Zealandia Paua Jewelry—Fossilized Ivory and Silver Dragonfly Pin

This silver dragonfly pin and pendant is perhaps the most richly imagined piece from our silver dragonfly jewelry collection. Its look is both tribal and elegant, an artist's combination of rich natural materials and bold design that is destined to leave an impression.

The dragonfly's life cycle from water dwelling nymph to a creature of the air has helped make it a symbol of transformation and self-realization. The process is no less inspirational than a butterfly's emergence from the cocoon, and dragonflies are also symbols of beauty in their own right.

The dragonfly's grace and incredible flying powers inspired this fossilized ivory pin, which is handmade in a mixed metal sterling silver and 14kt gold fill treatment. The head is made from New Zealand paua shell, a prized multi-colored material carved from a type of abalone that only lives in Kiwi waters. Its saturated teal to indigo and coral tones make it an ideal accent for dragonfly themed jewelry.

The ornate carved details that border the dragonfly's tail are made from mother of pearl, lending this pin/pendant a touch of cool luster. The tail itself and the lower teardrop are carved from fossilized mammoth ivory tusk, which is over 15,000 years old. This ancient material has spent many centuries buried in permafrost or underground where minerals color it the rich earthy tones we see today. More than a relic from the past, mammoth ivory - like the dragonfly's life cycle - is a reminder of life's transience.

Our Dragonfly Rising pin also has a pendant back so that it can be worn as a necklace'a truly versatile piece of fossilized ivory jewelry!