Bone-Carved Jewellery: Where Ancient Art and Modern Style Meet

Bone-Carved Jewellery: Where Ancient Art and Modern Style Meet

Alan Cooper

Step into the world of bone carving, where every necklace and pair of earrings tells a story older than written history—and looks absolutely fabulous doing it! At Discoveries, we’re obsessed with this ancient art form, not just because it makes for breath-taking jewellery, but because it weaves together tradition, nature, and artistry into every unique piece we offer.

From Ancient Hands to Modern Hearts

Long before hashtags and high fashion, artisans used bone to craft everything from tools to totems. Across the globe—from the Pacific Islands to Africa and the Arctic—carvers turned humble bone into objects of beauty, spirituality, and power. For indigenous communities, every carving was a symbol: a guardian, an animal, or a connection to the earth itself. Today, those traditions live on, blending centuries-old skills with contemporary flair—right here in the hands of our talented carvers.

The Artistry of Bone Carved Necklaces

Let’s talk necklaces! Bone carved necklaces aren’t just accessories—they’re wearable art, each as unique as a fingerprint. Our artisans’ hand-select the finest, ethically sourced bone and craft it into stunning pendants, often drawing inspiration from nature, tribal patterns, and our own vibrant Kiwi heritage.

Popular motifs like the koru (symbolising new beginnings), the manaia (guardian spirit), and the hei matau (fish hook for prosperity) aren’t just beautiful—they’re rich with meaning. The Pikorua, or twist, speaks to the strength of relationships and the eternal bond between people, while the Tiki represents wisdom, protection, and ancestral connection. When you wear a bone carving necklace from us, you’re not just wearing art—you’re carrying a story. Each piece links you to the land, the people, and the spirit of Aotearoa.

Popular motifs like the (symbolising new beginnings), the powerful (guardian spirit), and the elegant (fish hook for prosperity) aren’t just beautiful—they’re packed with meaning. When you wear a bone carving necklace from us, you’re carrying a story around your neck, one that connects you to the land, the people, and the spirit of Aotearoa.

Browse our collection of bone-carved necklaces.

 

Bone Carved Earrings: Light, Lovely, and Full of Life

Who says bone can’t be delicate? Bone-carved earrings are some of the most intricate pieces in our collection. Lightweight yet strong, they let you go bold without weighing you down—perfect for both everyday wear and making a statement at your next big event. From small drop earrings that whisper elegance to larger dangle styles that shout boldness, our bone carved earrings highlight the remarkable versatility of this natural material. Many designs are polished to a creamy sheen and occasionally paired with wood, stone, or metal for a look that’s both earthy and sophisticated.

Check out our stunning bone carved earrings.

 

Why Choose Bone Carved Jewellery?

Bone-carved jewellery isn’t just gorgeous—it’s meaningful and sustainable. We’re proud to work with artisans who repurpose bone that would otherwise go to waste, transforming it into treasures that honour both animal and earth. It’s the perfect choice for eco-conscious jewellery lovers who want style with substance.

Each piece also carries deep cultural significance. Whether you’re drawn to a necklace echoing tribal heritage or earrings that celebrate nature, you’re wearing art that bridges generations and cultures.

 

How to Care for Your Bone Jewellery

Want your bone-carved pieces to stay beautiful for decades? It’s easy! Keep them dry (bone is porous), avoid harsh chemicals, and clean with a soft, dry cloth. Store them away from direct sunlight and let them develop a natural patina if you love that vintage look—or gently polish them to keep that fresh ivory gleam. Either way, they’ll just get better with age. Māori consider the yellowing a good thing as it shows the taking on of your spirit, as body oils change the colour to an ivory look.

 

Bone Carving: Timeless, Meaningful, Beautiful

In a world full of fleeting fashions, bone carved jewellery stands out as a celebration of heritage, craftsmanship, and the beauty of nature. Whether you fall for the intricate necklaces or the lightweight elegance of our earrings, you’re not just wearing jewellery—you’re preserving a tradition that spans centuries.

Ready to start your own story? Explore our bone carved jewellery and experience the magic for yourself.