High Quality Natural Jewellery since 1932

Ariki is the world’s most successful designer/manufacturer of Paua shell jewellery. It is also the largest jewellery manufacturer in New Zealand. The name Ariki is from the Maori language and means “The Chief” or “The Best” - a promise that Ariki jewellery is of the highest quality, in terms of both materials and workmanship.

Ariki’s manufacturing operation is based in Blenheim (New Zealand’s sunshine capital and largest grape growing district) at the northern end of New Zealand’s South Island. The company was established in 1932 when a Marlborough family saw the potential of the Paua shell to be the focal point of a unique New Zealand jewellery collection. Their ambition has resulted in the Ariki Paua collection being widely sold in New Zealand and throughout the world.

 

Internationally Renowned

Ariki jewellery is sold in more than 25 countries throughout the world. There have been many attempted imitations of Ariki’s jewellery but none have achieved such enduring success. Such success has been due to Ariki’s absolute commitment to excellence in design and manufacture. Ariki jewellery combines the intrinsic beauty of the Paua shell with finely crafted gold and palladium plated and sterling silver settings to create an international collection of jewellery – the Ariki Collection.

 

The Ariki Collection

Initially Ariki made only Paua shell jewellery set in sterling silver. Today most of the production is focused on Paua shell, Greenstone (jade) and Black Lipped Mother of Pearl set in palladium plate and 22 carat gold plate. A new limited collection of sterling silver Paua shell jewellery was launched in October 2011. In addition, Ariki produces an extensive collection of Paua shell souvenir/gift items. The Ariki Collection of handcrafted jewellery is a combination of the superb skills of Ariki’s craftspeople, combined with the incredible beauty of the New Zealand Paua shell.

 

History of Ariki

Ariki is the world’s most successful designer/manufacturer of Paua shell jewellery. It is the largest jewellery manufacturer in New Zealand.The name Ariki is from the Maori language and means “The Chief” or “The Best” - a promise that Ariki jewellery is of the highest quality, in terms of both materials and workmanship.Ariki’s manufacturing operation is based in Blenheim (New Zealand’s sunshine capital and largest grape growing district) at the northern end of New Zealand’s South Island.The company was established in 1932 when a Marlborough family saw the potential of the Paua shell to be the focal point of a unique New Zealand jewellery collection.Their ambition has resulted in the Ariki Paua collection being widely sold in New Zealand and throughout the world.

Once the paua has been raised from the sea bed by the divers and the meat removed, the shell is processed to make Ariki jewellery. As part of this process the crust is removed by grinding and linishing the outside of the shell to reveal the beautiful colours and patterns hiding beneath the crust. On the completion of this process and after the shell has been shaped to form the cabochon (the piece of shell that fits into your jewellery setting) 2 coats of clear lacquer are applied to protect the cabochon.

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Care of Ariki Paua Shell Jewellery

A silver cloth is the perfect partner to care for your Ariki jewellery. A quick rub over the cabochon and the setting from time to time will ensure that it remains in sparkling condition, provided that the following advice is followed:-

  • Never expose the jewelry to detergents, perfumes or hair sprays. Ingredients in these items can penetrate the lacquer and cause damage to the cabochon (shell) and sometimes to the setting.

  • As with any item of jewellery it is advisable to remove it prior to participating in any vigorous activity that may cause damage through contact.

  • If swimming ALWAYS remove your jewellery. Swimming pool chemicals will harm the cabochon and will eventually also cause harm to the setting and plating. Ocean swimming will harm the setting and will eventually lift the protective lacquer on the cabochon and allow dirt and grit to damage the cabochon. If the above suggestions are followed you should have many years of enjoyment from your Ariki Paua Shell Jewellery.

 

Sales

Ariki New Zealand Limited have been designing and manufacturing quality natural jewellery since 1932. In this time Ariki has built a strong relationship with its wholesale and retail customers. Ariki has an ongoing commitment to ensuring quality and high standards. We offer various presentation packages that work successfully in the retail sector. We offer high quality packaging and all jewellery is supplied in attractive purpose designed leatherette boxes. Each jewellery box contains a multi lingual explanatory booklet. The jewellery presentation boxes are blue for the Paua collection, green for the Greenstone (jade) collection and grey for the Black Lipped Mother of Pearl collection.Carousel display stands are available to create a feature in-store display. Display cards, posters and other merchandising material is also available on request.Pictured below is a free standing multi item display carousel with a lockable storage cabinet.

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