Jewellery from New Zealand: Discover Hand Made Pearl Jewellery by Corey Broughton

Before Corey became a household name in jewellery New Zealand he learned the craft under the careful guidance of Noel Herd, Master jeweller, now retired. Noel was renowned for his traditional methods and dedication to perfection. He kept the art of fine jewellery alive by teaching aspiring designers, passing on the old-school techniques of working entirely by hand—starting with nothing but a bar of gold.

Noel taught Corey how to do everything from scratch: melting gold, creating components, setting stones, and polishing by hand. Everything was hand made, the way jewellery used to be. That mentorship laid the foundation for the artisan Corey is today.

A Piece of History: The Silver Fern Brooch for Jenny Shipley

One of Corey’s most memorable creations was a large silver fern brooch commissioned for former Prime Minister Jenny Shipley. Designed and handcrafted during his time at jewellery of New Zealand, the brooch symbolised both national pride and the high standard of Corey’s work.

Brooches were a common staple of fashion during the 90’s, Dame Jenny Shipley often wore these for formal events. Most notably when she was sworn in as Prime minister in 1997, she wore a Silver and Pearl Brooch. This brooch was later gifted to Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa in 2018 as part of the Suffrage 125 collecting project.

The silver fern brooch holds deep symbolic significance for New Zealand diplomats and political leaders, serving as a powerful emblem of national identity, unity, and pride. As a native plant, the silver fern has long been associated with New Zealand’s natural heritage and is widely recognized as a symbol of the country both at home and abroad. Brooches featuring the silver fern are often worn by leaders and dignitaries during international engagements, state functions, and formal ceremonies to represent New Zealand’s presence subtly yet eloquently. These brooches are not just ornamental—they serve as statements of cultural diplomacy, linking the wearer to Aotearoa’s land, people, and values.

This piece marked a profound milestone—proof that Corey’s creation was not only a work of wearable art, but a powerful emblem of national identity. In a tradition where the silver fern brooch

From Paralympian to Master Jeweller

Beyond the studio, Corey Broughton’s story is one of resilience, talent, and a legacy that spans generations. In 1992, Corey proudly represented New Zealand at the Paralympic Games in Japan, where he won two gold medals—in the 100m freestyle and 50m freestyle—and a bronze in the 50m backstroke.

What makes Corey’s achievement even more remarkable is that he was already a strong swimmer before losing his leg. After the accident, instead of slowing down, he got even faster. He often says that losing the leg actually improved his performance by 1 to 1.5 seconds, because the leg had created extra drag in the water. His grit and mindset turned what could’ve been a setback into a winning advantage.

Corey’s competitive spirit, discipline, and passion now flow into his jewellery, where every piece is either handmade pearl jewellery or bespoke jewellery, made with the same determination and heart he once brought to the pool.

Why Choose Corey’s Pearl Jewellery?

What Are Mabe Pearls?

In the world of jewellery from New Zealand, Mabe pearls are a treasured rarity. Forming on the inside the shell. Their unique shape—flat on one side and domed on the other—makes them ideal for elegant settings in pearl jewellery like earrings, pendants, rings, and brooches.

Each Mabe pearl is full of colour, with hues that shift in the light—from shimmering blues and silvers to soft pinks greens and purples. No two are ever the same.

For more information about mabe pearls check out our blog post Wild Pearls vs. Mabe Pearls: Nature’s Unique Creations

Why Mabe Pearls Are Unique

Jewellery New Zealand Made with NZ and Recycled Gold

Every piece of pearl jewellery we create carries more than just beauty—it carries responsibility. That’s why we ensure our gold is of high purity, with a higher percentage of New Zealand gold than standard alloys. The rest is recycled gold, reducing our environmental impact and supporting a more circular jewellery industry.

We believe your jewellery should be meaningful—not just in how it looks, but in how it’s made.

Whether you're visiting Marlborough or browsing online, you’ll experience the finest in jewellery New Zealand see first note through the hands of Corey Broughton. Each item in our collection reflects the land, the sea, and the people who shaped it.

Discover handmade pearl jewellery with a story. Wear pearl jewellery that’s meaningful, sustainable, and designed to last a lifetime.

Explore our Mabe pearl collection today and experience jewellery from New Zealand redefined—crafted by one of Blenheim’s finest jewellers.