The Blue Pearl Journal

Gold Pearl Necklace: The Ultimate Guide to New Zealand's Rare Abalone Treasures

Gold Pearl Necklace: The Ultimate Guide to New Zealand's Rare Abalone Treasures

At Arapawa Blue Pearls, we've spent years perfecting the art of turning ocean treasures into jewellery that makes people stop mid-conversation. There's something profoundly satisfying...

Hayley Vanderhulst
Where Snails Become Superstars: Pearl Farm Tours Are Back!

Where Snails Become Superstars: Pearl Farm Tours Are Back!

Hey there, fellow adventurers and jewellery enthusiasts! The pearl farm tours are officially back in business, which means our little slice of aquatic paradise on...

Hayley Vanderhulst
The Ultimate Guide to Paua Shell Jewellery: New Zealand's Ocean Treasure

The Ultimate Guide to Paua Shell Jewellery: New Zealand's Ocean Treasure

At Arapawa Blue Pearls, we've spent years perfecting the art of transforming New Zealand's most stunning ocean treasures into jewellery that captures hearts worldwide. Here's...

Hayley Vanderhulst
Gold vs Platinum: The Ultimate Jewellery Showdown

Gold vs Platinum: The Ultimate Jewellery Showdown

Picture this: you're standing in a jewellery store, staring at two nearly identical pieces of pearl jewellery NZ has to offer, and the only difference...

Hayley Vanderhulst
Paua for Beginners: Everything You Need to Know

Paua for Beginners: Everything You Need to Know

New to paua? You’re in for something distinctly Aotearoa. With its striking blue-green shell and rich, oceanic flavour, paua is one of New Zealand’s most...

Hayley Vanderhulst
What Makes a Blue Pearl Unique: The Story Behind Nature’s Rarest Gem

What Makes a Blue Pearl Unique: The Story Behind Nature’s Rarest Gem

  As the golden leaves of autumn begin to fall, we’re wrapping up another wonderful tourist season here at Arapawa Island. The boats are still...

Hayley Vanderhulst
Hook Necklace: A Symbol of Strength, Prosperity, and Connection

Hook Necklace: A Symbol of Strength, Prosperity, and Connection

At Arapawa Blue Pearls, we believe that jewellery is more than just an accessory; it’s a story. Each piece we create carries not only the...

Hayley Vanderhulst
Growing Up in the Heart of Marlborough Sounds History

Growing Up in the Heart of Marlborough Sounds History

Whaling Station Opening 2010 Toni Halliday (née Cormack) sat down with interviewer Loreen Brehaut in January 2006 to share a vivid oral history of life...

Hayley Vanderhulst
Bridal jewellery & wedding rings NZ: everything you need to know

Bridal jewellery & wedding rings NZ: everything you need to know

Planning your wedding involves many important decisions, from the venue to the dress, and of course, the jewellery that will complete your look. The right...

Antonia Radon
Whaler’s Daughter: A 1950s Childhood on Arapaoa Island, New Zealand

Whaler’s Daughter: A 1950s Childhood on Arapaoa Island, New Zealand

An Oral History of Whaling Life, Maori Family Traditions, and Rural New Zealand Childhoods. On two late-winter days in 2006, Ria Wilson (née Norton) sat...

Hayley Vanderhulst
July Birth Pearl: A Unique Twist on the Traditional Birthstone

July Birth Pearl: A Unique Twist on the Traditional Birthstone

  For July babies, the fiery red ruby is the traditional birthstone; bold, brilliant, and intense. But not everyone resonates with bright red gemstones. At...

Hayley Vanderhulst
What Is A Pearl Grade?

What Is A Pearl Grade?

  When shopping for pearl jewellery, understanding pearl grade is essential. Whether you’re admiring a luminous abalone pearl or looking for the perfect gift, knowing...

Antonia Radon
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