What is a paua shell?
The Magic of the Paua Shell: A Shimmering Piece of New Zealand
Anyone who knows our story knows that New Zealand is where the dream of Salty Dreamers began. That is why the breathtaking paua shell holds a very special place in our collections. It is the iridescent centerpiece of many of our jewelry pieces, bringing the wild beauty of the New Zealand coast directly to you.
A True Wonder of Nature
The fascinating paua belongs to the abalone family and is found exclusively along the pristine coasts of New Zealand. Biologically, it is a marine snail that lives on rocks in the ocean and feeds on algae. By the way, the characteristic small holes along the edge of the shell are no coincidence—they are used for breathing and reproduction in the wild ocean.
New Zealand waters are world-famous for their exceptional purity and extremely high mineral content. It is precisely these unique conditions that give the paua shell its distinctive, intensely iridescent color and remarkably robust shell.
Tradition and Strict Sustainability
Because this shell is unique worldwide, extremely strict rules apply to its harvesting in New Zealand. To protect the stocks and preserve nature, paua may only be harvested using traditional free-diving methods—the use of oxygen tanks or heavy diving equipment is strictly prohibited!
By the way, the name "paua" comes from the Māori, the indigenous people of New Zealand. For them, the shell has deep cultural significance, and its meat is considered a traditional delicacy.
Upcycling at Its Finest 🌊
The main reason for the labor-intensive harvesting of the paua shell is its meat. The breathtaking shell is essentially "just" a byproduct that would often simply be discarded. By using these shells in our designs, we give them a second life. So when you buy a piece of jewelry with a paua shell, you are not only carrying a piece of the ocean with you, but also actively helping to ensure that this beautiful natural product does not go to waste.
Bring the sound of the New Zealand ocean home with you and discover the unique colors of nature.