Zealandia Paua Jewelry—Blue Topaz and Walrus Tusk Ivory silver Dragonfly Pendant

This silver dragonfly pendant combines two favorite Zealandia motifs: the dragonfly and the spiral. The design is both brilliant and subtle with its delicate sterling silver and 14k gold fill wing details and sparkling blue topaz accent. The colors in this piece suggest water, the dragonfly's natural habitat during its nymph phase as well as its winged phase following its transformation. Like the butterfly, this winged beauty signifies self change as well as purity and speed.

The spiral—one of man's earliest symbols—forms the backbone for this jeweled dragonfly pendant. It is used across the sterling silver setting and even extends to the bale, which curls and spirals around the chain in a vine effect. The spiral also represents change, the universe, and plumbing the depths of the psyche.

New Zealand paua shell highlights the dragonfly and is an ideal choice for its peacock coloring and glossy polished luster. New Zealand paua comes from the inner lining of a type of abalone found only in Kiwi waters, and it is the design focal point in all our paua jewelry.

The dragonfly's beaded body is made from variegated shades of fossilized walrus tusk ivory, a prized material that dates back some 500 to 3,000 years. Minerals in the earth color the walrus tusk, and Native peoples gather it for carving or sale after erosion has uncovered it. This fossilized ivory is an important part of their cultural heritage and indigenous economy. It grounds this carved ivory pendant with a touch of earthy history.