Greenstone is a taonga (treasure) so should be treated with great respect.
- Always protect your greenstone from being dropped or knocked against hard surfaces. Stone can fracture, chip or break if knocked against something hard.
- Do not wear it when playing sport, and whilst gardening, cleaning or doing hard labour.
- Do not wear it to bed. Not only is it a choking hazard, you could roll over in bed and accidentally bang it against the sides of the bed.
- Tuck it away in your shirt if you are playing with animals (which could scratch it).
- Wear your necklace high up around your neck, so it can rest against your skin and absorb the oil and your wairua from your skin. This will help stop it lose its lustre. If it does start to look duller, you can rub a little vegetable oil or natural fat in with your hands, leave for 5 minutes, then remove any excess with a soft cloth.
- Tuck it under your clothing when you are moving, so there is less chance of it banging against something. Bring it back out for all to admire, when you are sitting down.
- Do not wear it in the sea or the shower. Water and salt will contribute to breaking down the cord and the wax on the cord.
- Take your necklace or earrings off over a soft surface, like a thick towel, or your bed or other soft furnishings. It is so easy to drop your jewellery when taking it off, so get into the habit of taking this precaution.
- Store it in a soft pouch or box.
- Treasure your pounamu, and it will reward you with many years of use.