Albrecht Stuetzle Master Craftsman

The Fiji Tabua (Whale's Tooth) necklace with adjustable black string is hand cast in pewter (tin) by Albrecht Stuetzle, better know as Albi; a German born master craftsman who has made Fiji his second home. Albi served his apprentice years in Stuttgart Germany as a craftsman, specialising in hand and machine engravings, metal casting and electroplating in bronze, silver and gold.

A Tabua is a polished tooth of a sperm whale that is an important cultural item in Fijian society. They were traditionally given as gifts for atonement or esteem (called sevusevu), and were important in negotiations between rival chiefs. Today the tabua remains an important item in Fijian life. They are not sold but traded regularly as gifts in weddings, birthdays, and at funerals.

The Tabua necklace is one of Albi's unique designs in his Jewellery range, dedicated to Fiji and its people. Each piece of pewterware is hand-founded and made of fine grade pewter. 96% tin content designates it as the finest pewter available.

Albi came to Fiji in 1986 and married his wife Litia who hails from Vatukarasa Village on the Coral Coast. Operating from a small workshop behind his home in the Coral Coast, Albi has created many beautiful items including unique trophies that are awarded at major awards nights such as Fiji Excellence in Tourism, the Vodafone Fiji Open Golf Tournament and the Westpac Women in Business Excellence Awards.

Albi has produced personalised gifts for government officials as presentations to other government leaders when travelling overseas. He said that most of his creations have been given as gifts to royalty and presidential houses around the world. He also has exclusive clients that request specially engraved items such as jewellery boxes or household ornaments to be given as gifts to personal friends.