These stunning Mother of Pearl earrings and Pendants have a subtle star reference carved into the face of the shell. These pieces celebrate Matariki, the Maori New Year.
Matariki, also known as the Pleiades star cluster, is a collection of seven stars that appears in the sky during late May, June or July. The rising marks the beginning of the new year in the Māori lunar calendar. It is a time to reflect on the past, acknowledge the present, and plan for the future.
Matariki was an occasion to mourn the deceased, celebrate the present, and prepare the ground for the coming year. Matariki ceremonies had three parts: viewing the stars, remembering the deceased, and making an offering of food to the stars.
The engraved Mother of Pearl stars measures 1mm across. The earring hooks are 15mm in size and the pendants come on an adjustable 16 - 18 cm chain. Each piece is made from fine brass dipped in sterling silver.
They make a beautiful little gift as they come packaged in a little eco-friendly glass bottle with cork lid.