About Girl Paua Jewellery & Gifts

I’m Mhairi — pronounced Vari. After graduating from Aberdeen University with a Joint Honours Degree in Languages, I spent a year living and working in New Zealand. When I returned home to Glasgow in 2004, life became wonderfully busy with the arrival of my two daughters. They’re proud Skiwis — half Scottish, half Kiwi!

In May 2007, their New Zealand grandparents came to visit. Their Nana is Māori and their Koro (Māori for grandpa) is Pākehā (of white European settler ancestry). They brought over some paua shell pieces as gifts, and I turned them into pendants.

And just like that… Girl Paua was born.

What I Make

I combine New Zealand paua shell with freshwater pearls and cut glass crystals to create elegant, colourful jewellery. There’s also plenty of drilling, gluing, and creative experimenting behind the scenes — I love making unique shell gifts such as:

• hairclips

• bookmarks

• photo frames

• mosaic brooches

• box‑frame art

• and lots more

Alongside my own designs, I also source beautiful pieces from New Zealand artists, helping support both the sustainability of paua shell and the creative communities who work with it.

What Is Paua?

Paua (pronounced pah‑wah) is the Māori word for abalone — and it’s the most vibrant of all abalone species. Paua live in New Zealand’s coastal waters, clinging to rocks at depths of 1–10 metres.

After harvesting, the shells are tumbled with pebbles and other shells to remove their outer crust, revealing their incredible natural colours. The black patterns come from layers of protein between the calcium layers of the shell, while the shimmering blues, greens, purples, and pinks are created by light refracting through the crystal structure. This natural rainbow makes every paua shell completely unique.

🐚 Sustainability Spotlight: NZ Paua Shell

Sustainability is at the heart of New Zealand’s paua industry — and it’s something I’m proud to support.

• Paua is harvested under strict sustainability regulations to protect wild populations.

• Only free‑diving is permitted — no dredging or damaging equipment.

• Size limits and quotas ensure healthy stocks for future generations.

• Most paua shell used in jewellery is a by‑product of the food industry, ensuring nothing goes to waste.

For centuries, Māori artists have used paua to illuminate carvings and artworks — especially in the eyes of figures designed to protect and ward off evil.

Paua is believed to bring luck, strength, and positive energy.

Thank You for Being Here

I hope you enjoy my paua shell designs as much as I love creating them. You can explore the full range in several ways:

• at events across the UK

• in selected shops in Scotland

• or directly here on the website

All details are kept up to date on the site and on social media.

Thanks for supporting my small business and this beautiful piece of New Zealand’s natural heritage.

 Mhairi x