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Paua shell on Sterling Silver Hei-Matau pendant Necklace

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The iridescent attraction of the Paua shell and the power of the Maori Hei-Matau

A fortunate alliance of traditional Maori handicraft and modern design. This Paua shell Hei-Matau in a sterling silver setting is really stunning.
Only found in the sea around New Zealand, Paua shell is the most colorful of all the abalone shells. Its color varies from greens and pinks to purples and blues, some shells even have gold or crimson toning. The color also changes when viewed at different angles. The Paua shell have an iridescence similar to that of Mother of Pearl shell, but far more brilliant. This is what makes paua shell so amazing as a gem material for use in jewelry.
The Maori Hei Matau is a very stylized fish hook. The sea has always be a very important resource for Maoris as the local fauna didn't provide any mammals they could feed on. The Hei Matau is a symbol of strength, prosperity abundance, fertility, and more generally of respect for the sea. It is also believed to be a good luck charm when traveling over water and is often worn by fishermen and surfers.
The pendant is 1.5 inches long, comes with a silver chain and is presented in its own jewelry box.