Greenstone Necklace Meanings: How to Choose the Right Pounamu
POUNAMU GUIDE
THE STORY IN THE STONE
If you’re wondering about greenstone necklace meanings, here’s the short version: the toki (adze) stands for strength, courage and determination, the koru for new beginnings and growth, and the twist for the bond between two people. Choose the shape that matches what you want to say, and the person you’re giving it to. Below I’ve shared how I help customers choose, plus a few things worth knowing about gifting and caring for pounamu.
SHOP GREENSTONEFIND YOUR SHAPEGreenstone is such a special gift at this time of year, especially for families wanting to send a little piece of Aotearoa to someone overseas. Every piece we stock is hand-carved, so no two are exactly the same.
45mm Matt Toki Greenstone Necklace$110.00
60mm Greenstone Toki Necklace$179.99
28mm Greenstone Koru Heart Necklace$119.99
40mm Double Twist Greenstone Necklace$159.99
63mm Long Wrapped Greenstone Toki Necklace$125.99
45mm Adze Greenstone Earrings$89.99
15mm Twist Greenstone Earrings$165.00
Precious Greenstone Bangle$175.99
Greenstone necklace meanings: the toki (adze) for strength and courage
The toki is shaped like the adze blade that was used as a carving and working tool, so it’s long been linked with strength, skill, courage and leadership. It’s the shape I’d reach for for someone starting something big: a new job, a move, a tough year they’ve pushed through, or a graduate heading off into the world.
It’s also a favourite choice for men, because the clean, simple shape looks great on anyone. A few ways to choose:
Everyday and understated: the 45mm Matt Toki Greenstone Necklace ($110) has a soft matte finish that shows off the natural texture of the stone.
A bit more presence: the 45mm Wide Greenstone Toki Necklace ($119.99) or the 50mm Matt Greenstone Toki Necklace & Toggle ($129.99), which has a matching greenstone toggle.
A statement piece: the 60mm Greenstone Toki Necklace ($179.99) is our largest, and the 63mm Long Wrapped Greenstone Toki ($125.99) has a lovely wrapped detail and long, elegant shape.
The koru: new beginnings, growth and love
The koru comes from the unfurling fern frond, so it’s all about new life, growth and fresh starts. That makes it a beautiful gift for a new baby, a wedding, a birthday or someone opening a new chapter.
28mm Greenstone Koru Heart Necklace
LOVE · GROWTHOur 28mm Greenstone Koru Heart Necklace ($119.99) combines the koru with a heart shape, so it carries a double meaning of love and growth. It’s a gorgeous one for mum, a partner or a daughter, and at 28mm it’s delicate enough to wear every day.
$119.99SHOP NOWIf you love the koru but jewellery isn’t quite right, have a look at our ceramic koru ornaments in the Kiwiana & NZ Gifts collection.
The twist: friendship, connection and two lives joined
The twist shows two paths winding around each other, so it represents the bond between people: friends, couples, sisters, or family separated by distance. The double twist is often given for a deeper, lasting connection, which is why it’s such a popular anniversary or wedding gift.
40mm Double Twist Greenstone Necklace
CONNECTIONThe 40mm Double Twist Greenstone Necklace ($159.99) is a lovely size for both men and women. I think it’s one of the most meaningful gifts you can send to a loved one living overseas, because it says “we’re still connected” without needing any words.
$159.99SHOP NOWGreenstone earrings and bangles
Not everyone wears a pendant, and greenstone earrings are a really nice way to give pounamu to someone who loves jewellery. They tend to be a little more subtle, so they work with everything from a summer dress to a work shirt.
- 45mm Adze Greenstone Earrings ($89.99): the toki shape in a drop earring, with silver hooks.
- 23mm Adze Greenstone Earrings ($59.99): a smaller, daintier version.
- 20mm Disk Greenstone Earrings ($66.99): a flat, polished disk, representing balance and harmony.
- 15mm Twist Greenstone Earrings ($165): the twist meaning of connection, worn every day.
Precious Greenstone Bangle
ABOUT 20CM INSIDEFor something a bit different, the Precious Greenstone Bangle ($175.99) is a smooth, polished bangle with an inside circumference of about 20cm. Measure around the widest part of the hand (with the thumb tucked in) to check it’ll slip on comfortably. You’ll find everything together in our Greenstone Jewellery NZ collection.
$175.99SHOP NOWWhy pounamu is traditionally given as a gift
You’ll often hear that pounamu is best received as a gift rather than bought for yourself, because the meaning grows as it’s passed from one person to another. Many people also like to share the story behind the shape when they give it, so I always suggest writing a little note explaining why you chose the toki, koru or twist for them.
Our greenstone pieces come in a green velvet box or bag, so they’re ready to give. If you’d like us to send it straight to them, just pop their address in at checkout and we’ll gift wrap it for free.
How to care for your greenstone
1Mind the knocks
Pounamu is a tough stone, but it can chip if it’s dropped on a hard floor, so take it off for contact sport and heavy work.
2Wipe it gently
Wipe it with a soft, damp cloth. Many people say greenstone looks richer the more it’s worn, as it picks up a little natural shine.
3Look after the cord
Waxed cords wear over time, especially if worn swimming or in the shower. Taking it off before bed and before swimming helps the cord last much longer.
4Store it safely
Store it in its velvet box so it doesn’t knock against other jewellery.
Greenstone FAQs
What does a greenstone toki mean?
The toki (adze) represents strength, courage, determination and skill. It’s a popular gift for someone facing a new challenge or milestone.
Is it okay to buy greenstone for yourself?
Plenty of people do, and there’s no rule against it. The tradition is that pounamu is extra special when it’s gifted, so some people like to have a loved one give it to them, or bless it with them, before wearing it.
Which greenstone necklace is best for a man?
The toki is a great choice, especially the 45mm Matt Toki or the bolder 60mm Toki. The double twist is lovely for a partner too.
Will every piece look exactly like the photo?
No two are identical. Each piece is hand-carved from natural stone, so the shade of green, markings and pattern will vary slightly. That’s part of what makes yours one of a kind.
Still deciding?
I hope this helps you find the perfect piece. If you’re stuck between two, email us at info@raptonline.co.nz and a real person from our Ashburton team will help you choose. Shipping is free in NZ on orders over $160, orders are packed within 24 hours Monday to Friday, gift wrapping is always free and you can pay with Afterpay. Shop all greenstone jewellery →
Angela x
