Greenstone Bowenite Kiwi Necklace

Kiwis are flightless birds, native to New Zealand. The word is also used to identify citizens living in New Zealand.

For this pendant necklace I used a hand cast pendant which combines two national symbols of New Zealand: The fern leaf and the kiwi as well as a large sphere of the popular (but rare) gemstone bownite. All beads look a bit different, this necklace is made to order.

Bowenite is a hard, compact variety of the serpentinite species antigorite, (Mg₃(OH)O₄Si₂O₅). Classed as semi-precious gem stone it has been traditionally used for tools and weapons by the Maori in New Zealand.

Bowenite was named by James D. Dana in 1850 after George T. Bowen, who analyzed it in 1822.

Together with nephrite jade the Maori class bowenite as pounamu, which is also known as greenstone, and is of particular significance to the Ngai Tahu on whose traditional lands on the South Island of New Zealand most deposits are found. Historically it was used for tools, weapons and ornaments, although modern use is limited to jewellery.

The pendant alone measures 6cm in length and 3cm in width. It is hand cast here in Australia out of premium pewter, a great sterling silver alternative.

All other metal is solid stainless steel, durable yet affordable.

The necklace measures 60cm in length.  It closes with a lobster claw clasp and has a tiny sodalite bead attached - blue like the New Zealand sky. Photo #4 shows two other kiwi pendants we have available for custom orders (contact me for options) and photo #6 shows part of our Australian jewellery collection.