Authenticity
Genuine pounamu is rarer, and more valuable, than most buyers realise, which means knowing how to spot the real thing matters just as much as knowing what to look for.
This hub covers how to tell genuine pounamu from lookalikes and imitations, and how it's traditionally carved by hand into the pieces you see for sale. If you're deciding what to buy once you've confirmed a piece is real, our Buying & Gifting guides pick up from there.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pounamu Authenticity
Genuine pounamu has a smooth, slightly waxy surface, feels cold and dense, and shows some translucency when held up to light. Asking the seller where the stone was sourced and who carved it also matters. See how to tell if pounamu is real for the full checklist.
Pounamu is one of the hardest stones to work by hand, traditionally shaped using sand, water and other stone tools, though most carvers today combine traditional technique with modern diamond-tipped tools. Our guide on how pounamu is carved covers the full process.
Because genuine pounamu only comes from New Zealand's South Island in limited quantities, imitation and mislabelled stone is common in the wider souvenir and jewellery market. Buying from a verified source is the most reliable safeguard; our West Coast region guide is a good place to start.
A qualified gemmologist can test density, hardness and mineral composition to confirm nephrite jade, which is worth doing for a high-value piece if you have any doubt. For everyday purchases, sourcing from a reputable, transparent seller is usually sufficient; see how to tell if pounamu is real for what to check first.