14k Gold NZ Paua Shell Sea Turtle Mandala Pendant. Tribal Design

For sale is an exceptional 14k yellow gold hand-carved sea turtle pendant backed in New Zealand Paua shell. This gorgeous piece is made with natural and untreated shell with remarkable swirls of color and iridescence.

The shell is dark gray with rose-y red, purple and blue luminescence, like rainbows in petroleum. The gold disk is beautifully carved and pierced in the image of a sea turtle. Sea turtles in New Zealand can grow up to 8 feet and 2,000 pounds in size! 

The paua shell creates a lovely backdrop for this tribal design. The gold is attached to the paua shell with tiny gold nails that pierce the shell. This craftsmanship in this pendant is simply exceptional. 

Paua shell is the most valuable and beautiful form of abalone and is collected by divers from the clear coastal waters of New Zealand. The minerals in the area give the shells their intense depth of color. To ensure that Paua shells are a sustainable natural resource, New Zealand only allows divers to "free dive" for the shells (without oxygen tanks) and limits the number taken. Paua is often referred to as the "sea opal" due to is blue/green coloring and the incredible swirls that create unique patterns on every shell.

This mandala style pendant is a work of art, a one-of-a-kind piece with cultural history and significance.

The item shows normal wear for a pre-owned piece (light scratches, dings, dents and scuff marks.)   

Jeannie