New Zealand greenstone — or pounamu — isn’t just jewellery. It’s connection, protection, ancestry, and aroha carved into stone. Whether you’re choosing a pendant for yourself or gifting one to someone special, understanding the meanings behind each shape helps you pick a piece that truly resonates.

If you're in Australia and looking to buy authentic New Zealand greenstone online, here’s your guide to choosing the perfect pounamu pendant.

🌿 What Is Pounamu & Why Is It So Meaningful?

Pounamu is treasured in Māori culture for its strength, beauty, and spiritual significance. Traditionally, it symbolises:

• Protection

• Connection to ancestry and whenua

• Courage & strength

• Safe travels

• Love & unity

Every piece is unique — no two stones share the same shade, grain pattern, or energy. That’s part of the magic.

If you’re choosing a greenstone gift from Australia, here’s what each shape represents.

🌀 Popular Greenstone Shapes & Their Meanings

1. Koru – New Beginnings, Growth & Harmony

Inspired by the unfurling fern frond, the koru represents:

• New chapters

• Personal growth

• Balance & harmony

• New life or fresh starts

Perfect for:
Birthdays, graduations, new jobs, new parents, or anyone entering a new chapter.

2. Toki – Strength, Courage & Leadership

Originally used as a tool and symbol of mana, the Toki carries strong protective energy.

It represents:

• Strength of character

• Determination

• Leadership

• Resilience

Perfect for:
Men’s pendants, milestone achievements, and anyone who needs a reminder of their own strength.

3. Twist (Pikorua) – Connection & Unity

The twist symbolises:

• The bond between people

• Friendship

• Loyalty

• The idea that two lives may travel apart but always come back together

Perfect for:
Family, partners, best mates, long-distance relationships, or someone moving away.

4. Heart – Love, Aroha & Deep Connection

A universal symbol of love — simple, meaningful, and always cherished.

Perfect for:
Anniversaries, partners, daughters, mums, or anyone who deserves a piece filled with aroha.

🎁 Gifting Greenstone: Traditions & Tips

Should greenstone be gifted?

Traditionally, pounamu is considered more meaningful when given, not bought for yourself.
BUT — modern Māori carvers and retailers agree that:

You can absolutely buy your own pounamu.
You’re choosing a piece that calls to you — that’s a powerful thing in itself.

Should it be blessed?

If you want to honour custom, you can give your pounamu a simple blessing:

• Hold the stone in your hands

• Say a karakia (or speak from the heart)

• Gift it with good intention

Some people also choose to cleanse their greenstone with:

• Water

• Harakeke (flax)

• A moment of quiet reflection

None of this is mandatory — it’s all about intention and respect.

✔️ How to Tell If Your Greenstone Is Authentic

When shopping for New Zealand greenstone in Australia, make sure you’re getting genuine pounamu.

Authentic pounamu should:

• Be carved in Aotearoa

• Come from recognised NZ stone types

• Show natural grain patterns (not flat, printed, or dyed)

• Have a meaning card or provenance details

• Feel cold and heavy in the hand

All greenstone at The Sanctuary BNE is hand-carved in New Zealand, sourced from reputable carvers, and comes with a kete pouch + meaning card.

💚 Greenstone Care Tips

Keep your pounamu looking beautiful by:

• Wearing it often — natural skin oils help it shine

• Rinsing in warm water if it gets dirty

• Avoiding chemicals or harsh cleaners

• Letting it dry fully before storing

Over time, your pendant will develop a richer, deeper colour — that’s part of its story.

✨ How to Choose the Right Pendant

Ask yourself:

Who is it for?

• Strength → Toki

• Connection → Twist

• New beginnings → Koru

• Love → Heart

What size works best?

• Smaller pendants for daily wear

• Larger pendants for bold statement pieces

What colour speaks to you?

• Deep forest green → grounding, traditional

• Mossy / streaked → earthy, unique

• Translucent pieces → clarity, elegance

There’s no wrong choice — the right pounamu is the one you can’t stop looking at.

💚 Explore Authentic NZ Pounamu Pendants

If you’re ready to find the perfect piece, browse our hand-carved collection — shipped fast from Brisbane, Australia.

👉 Explore authentic pounamu pendants online
https://www.thesanctuarybne.com/collections/greenstone