Exclusive Pearl Jewellery Created for Miss Universe New Zealand 2026

As the Miss Universe New Zealand 2026 Grand Final approaches on 28 July, excitement is building across the country. For us at Arapawa Blue Pearls, this year's event marks another special milestone in a collaboration that celebrates New Zealand craftsmanship, individuality, and the extraordinary beauty of pāua pearl jewellery.

Earlier this year, we had the privilege of partnering with Miss Universe New Zealand, with 17 contestants wearing our creations during the official photoshoot.

Now, as the competition reaches its final stage, we're proud to unveil another chapter of this journey: the creation of six exclusive pieces of pearl jewellery, designed especially for the competition's winners.

Five stunning pearl necklace designs have been handcrafted for the finalists, while the future Miss Universe New Zealand will also receive a matching pair of pearl earrings, creating an exclusive jewellery set unlike any other.

Each piece tells a story that began long before the competition itself.

Designing pearl jewellery for one of New Zealand's most prestigious events was an honour, but it also came with a unique challenge.

From the very beginning, we agreed on one important detail: every piece would feature specially selected pāua pearls chosen exclusively for this collection.

Unlike gemstones that can be cut to match one another, every pāua pearl is naturally unique. Their iridescent colours, distinctive lustre, shape and natural patterns make every pearl one of a kind. Finding six pearls that complemented each other beautifully required far more than selecting them from a single harvest.

Instead, we carefully revisited pearls collected over several years, comparing hundreds of candidates to find the perfect balance of colour, quality, size and lustre.

It was a meticulous process, but one that perfectly reflects our philosophy. Every piece of pearl jewellery we create begins by respecting the individuality of the pearl itself.

The result is a collection that celebrates both the uniqueness of New Zealand's native pāua and the remarkable women who will wear these creations on the Grand Final stage.

While the finished pearl necklaces and the pair of pearl earrings may appear effortless, the journey behind them spans almost a decade.

Everything begins on our pearl farm on Arapaoa Island, where we hatch and raise New Zealand's native pāua. The pāua spend around four to five years growing before they are ready for pearl cultivation.

A carefully inserted nucleus encourages the formation of a beautiful mabe pearl, which then takes another four to five years to develop naturally inside the shell.

Only after this lengthy process are the pearls harvested, processed and graded.

As with every custom jewellery project, bringing a specific vision for colour, size, surface quality and overall harmony to life is no small task. It takes patience, experience and a keen eye. In the end, we found the seven pearls that were the perfect fit for this very special occasion.

Those carefully selected pearls were then entrusted to local Blenheim jeweller Corey Broughton, whose craftsmanship transformed them into six elegant pieces of pearl jewellery worthy of one of the country's most celebrated stages.

Entirely grown, selected and handcrafted in New Zealand, these creations showcase what makes pāua jewellery so distinctive. No two pearls are ever identical, ensuring every pearl necklace carries its own unique character.

Although these six creations were designed exclusively for Miss Universe New Zealand, their timeless elegance lives on through our Winner Collection.

Inspired by the same graceful aesthetic, the collection allows anyone to discover pearl jewellery that reflects the spirit of this special collaboration while celebrating the incredible colours of New Zealand's rare pāua pearls.

Whether you're looking for an elegant pearl necklace for a meaningful occasion or minimalist pearl earrings, every design showcases the natural beauty that makes pāua pearl jewellery unlike any other.

Entirely grown, designed and handcrafted in New Zealand, these creations celebrate the very best of local craftsmanship. Every step takes place in the Marlborough region, from growing our native pāua on Arapaoa Island to handcrafting each piece with Blenheim jeweller Corey Broughton. It's a collaboration that proudly showcases the people, craftsmanship and natural beauty of Aotearoa New Zealand.

Discover the Winner Collection now: