As early as the late 1700's to the early 1800's the significance of the colours of the Paua Shell made it a highly prised souvenirs for any foreign visitor.
Actually all Paua has a shell, the only ones that don't have been de-shelled by man.
Paua Shell has been well known of for over 1000 years, the first people to sight Paua would of been the New Zealand Maori when they arrived.
A large quantity of Paua Shell jewellery is only made in NZ, this is mostly because of the ease of supply. However there are several Asian and Indian importers of Paua Shell (from NZ) that also create a range of Paua related items.
Paua shell or oyster shell (mother of pear)
paua shell
Paua has mostly only 2 "enemies" one being obviously human and the other is a star fish. The star fish has a unique way of attacking the Paua, it attaches its self to the outer part of the shell and starts to bite a hole through the shells surface. The paua decides it's being attacked and releases its self from its rock to try and relocate.......that is when the star fish grabs the Paua and can turn it over for consumption.
Either with a very sharp knife, or insert a thumb under the Paua and just keeping pushing, it should peel out of the shell with reasonable force.
pufel or paua
Shell's and paua's
Though there is several recipes for cooking Paua the simplest is leaving it in its shell and cook slowly over an open fire on the beach.
Paua is the Maori word for a species of Abalone which is only found in the waters of New Zealand. The Paua is actually related to snails.
Paua