Hand Carved Fossilized Ivory Koi Fish Necklace

"Luck affects everything. Let your hook always be cast; in the stream where you least expect it there will be a fish." ~ Ovid

The many colored koi fish is said to have originated from a black carp given to the Chinese philosopher Confucius at his birth. Over the centuries, koi have evolved into many different types. They are generally recognizable by their distinctive coloring or long flowing fins, as with butterfly koi. Koi are revered as pets, and this distinctive fish has come to symbolize longevity, good fortune, prosperity, and courage.

Zealandia’s lead designer, Jenny Byrne, keeps a pond of her beloved koi at her home. These beauties inspired our fossilized ivory koi fish necklace, which is hand carved in fine detail. This pendant combines our artisans’ skill in carving fossilized ivory with the intricate silver work that has made Zealandia jewelry collectable worldwide.

The fossilized walrus ivory in this koi fish necklace may well date back to before Confucius’ time. It is between 500 and 3,000 years old, and it gathers its rich coloring from minerals lying near it in the earth. Native Alaskans collect this precious material for use in their art works or for sale/trade. It is an important asset to their cultural and economic heritage.

The rose below the fish is carved from gleaming mother of pearl, lending a soft luster to this piece that mimics the koi’s sheen.