Few materials capture the spirit of Aotearoa quite like pounamu - New Zealand greenstone. Treasured for centuries, pounamu carries deep cultural significance, symbolising strength, protection, connection, and respect. To wear or gift a piece of pounamu is to hold a part of our land, history, and heart close.
A stone of meaning and connection
Found only in the South Island of New Zealand, pounamu is shaped over thousands of years by the region’s fast-flowing rivers. Its deep green tones and natural variations make every piece completely unique - no two are ever the same.
In Māori tradition, pounamu holds great mana (prestige and power). It’s often gifted to mark important life moments, to strengthen relationships, or to offer protection to loved ones - a lasting symbol of love, respect, and unity.
The tradition of gifting Pounamu
Pounamu (New Zealand greenstone) is considered a sacred New Zealand treasure, or taonga. Traditionally given as a gift, it carries a deep spiritual connection between giver and wearer.
Our Evolve Pounamu pieces can be gifted to affirm relationships and honour peace, love, and respect. Whether it’s a birth, birthday, farewell, or milestone, pounamu makes a meaningful gift that becomes a cherished heirloom - carrying its story through generations.
Evolve Pounamu designs
Our Pounamu/Greenstone Collection celebrates the enduring beauty and symbolism of this taonga. Charm designs are offered in both sterling silver and solid gold, allowing the natural tones of pounamu to take centre stage.
- Pounamu NZ Greenstone Silver Charm handcrafted to celebrate connection to nature, home, and heritage. Each charm reveals a one-of-a-kind pattern within the stone.
- Pounamu NZ Greenstone Gold Charm a 9 carat solid gold option for those who love a warm, golden finish paired with the calm strength of greenstone.
- Pounamu Starter Bracelet a timeless way to begin an Evolve collection. Featuring a single authentic greenstone bead, it’s easy to wear every day and build on over time.
Pounamu within our Lockets
You’ll also find pounamu featured in several of our Evolve lockets — including the Silver Fern, NZ Memories, Family Tree, and NZ Treasures designs. Each locket encloses a unique pounamu pillar sourced from New Zealand’s West Coast, where the stone is traditionally blessed when it is taken from the river. These pieces are a meaningful way to carry your connection to home, wherever life takes you.
Honouring Aotearoa’s heritage
At Evolve, we honour the origins of pounamu with deep respect - crafting each piece to celebrate its natural beauty and to acknowledge the cultural traditions that give this stone its mana.
Explore the collection
Discover the full Pounamu/Greenstone Collection and find the piece that speaks to you - or to someone you love.
When you give or wear pounamu, you carry more than jewellery - you carry meaning, connection, and the spirit of Aotearoa.