Jade Factory

Jade is the typical stone of New Zealand. Maori Aborigines have been using it to make jewelry for hundreds of years. There are many gift shops in New Zealand, but it is more interesting to visit the jade factory, where they are polished. There are factories located around the country. I was in a village in Rotorua, where you could buy it there directly. In addition there are items made from jade jewelry made with bone, and other materials typical from the country. They also make small figurines or custom pendants. Interestingly enough, in New Zealand jade greenstone is also the name of the era