The Narrative Collection: Celebrating Aotearoa's Identity
“We wanted to create a collection that celebrates our heritage in New Zealand and the identity of the country as a whole.”
The Narrative Collection is inspired by the history and heritage of the many cultures that have shaped our country and identity. We’ve created some new designs for this popular collection, including diamond pendants, diamond solitaire and three stone engagement rings, and men's wedding ring designs. The Narrative Collection brings together and showcases the magnificent, and important aspects of Aotearoa by harmoniously blending design influences from Māori, Polynesian, Celtic and the many other cultures that have made us who we are.
As a nation, New Zealand is enjoying the emergence and evolution of a unique cultural identity, shaped by the past, present and future. The Narrative Collection reflects upon that by using symbols from the cultures that have laid the foundation for the country as we know it. It also represents the shared perspectives of Kiwis and all that we love about this beautiful country, bringing distinctive pieces into a harmonious collection much like the mosaic of different cultures that make New Zealand.
Each design features intricate patterns that capture the beauty of New Zealand. From the sea to the sky, the earth to the stars, and everything that calls this paradise home, the Narrative Collection tells a story that is distinctly Aotearoa.
Exploring the theme of harmony, each piece in the collection evolves from one to another. The fluidity of emotion behind each is reflective of how our unique environment inspires a fresh approach to design.
Create your own love story with the Narrative Collection today.
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Diamond Pendants
Pohau
Derived from the word popohau, meaning a gust of wind: follow the twists and turns of the Pohau pendant like a gust of wind sweeping across the coastlines of New Zealand. Pohau on its own also refers to a type of hook, which is reminiscent in the sweeping hook shape within the pendant design.
VIEW THE POHAU DIAMOND PENDANT HERE
Poipoi
Inspired by the movement of poi, the soft curves of the Poipoi pendant reflect the mesmerising motions of poi performance in a playful way.
Poi is a traditional aspect of Māori culture where performers swing a poi in flowing movements.
VIEW THE POIPOI DIAMOND PENDANT HERE
Tupu
Meaning to grow, spring and sprout, Tupu is the brother pendant to Tipu. Representing development within life and showcasing the element of growth and creation. The curl of metal secures a diamond within a soft spiral, holding it close to the heart of the pendant.
VIEW THE TUPU DIAMOND PENDANT HERE
Tipu
Meaning to grow, spring and sprout, Tipu is the sister pendant to Tupu. Representing development within life and showcasing the element of growth and creation. The curl of metal secures a diamond within a soft spiral, holding it close to the heart of the pendant.
VIEW THE TIPU DIAMOND PENDANT HERE
Pania
Based on Pania of the Reef – Pania was a gorgeous maiden of the sea, who by daylight swam in the sea and at sunset would go to a stream. It was there she met her lover, Karitoki, son of a Māori chief. They fell in love and wanted to be together forever, but Karitoki being from land and Pania from the sea made them star-crossed lovers. Their love story is represented in the intertwining elements of the Pania pendant.
VIEW THE PANIA DIAMOND PENDANT HERE
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Diamond Rings
Pikorua
Typically crafted in pounamu and meaning ‘twist’, this design represents the eternal merging paths of life, symbolising the bond between two people and how their lives intertwine.
VIEW THE PIKORUA DIAMOND SOLITAIRE RING HERE
Raumati
Meaning summer, the two bars of the ring’s band meet at a koru formed heart to represent where the sun meets the sea along the horizon during a beautiful summer sunset.
VIEW THE RAUMATI DIAMOND SOLITAIRE RING HERE
Takai
Coming together in an intertwining design, twin lines of platinum wrap around two small diamonds that support a stunning solitaire diamond.
VIEW THE TAKAI DIAMOND SOLITAIRE RING HERE
Diadem
Fit for royalty: Diadem is a jewelled crown or ornamental headpiece worn by monarchs. Our intricately detailed diadem ring design features mill-grain edging with deco-style shoulders leading up to the centre diamond. Crown your queen with this one-of-a-kind ring.
VIEW THE DIADEM DIAMOND SOLITAIRE RING HERE
Awa
The subtle swirls of the gold band of the Awa Three Stone ring symbolise the flowing rivers of beautiful Aotearoa.
VIEW THE AWA THREE STONE DIAMOND RING HERE
Lyte
The sparkle from the diamonds of the Lyte Three Stone ring represents the way light flows from the sun and disperses throughout the sky.
VIEW THE LYTE THREE STONE DIAMOND RING HERE
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Men's Wedding Bands
We have also created some stunning wedding band designs to include in this collection, all feature koru detailing which represents the idea of new beginnings, we think this perfectly resonates with the idea of coming together in marriage.
From left to right: Pouakai, Kotahi, Kotahi Duo, Kotahi Trio, Solasta, Hononga
We’re pleased to release these new designs which blend influences from Māori, Polynesian, Celtic and the many other cultures that have made us who we are. We want to showcase and celebrate the story of our treasured Aotearoa. It brings us great pride and joy to be able to share this unique and special collection which represents everything that makes our country so spectacular.
Showcase your love story with your own Narrative Collection piece.
Special thanks to Bridget Tangaere from our Village Goldsmith team, for helping us to name these designs and share the stories behind their inspirations.