Understanding pounamu: insights from master carvers on buying and gifting the precious stone

Pounamu, a precious stone from New Zealand, is increasingly popular for gifting during significant life events. Master carvers emphasize the importance of understanding traditional practices around buying, wearing, and caring for pounamu, which has evolved over time. Many believe it is unlucky to buy pounamu for oneself, a misconception attributed to marketing strategies. Carvers like Joel Marsters and Timoti Moran clarify that purchasing pounamu for personal use is acceptable and historically common among Māori. Concerns about illegal mining and black market trading of pounamu have arisen. In response, the iwi Ngāi Tahu has implemented an authentication scheme to ensure ethical sourcing and traceability of pounamu, promoting responsible practices among carvers.