The Bone Art Place — Local services in North Island

If I could post a picture of what was ordered vs what was received, it would say it all and negate the need for writing. Received the package and was flawed at what was received. It is meme-worthy. Approached the seller and mentioned the concerns we had, and the seller denied our concerns but said we could return the package all the way from USA back to Aotearoa. We figured if we receive our refund, we'll leave it there and not pursue it. Well, it has been 2 months since this all occurred and nothing from seller. We like to give the benefit of the doubt.

So, here's what happened. This pounamu was ordered for my girlfriend's 40th birthday. She is part Maori, very hardworking, friendly and a former gemologist. I couldnt wait to show her this supposedly gorgeous gift that had been ordered from her home country. When the package arrived, I couldn't hide my dismay and asked her the awkward question I wish I didn't have to. First of all, this is mass produced, Chinese jade - not from the deposits locally in NZ. The workmanship does not resemble anything from the image. And I doubt the artist who was supposedly the creator of this 'fine' art would be pleased at their name being tarnished with junk knock off products. This isn't cool and honestly, since you haven't refunded and we have sent back weeks and weeks ago and your work, pride, and ethic is no good. You're an embarrassment to your own people. Shame on you. Credit card chargeback going to begin within 7 business days if lack of communication and pride continues.

Folks, I recommend going to Ebay and searching for seller Acton Park, they're amazing. Full of aroha, fast shipping, kind - boom. Forget these lying, cheating bozos.

Update 8/20: Seller refunded within 30 minutes of this review being posted. Note - no abusive communication was ever sent to the seller and we always like to give the benefit of the doubt for misunderstandings during communication. That is not to say if somebody is behaving in an underhanded way, I will definitely point it out because ain't nobody got time for folks wasting others' time and resources. Particularly if it involves preying on the good nature of others. I'm usually very open-minded and relaxed about things of this nature but have decided to keep this review here because NEVER in many years has anybody had the gall to try sell me something different than advertised and then try to avoid refunding after we sent the item back many weeks ago. Seller, this wouldnt have happened if you simply did the right thing in the first place. Seriously?! Plenty of better and more reputable sellers...

My dad had purchased two lovely calf bone taongas from The Bone Art Place a few months ago, after he made the decision to move from Australia home to NZ. I've just returned to Aus after visiting him but before I left my partner asked if I could keep an eye out for a taonga for him. I looked at the website and saw that you could book a time to visit Don and view his collection. On my last day (on the way to the airport) we stopped in and were welcomed by Don. He has a beautiful display and large collection. It was amazing to look at, touch and learn so much about the carvings, their meanings and their history. Before I knew it, I was buying myself two, my partner one, going halves with my dad for another for him and he picked out one for me to take back to my sister, too. They have such a wide variety of carvings in all different materials, styles, colours and sizes. I wholeheartedly recommend The Bone Art Place and definitely believe I will purchase more beautiful pieces in the...

The art is magnificent. The selection is endless. The prices are perfect, and Don is brilliant!! I landed in New Zealand almost two weeks ago and my goal was to find bone carvings for my kids. I looked all around the Auckland and surrounding areas. I asked everyone I met. I found nothing. I learned about The Bone Art Place towards the end of my travels and thank goodness I did. Don picked us up from the train station. He helped us get to where we needed to be after. He was so genuine and nice and real. I would not do business with anyone else when it comes...