About Tīaho Jewellery
Tīaho Jewellery was born from a deep connection to pounamu, whakapapa, and the whenua of Aotearoa. Rooted in tradition and guided by a refined, feminine energy, each piece is crafted to carry meaning - whether it's gifted to a loved one, chosen to mark a personal journey, or worn as a symbol of identity.
Pounamu is formed deep within the kōpū o Papatūānuku, shaped over time by heat, pressure and the ever present flow of water, from the Tai o Poutini (west coast of Te Wai Pounamu, South Island). Pounamu always connects us back to the mauri of the whenua.
Our mahi is grounded by tikanga Tūhoe with a deep respect for the natural world. Every taonga holds mauri (life force) and wairua (spirit), and we acknowledge this through careful design, ritual practice, and storytelling.
At the heart of Tīaho is a desire to create contempory pieces that shine with more than beauty - they shine with intention, ancestry, and aroha.
Each collection reflects not only a dedication to craftsmanship, but to the continuation of knowledge, the strength of wāhine, and the whakapapa that taonga can carry through generations.
The alchemical symbol for silver is the moon, she is reflected in every part of the taiao, the celestial rhythms, tidal waters, emotional wellbeing of the whenua and the peoples.
Hine Marama and silver are reflective of light and where there is light there is understanding.
Cristina & Whānau
I was raised in Sutherland, in the Highlands of Scotland, as part of Clan Ross.
I am a self-taught silverworker, and I first met pounamu 22 years ago. Since then, I’ve raised three beautiful tamariki in Te Rohe Pōtae o Tūhoe. Over those years, I’ve nurtured a deep relationship with both stone and metal, creating contemporary jewellery grounded in connection and care.
Our whānau (Ngāi Tūhoe) all contribute to our pakihi, continuing to walk pathways with the pounamu and the stories it carries.
Ā Mātou Mātāpono
Our Values
(01)
Whakapapa
Our mahi is guided by tikanga - from the way we work with pounamu, to how we whakawātea (make clear) each taonga before it begins its journey with you.
(02)
Mana Wāhine
Grounded in aroha, strength, and connection - our jewellery celebrates the mana and mauri of te wahine.
(03)
He Taonga, He Kōrero
Every piece holds more than beauty - it carries whakapapa, wairua, and the stories of the whenua.
We’d love to hear from you
Email Us
Fill out the form below with any enquiries - whether you're looking for a specific taonga, have a question about your order, or simply want to connect.
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What materials do you use?We use natural pounamu sourced from Aotearoa, paired with high-quality sterling silver or gold. Our cords are durable and suitable for daily wear, but can be re-bound if needed.
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Are all your pieces handmade?Yes - every taonga at Tīaho is handcrafted with care and intention. This means each piece is unique, and subtle variations in texture, stone colour, or shape are part of its beauty.
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Do you ship internationally?Yes, we ship both within Aotearoa and internationally. All parcels are tracked, and shipping rates are calculated at checkout based on your location.
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Can I return or exchange my jewellery?If your taonga isn’t quite right, you're welcome to return it within 14 days, unused and in its original condition. Visit our Returns Policy page for full details.
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Do you offer resizing for rings?We do not offer resizing, so it’s important to confirm your ring size before purchasing. You can visit your local jeweller or check our Ring Sizing Guide for help.
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Can I request a custom piece?At this stage, we focus on ready-to-ship taonga, but feel free to get in touch if you have a special request - we may be able to accommodate depending on availability.
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Do you offer repairs or rebinding?Yes - we offer repairs and cord rebinding for taonga made by us. Please contact us directly and we’ll guide you through the process.
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Can I buy pounamu for myself, or does it need to be gifted?There is a common belief that pounamu should only be received as a gift - and while gifting is a deeply meaningful tradition, it is also absolutely appropriate to choose and purchase a taonga for yourself. In te ao Māori, pounamu is a taonga (treasure) with its own mauri (life force). If you feel drawn to a piece, it’s often said that it’s choosing you. Purchasing a taonga for yourself can mark a personal milestone, a time of healing, or a connection to whakapapa or whenua. Whether gifted or self-chosen, the most important thing is the intention behind the piece, and how it is carried and cared for.
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How do I choose the right taonga?The best way to choose a taonga is to listen to your intuition. Each piece of pounamu carries its own energy, shape, and kōrero - and often, the right one will naturally stand out to you. You may feel drawn to the meaning behind a particular design, the shape, the type of stone, or the story it holds. Some people are guided by whakapapa or wairua, others by the person they are choosing it for. There is no wrong way - your connection to the taonga is what gives it life.
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When is it appropriate to gift pounamu?Gifting pounamu is a powerful gesture - one that carries deep meaning, aroha, and connection. Traditionally, taonga like pounamu are given to mark significant moments in a person’s life: Birthdays or milestones Graduation or achievements Loss, grief, or healing New journeys - such as travel, moving, or personal transformation Whānaungatanga - strengthening relationships between friends, family, or partners When you gift pounamu, you're not just giving a beautiful object - you're passing on protection, wairua, and a symbol of your relationship with that person.
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Do I need to bless or cleanse my taonga?While not a strict requirement, it is customary in te ao Māori to whakawātea or clear a taonga - especially pounamu - before it is worn or gifted. At Tīaho, we whakawātea each piece before it leaves us, to honour the mauri (life force) of the taonga and ensure it enters the next chapter of its journey with light and intention. If you feel called to do a personal blessing or cleansing, this can be as simple as: Holding your taonga with karakia or quiet intention Washing it in a natural water source (like a river, moana, or rainwater) Taking a moment of silence and gratitude before wearing or gifting it Your own energy and care are part of what continues the story of each taonga.