I have been enjoying the paua discussion and agree with Marissa that there are some very overdone pieces of paua in the tourist market in NZ. I enjoy the plain shell and have my own necklace which always gets compliments and I have been asked to do for a tourist shop but the idea of doing hundreds does not appeal, Just 3 pieces of shell hanging from memory wire separated by silver beads and hung on silver wire. The shells swing and catch the light. I made 3 for bridesmaids for a friend 's wedding and with teal frocks they were stunning. Another idea is my own and that is paua pockets. I knit silver wire.
10 stitches and about 20 rows, sew up the sides, put a brooch pin on the back, pop in a piece of paua and wear. They look great especially on winter clothing. Even though I live in NZ I still have to buy the pieces . I buy them undrilled and my husband drills the holes.- posted
20 years ago