Prominent jade carvings and jewellery made from New Zealand pounamu are displayed front and centre at Arrowtown’s renowned Jade & Opal Factory. The venture was established by Gary Mullings in the 1990s and his son Lee-Roy later became involved as a carver training under well-known Queenstown master carver Rob Lyons. Continuing the family tradition Lee-Roy’s son Bradley has now joined the whanau business.

“Most of the items instore are hand carved by me in our carving studio on the premises which is what makes the pieces so distinctive and sought after,” says Lee-Roy. “We pride ourselves on perfecting the stone’s final polish and finish – something that requires high-quality skills, time and effort.”

The business has a long history in hand carving nephrite jade, better known as pounamu or greenstone, into imposing large-scale sculptural art works along with a a range of beautiful traditional jewellery. 

“Quite often the stone itself dictates the final shape by its size, colour and any natural fractures,” says Lee-Roy. “Typically, a large stone is first cut into a large sculptural piece and then I craft pendants, bracelets and jewellery items from what remains.”

Authentic pieces from the store’s diverse collection can be found in homes around the world.

“We have earned a reputation for well-priced New Zealand jade and international visitors are wowed by the uniqueness of the stone and fascinated by the spiritual and cultural connection it has with the people of New Zealand.”

Housed in one of Arrowtown’s oldest, heritage buildings in the heart of Buckingham Street the store has an intriguing array of traditional jade jewellery such as Toki, Koru, Fishhook, Pi Circles and Twist pendants. Lee-Roy says they are ideal gifts.

“People who maybe don’t wear much jewellery often really love a piece of New Zealand jade – particularly guys.  We sell a lot of jade pendants for birthday presents, weddings, Christmas gifts and for couples starting a family – it’s a special and natural gift that is traditional yet modern.”