One of the less common types of nephrite jade, pipiwharauroa or shining cuckoo jade is characterised by a visual phenomenon known as chatoyancy - a holographic light effect within the stone that gives the stone the appearance of rippling and shifting like water when the piece is moved in the light. Chatoyant jades vary in colour, but usually tend towards the paler hues. This example sports a vivid emerald green body colour, and it was carved from a sliver of chatoyant stone originally sourced from the Arahura River.
 
Measuring in at 63mm long and 27mm wide, this thin freeform pendant demonstrates high translucency, and an extremely light weight, in addition to its silvery chatoyancy. The flaky patterns of the stone's structure are visible throughout the piece, and the high gloss finish shows all of these features off to great effect. A striking piece that is nevertheless simple and relatively inexpensive, this one is a great piece for everyday and fancy wear alike.