Also known as bowenite, tangiwai is the Maori name for bowenite, a gem-grade form of serpentine well-known in jade carving circles for its vivid range of hues and its often spectacular translucency to transparency. This particular example came from a large river boulder of the stone that has been in our carver's possession for many years, and which he only recently managed to split and carve. Its viridian (deep blue-green) colour is an unusual one for so clear a bowenite, as most truly clear stones tend towards either rich greens or deep blues.
 
Measuring in at 53mm deep and 73mm wide at its widest point, this piece has been carved into a hollowed breastplate form often called a kopae, which is designed to sit at the notch of the throat over the first rib. It's been hollowed to not only add a very graceful form to the piece, but also to allow the light to flood through the stone and reveal its rich colour and high translucency. It sports a gloss finish, which shows both of these qualities off to best effect. The hollowed form also makes it remarkably light for its size, and its darker base tone against the skin makes it a good accompaniment to formal and business wear.