in the seas around New Zealand. This marine mollusc eats seaweed and clings to rocks. Paua shell is the most colourful of all Abalone shell and you will see that others are pale in comparison. Colours range from greens and pinks to purple and blues and change when viewed from different angles. They have incredible iridescence and are brilliantly coloured.

Paua Abalone is an eco-product and is environmentally sound. The Paua fishery is managed with a quota system to ensure the sustainability of this natural resourse. Paua fishers must free dive to pry the mollusc from the rocks. The shell is a by-product of catching the shellfish for its meat so all parts of the mollusc is used, including the manufacture of beautiful Divine Jewellery.

Of interest is the shell. It is made of lustrous layers of hexagonal aragonite crystals of calcium carbonate, which is secreted by the Paua to form the shell.

Please see our Divine Jewellery catalogue for gift ideas and treasures made from New Zealand Paua Abalone.

We know you are going to enjoy our Divine Jewellery.

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