Kia ora! Yes, we can replace the cord on your precious pounamu or bone pendants. At Oronegro Jewellery, we carefully weave new cords directly onto your pendant, ensuring it’s securely and beautifully restored. You can either drop off your piece at our shop or post it to us, and we'll take care of the rest.

If you need more information or have any questions, feel free to email us at oronegro.jewellery@gmail.com.

Our team carves our stones at our workshop on Karangahape Road. Feel free to visit us in-store to watch our skilled artisans at work and see the carving process up close.

Oronegro is proud to be a certified artisan of Ngāi Tahu Pounamu, the guardians of New Zealand's pounamu (greenstone). We source our stones directly from Ngāi Tahu, ensuring that each piece of pounamu is ethically and sustainably gathered. These stones are collected from the sacred pounamu rivers on the West Coast of the South Island, an area rich in cultural history and significance.

By sourcing our stones through Ngāi Tahu, we maintain a strong connection to the land and the traditions that have been passed down through generations, ensuring that each piece of pounamu we use honors its origins.

We source our Pounamu Greenstone from Ngāi Tahu, the guardians of New Zealand's pounamu. The carvers who gather our stones perform karakia (prayers) before collecting them from the sacred rivers of the South Island, ensuring that the process is carried out with respect and reverence. These pounamu guardians whakapapa (trace their lineage) to Ngāti Waewae/Kāi Tahu, where pounamu is predominantly found.

At Oronegro Jewellery, we adhere to strict protocols to uphold the traditions of pounamu whakairo (carving). Our studio honors the teachings of our mentors, Chaz Doherty (Ngāi Tūhoe) and Dante Bonica, who have generously shared their deep knowledge of pounamu and whakairo with Ernesto and our whānau (family). While our stones are not individually blessed by a tohunga (spiritual expert), they are treated with the utmost respect, and the processes we follow are deeply rooted in the traditions and practices passed down to us.

At Oronegro, we call Aotearoa home, though most of our team members were born overseas, and we are not Māori ourselves. We deeply respect the cultural significance of pounamu and encourage people of all backgrounds to learn about its rich traditions and spiritual meanings. Pounamu, or greenstone, is more than just a beautiful material; it is a taonga (treasure) that carries deep spiritual significance. It connects us to the land and embodies the wisdom of nature.

While pounamu is a sacred gift, it is not restricted to any one group. People of all cultures are welcome to purchase pounamu, provided it is done with respect and understanding of its significance. We believe that by wearing and sharing pounamu, you can carry a piece of Aotearoa with you and honor the traditions that have been passed down for generations.

Pounamu and greenstone are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct meanings.

Pounamu is the Māori term for the precious stone found in New Zealand, which holds deep cultural and spiritual significance. It’s often carved into jewelry, tools, and other items that carry symbolic meaning.

Greenstone is a more general term used to describe the stone, but it doesn’t capture the cultural importance that pounamu holds in Aotearoa. While all pounamu is greenstone, not all greenstone is pounamu from New Zealand. Pounamu is unique to New Zealand and is treasured as a taonga (treasure) by Māori and many others who live here.

When you purchase pounamu, especially from a Ngāi Tahu certified source you’re not just buying a piece of stone, you’re connecting with the rich cultural heritage of Aotearoa.

Jade and greenstone are related but not exactly the same.

Greenstone is a term commonly used in New Zealand to describe certain types of stones that are predominantly green in color.

Jade, on the other hand, is a broader term that includes two different minerals: nephrite and jadeite.

In New Zealand, when people refer to greenstone, they are usually talking about pounamu, which is a type of nephrite jade found only in specific areas of the South Island. Pounamu is highly valued for its beauty and cultural significance, especially within Māori culture.

So, while pounamu can be jade (specifically nephrite), not all jade is greenstone or pounamu. Jade can be found in other parts of the world, but the greenstone you find in New Zealand has a unique cultural heritage that sets it apart.

Yes, it is still greenstone! We source our pounamu stone from Ngāi Tahu, the guardians of pounamu in New Zealand. While pounamu is often thought of as being green, it actually comes in a variety of colors and appearances.

Pounamu can include nephrite jade, bowenite, and serpentine, each with its own unique color range and characteristics. Nephrite jade is the most commonly recognized form of pounamu, often seen in shades of green. However, pounamu can also appear in hues of white, yellow, and even darker shades depending on its composition.

These variations in color and texture are what make each piece of pounamu unique, carrying its own story and significance. So, even if your stone isn’t green, it’s still authentic pounamu with its own special qualities.

Our standard turnaround time for cord replacement is typically 2-3 days. When you bring your piece to our shop, we’ll provide you with a specific pick-up date, usually within 5 days of drop-off or at a time that suits your schedule after 3 days. For urgent requests, we also offer a same-day service for an additional charge.

Absolutely! We can carve your pounamu stone, though the hardness and quality of the stone can affect the shapes and details we can achieve. Please bring your stone to our shop, and our team will assess it to determine if it is suitable for the design you have in mind. We’ll work with you to ensure that your vision is brought to life in the best way possible.

Yes, we do!

Our team is skilled in carving a variety of stones, including pakohe, jade, quartz, lapis lazuli, and more. If you have a specific stone in mind, feel free to bring it to us, and we’ll be happy to discuss your carving needs and create something special for you.

Yes, we can create custom pieces in silver or gold to order. Please visit us at our store to discuss your design ideas, and we’ll be happy to explore how we can bring your vision to life.

The time required for pounamu repairs can vary depending on the complexity of the work.

For more simple repairs involving reshaping the stone, repairs typically take up to 3 weeks.

If the repair involves using stainless steel and resin, it can take several months due to the intricate process involved.

Since the wait time before the repair can also be several months, we recommend consulting with our team to get a more accurate estimate based on your specific repair needs and our current schedule.

Yes, we can bind your pounamu with muka upon request. Please note that natural muka fibers can be irritating on the skin and may be less durable compared to the waxed cords we typically use.

Muka binding is also subject to material availability. If you have any concerns or preferences, feel free to discuss them with us, and we’ll be happy to assist.

Yes, send us an email at oronegro.jewellery@gmail.com and we can discuss your vision.

Yes, you are welcome to take pounamu pieces out of the country, provided they are carved and not in their natural state.

If you have any concerns, we recommend requesting a receipt at the time of purchase to present at customs if needed.

We regularly ship our pieces internationally and have not encountered any issues with shipments.