Paua shells Tree of life earrings

Earrings Tree of life made of paua shells. The Tree of Life is a strong protective talisman that gives its wearer energy, strength and vitality. The earrings have afro hinge made of jewelry metal, length is about 4.3 cm (after hanging in the ear). Illustrative illustration.

Paua is a species of abalone shellfish (Haliotis Iris) from the seas of New Zealand. Its original inhabitants, the Maori, call it "Paua Te Koha and Tangaroa" - the gift of the sea god. Maori legend says that the paua is a special gift from Tangaroa, the god of the sea.
Located just off the coast of New Zealand, where it lives on a rocky coast, the best paua shells come from the southern part of the waters around NZ. It lives at a depth of about 10 meters suspended on rocky outcrops. Paua is the most colorful shell of the abalone species, no other shell in the world has such a bright and full color. The color shades of paua shells range from green-pink, through purple-blue to gold or crimson tones. When shooting in light at different angles, it changes colors and turns them into a rainbow. With its changing color scheme, it is so similar to opal crystals.

Paua has traditionally been used by the Maori to create their artistic carvings, especially the eyes of their sculptures. The red mother-of-pearl was used for the eyes of statues of Maori warriors that glittered so red. Paua is of great importance in Maori traditions, it is essential for wedding ceremonies and other celebrations.

Today, paua is used to make jewelry and its shards to make jewelry.