Jade & Pounamu Repair Services

Jade & Pounamu Repair Service in Melbourne

At MDTdesign, we understand the deep cultural and sentimental value that jade bangles and Pounamu, also known as New Zealand Greenstone, pieces hold. Whether your treasured piece has cracked, chipped, or broken, we offer expert repair services to restore its beauty and integrity. Our specialised techniques allow us to carefully rejoin broken pieces, reinforcing them for longevity while preserving their original look and feel.

Our Pounamu Repair Techniques

Depending on the extent of the damage and the nature of the piece, we employ different methods to ensure a strong and lasting repair:

• Rejoining and Re-gluing: For clean breaks, we use high-quality adhesives designed to create a strong and nearly invisible bond.
• Metal Reinforcement: In cases where extra strength is required, we can insert and secure a fine metal band around the crack or on the reverse side of the piece. This provides additional structural support while maintaining the integrity and visual appeal of the piece.
• Custom Solutions: Every Pounamu or jade piece is unique. We carefully assess each piece individually to determine the best repair method that ensures both durability and respect for its cultural heritage.

Below features an example of a Pounamu pendant which has broken through the middle. In the second image we have repaired the piece and rejoined it added extra security around the broken section.

Repairing Broken Jade Bangles

Jade bangles are renowned for their beauty, strength, and cultural significance—particularly in many Asian cultures where they are worn daily and often gifted to mark important life events. However, due to their circular shape and rigid structure, jade bangles are particularly vulnerable to breakage if dropped or struck. At MDTdesign, we understand how devastating it can be to see a cherished jade bangle broken. That’s why we offer thoughtful and skilled repair solutions tailored to the unique nature of jade. Whether your bangle has a clean break or more complex damage, our expert jewellers assess each case individually. Using high-strength adhesives or discreet metal reinforcements where necessary, we aim to restore your bangle’s strength and appearance while honouring its sentimental and cultural value.

Important Considerations

• We do not carve or add small replacement pieces if sections of your jade or Pounamu item are missing.
• We do not sell jade bangles or Pounamu pieces.
• As expert jewellers, our focus is on providing specialised repairs to restore and preserve your meaningful item.

The Cultural Significance of Pounamu

In Māori culture, Pounamu is much more than a beautiful stone—it is a taonga (treasure) with deep spiritual significance. Traditionally gifted as a token of love, respect, or family heritage, Pounamu carries the mana (spiritual power and prestige) of both the giver and the receiver. These treasured items are often passed down through generations, making them irreplaceable heirlooms that hold deep emotional and ancestral value.

Each Pounamu piece tells a unique story, and its wear over time is seen as a testament to its journey. However, when a piece breaks, it can be heartbreaking. Rather than discarding it, repairing and strengthening the piece allows its story to continue while honouring its cultural and personal significance.

Preserving the Mana of Your Pounamu

Our goal is to restore your treasured piece with the utmost care and respect, allowing it to be worn and cherished once again. If you have a broken jade bangle or Pounamu piece, bring it to our experienced team at MDTdesign. We will assess the damage and provide the best possible solution to restore its integrity while honouring its story and significance.

Contact us today to learn more about our jade and Pounamu repair services, or visit our Melbourne showroom for a consultation.

Understanding the Terminology: Jade, Greenstone, and Pounamu

The terminology around jade and Pounamu can often be confusing, especially as these words are used differently across cultures:

• Jade is a general term that can refer to two distinct silicate minerals: nephrite and jadeite. Both are considered true jade, but they differ in composition, colour, and origin.
• Pounamu is the traditional Māori name for nephrite jade found in the South Island of New Zealand. It is legally protected under the Treaty of Waitangi and holds deep spiritual and cultural importance.
• Greenstone is a more casual English term commonly used in New Zealand to describe Pounamu, though not all greenstone is technically classified as jade.
• In other regions, especially in Asia, jadeite (often more vibrant and translucent) is commonly used in jewellery, including bangles.

At MDTdesign, we repair both jadeite and nephrite pieces, with deep respect for their origins and meaning.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can you repair all types of jade and Pounamu?
A: We repair both nephrite (including Pounamu) and jadeite pieces. Every item is assessed individually to determine if a strong and respectful repair is possible.

Q: Is the repaired area visible?
A: We aim to make repairs as discreet as possible. In many cases, the bond is nearly invisible. However, some reinforcements may be subtly noticeable, especially when metal is added for support.

Q: Do you use traditional Māori methods in your repair process?
A: While we are not traditional Pounamu carvers, we approach every piece with cultural awareness and respect. Our techniques focus on structural integrity and aesthetic preservation.

Q: Can you repair jade bangles that have completely snapped in two?
A: Yes, if the break is clean and the parts are intact, we can often rejoin them with specialised adhesive or add in a metal support to strengthen the area.

Q: Do you restore missing sections or reshape broken pieces?
A: No. We do not add new jade or carve replacements. Our service is focused on repairing what remains, preserving the authenticity of your original piece.

Q: How long does the repair process take?
A: Timeframes vary depending on the damage and the repair method. After we assess your piece, we’ll provide an estimated completion time.