29 Oct 2025
Navigating the online world in search of a piece of genuine pounamu can feel needlessly confusing.
The terms pounamu, greenstone and jade (even nephrite jade) are often used interchangeably, and often without mentioning where the stone actually comes from! You might have scrolled through 3-4 different websites, wondering if the pieces you’ve shortlisted and fallen in love with are even truly from New Zealand. Or why prices differ so much between websites. Many of our customers tell us they’ve felt the same uncertainty, before finding our website.
Pounamu, unique to New Zealand, carries deep cultural significance and every piece is different. Knowing what to look for helps you choose jewellery that is both genuine and meaningful. As a brand and as artists, we want you to have confidence to make informed purchasing decisions, whether you shop from us or elsewhere.
Here are some things to know while looking for that perfect piece:
Firstly, there is nothing wrong with jade carved from stone sourced overseas - in fact, we are proud of the international pieces we bring into our collections. Choosing an overseas stone, such as Canadian jade, can often open up lower price points that might not otherwise be accessible, giving more people the chance to wear and enjoy a piece of carved jade.
But if what you want is New Zealand pounamu, you’ll want to be confident that’s exactly what you’re buying.
In Aotearoa, “pounamu” is the name Māori use for this taonga, found here in NZ. The use of the word pounamu is often the clearest signal that the stone has been identified as New Zealand origin. But sadly, even this word is sometimes applied to overseas stone, which can make things even more confusing for those searching for a piece of New Zealand.
Stone Origin : check whether New Zealand is mentioned directly in the product name or description. At Mountain Jade, every piece of New Zealand stone carries “New Zealand” in its title, meaning the stone itself is from NZ.
Carved in New Zealand : Something we see a lot is this. And of course this means you are supporting NZ carvers, but it might not explicitly mean it’s New Zealand stone. If this is the only statement of origin, check with the brand if it’s also NZ stone.
Clarity in description : reputable sellers are upfront about where the stone comes from. At Mountain Jade, every piece of New Zealand stone is marked “Hand-carved NZ Pounamu” which is a label we place nice and visible by the ‘Add to Cart’ button.
Seller transparency : reputable retailers will share where their stone is from and who carved it, when you reach out to them.
Authenticity details : look for signs that the brand you’re buying from works with Ngāi Tahu, who hold kaitiakitanga (guardianship) over pounamu in Aotearoa. Mountain Jade were the first New Zealand retailer to be registered under their Pounamu Authenticity and Licensing Scheme, and continue to work within that framework today.
👉 Shop Genuine New Zealand Pounamu Here
Yes – it can be. Authentic pounamu is rarer than overseas stone making it more expensive and can only be carved in New Zealand (it can’t be sent overseas to be carved more cheaply).
Our Canadian Jade collection is typically priced between $90 to $160, while similar designs in New Zealand stone will begin around $228 and quickly rise to the $350-450 price bracket. If you see a detailed design like a koru, twist or hook somewhere online selling for under $200, it’s worth questioning whether the stone is from New Zealand. While price alone doesn’t guarantee authenticity, it’s a helpful signal alongside labelling and source.
Many people wonder if New Zealand pounamu has a particular look that sets it apart. The answer is: yes and no.
While pounamu from Aotearoa does exhibit some tell-tale traits, there’s no fixed “one colour fits all”. The truth is, there isn’t a single shade or pattern that defines it. Pounamu from Aotearoa comes in a wide variety of colours - from deep inky greens to pale milky tones - and often carries unique inclusions such as the yellows in flower jade. While you might recognise common varieties like inanga, or kahurangi, no two pieces are exactly the same.
Overseas jade from China or Canada might be more vivid, translucent, cleaner or have a kiwifruit-spotted look to it. But then again, some of these qualities are also found in New Zealand stone. If in doubt, reach out to an expert before parting with your cash.
👉 Shop Genuine New Zealand Pounamu Here
When you buy pounamu, you’re not just choosing a piece of stone - you’re choosing the people and practices behind it. One of the clearest signs of authenticity is whether a business supports the artists who create their work.
At Mountain Jade, this commitment is at the heart of what we do. In our Rotorua studio, visitors can meet our carvers, hear their stories, and see the craft in action. Beyond our own workshop, we also support over 50 artists up and down the country, helping to sustain livelihoods and keep the art of carving thriving in Aotearoa.
Our Rotorua based carvers working out of our studios are Māori artists such as young Foua (Te Arawa, Tainui, Tokelauan descent) and Daniel (Ngāti Pikiao, Ngāti Tarāwhai). This group of seven Māori carvers work in an environment where wellbeing is nurtured alongside creativity.
We believe creativity thrives when people do. Through a culture built on support, challenge, and shared growth, our carvers are producing some of the most original work to come out of our studio.
But what makes this special is not just the art - it’s the people behind it. Our carvers are stepping into leadership, taking school groups and visitors through our space, sharing the stories behind their designs, and speaking with confidence about the journey that brought them here. This is a major shift - from quiet craft to empowered voice - and it’s helping grow the visibility and value of pounamu art in Aotearoa and beyond.
The creativity on display is not just in the final pieces we sell in our stores, but in the way the team collaborates, mentors one another, and pushes the boundaries of what a carving studio can be. Under Tamaora’s guidance, they’re actively shaping the future of this art form, while staying grounded in the cultural values that give it meaning.
Choosing a business that invests in its artists means your jewellery carries more than beauty - it carries the time, creativity, and wellbeing of the people who shaped it.
Pounamu is made to be worn and treasured daily. Some designs, such as the toki (adze), koru (spiral), and twist, are particularly well-suited for everyday wear, as they are often smaller and so more practical.
Over time, daily wear brings out the beauty of the stone, as it absorbs the oils from your skin and develops a rich, deep sheen. To keep your piece looking its best, simple rinsing in water and drying with a soft cloth is usually enough.
For more detailed advice on caring for your jewellery, visit mountainjade.co.nz/care.
Choosing pounamu is about more than finding something beautiful - it’s about confidence in where it comes from and connection to the people who carved it and the place it comes from. By knowing what to look for, from labelling and price to carver support and care, you can be sure your piece is genuine.
At Mountain Jade, every necklace and pendant carries that assurance. Explore our collections and find the piece of New Zealand pounamu that feels right for you.
👉 Shop Genuine New Zealand Pounamu Here
