NZROX Touchstones are 100% made in New Zealand, and all pebbles are collected from the world famous gemstone beach at Birdlings Flat [Mata Hapuka].
Whilst it is easy to think that Touchstones are merely pebbles, they are in fact very rare. Walking for hours along the expansive shores, each artist comes back with only a pocket full of suitable stones. We look for grain, colour, size shape, and type…and all this is before we even pick one up to examine it more closely. We also only select the rarer igneous rock from amongst the predominant greywacke which makes up the vast majority of pebbles at the beach here.
These pebbles are not reshaped in any way [except for the carving if course], they are selected especially for their beautiful natural form. Because of this, it takes an average of three months full time training before an artist is ready to even begin collecting.
Every pebble is collected by hand, and images are applied individually by the artist to every pebble, to suit the particular shape colour and grain. No two are ever the same. Our ‘rock artists’ are not production workers. They enjoy exemplary working conditions and pay rates in a great lifestyle occupation. They are also not looking to make Touchstones which are merely ‘good enough’, for this would not carry the spirit of these pieces. They are always seeking – with every item produced – to make the best Touchstone that has ever been made. This is their ever elusive but steadfast aim. This is why, with every passing day, Touchstones continue to get more and more beautiful.
We are often asked about the meaning of the images seen carved into our products. And whilst it is tempting to assign great significance to these images, in truth, we do not apply them with any superstitious purpose in mind. The pebble itself is the real story. The pebble itself is a part of this earth, a tacit connection to the greater unfolding that we are all a part of. This is the true story of this work, as expressed above.
In Maori culture, this is also expressed very beautifully –
Kohatu Pa (Stone) – Maori life-essence in an inanimate form.
Maori believe that any object of the Earth has its own life force. While in an inanimate state, this unique force can be altered to have desired effect by incantation or thought. These are normally chosen by the individual, often from amongst a multitude of other objects. The Kohatu is a prized possession of the Maori, part of the perfect balance in one's life.
In homage to the spirit of Kohatu Pa, NZROX Touchstones are often adorned with Maori inspired images. So while the true Kohatu has no specific meaning assigned before it is defined by the recipient, Touchstones do feature diverse carvings, to which meanings have sometimes been ascribed. Some of the more commonly attributed meanings of elements you may find on a Touchstone include:
However, in general most Maori inspired ornamentation is just that – ornamental. Unless it is used within the context of traditional Maori life, ritual and culture, the meaning of any particular kowhaiwhai [ornamentation] is generally defined by the artist who originated it. Like French filigree or Celtic knot work, it is mostly used for purely decorative purposes.
We use it in our work because not to do so would be simply unnatural, because we have grown up with these forms, and because they speak so deeply of this place, this land, and its people. The owner and originator of NZROX, a master goldsmith, feels this strongly – "I began carving these forms as a child, taught by my uncle in my granddad's shed. At art school when I was nine years old, my first screen prints were of geometric korus….so when I decided to retire from the world of platinum and diamonds and produce works which speak truly of my place and where I come from, these are simply what came out."
As Kiwis these forms infuse our consciousness, they are part of what it means to grow up in Aotearoa – New Zealand.
To find a local stockist of NZROX Touchstones in New Zealand, please click here to send us an email, and include your location in the subject line.
Currently in development, Firestones are a world first. This patented product employs a process which has never before been seen. We take a very carefully selected touchstone, and strategically undercut rebates into the sides of the cavity in the pebble, and then cast [pour liquid] solid precious metal directly into the pebble at 1150 degrees C. Only the toughest and best pebbles can survive this process, which is why we use only igneous rock [basalt typically], which comes directly from the core of the earth, which is accustomed to very great temperatures.
The precious metal is then finished flush with the original surface of the pebble to produce a seamless result, so good in fact that it sometimes looks like the precious metal is simply on the surface of the pebble like a foil, but it is in fact cast deep into it, usually about 3mm thick. The pebble also changes colour due to the heat involved, and when finished they are usually dark chocolate in colour, very nearly black.
Firestones are an extremely permanent medium, they will last a lifetime and never wear out. Because they comprise precious metals however, occasional polishing of the solid inlay may assist in keeping them looking their best. Any jewellery polishing cloth may be used, or your local jeweller may be able to assist.
Firestones are very robust, and may be polished and cleaned in a similar way to any other precious jewellery product, without any harm.
