Another of New Zealand's interesting jewellery-worthy stones, argillite is a silky material that carves like a ceramic and develops a surface texture like the finest sanded porcelain. Riverton is particularly known for its greenish hues of this material - which is also found in dark grey and black tones in other regions of the West Coast. This example of the stone has been carved into the fluted form of a bird's tail - specifically, that of the New Zealand native fantail or piwakawaka.
 
Measuring in at 61mm long and 38mm wide at its widest point, this silken piece is underspoken enough to suit everyday wear, yet classical enough in its styling to not look out of place as a part of formal attire.