A kind of piedmontite schist found in the South Island here in New Zealand, aroha stone is relatively rare and thus seldom seen in jewellery. It is, however much esteemed among the Maori community, who have historically particularly appreciated its bold red to purple colour scheme.
 
Taken from the interior of a larger stone, this piece has strong internal tones of grey with a soft sunset-hued edge, and is veined throughout with bold red threads like fine blood vessels carrying life through the stone. It has retained the form of the natural pebble, yet has been thinned enough to reduce its weight to a comfortable range while still showing off the contrast of its reds and greys. It measures in at 61mm long and 58mm wide at its widest point, and is suspended by a simple frontal hole.