Auckland jewellery designer creating bold, story-rich pieces worn by Lady Gaga and Taika Waititi.
Nick von K is a boundary-pushing Auckland jewellery designer known for bold, story-rich creations that blend rock-n-roll aesthetics with traditional craftsmanship. With celebrity fans including Lady Gaga and Taika Waititi, Nick von K has established himself as one of New Zealand’s most distinctive jewellery brands.
Key Facts
- Founded: 2010 (15+ years in business)
- Designer: Nick von Klarwill
- Location: Karangahape Road, Auckland
- Specialty: Sterling silver, pounamu, bold statement pieces
- Celebrity Clients: Lady Gaga, Taika Waititi
The Origin Story
Nick has been designing and creating jewellery since he paid $20 for a soldering iron at age 19. Years later, he was designing for fashion brand Ricochet when it was sold in 2010.
When Ricochet was sold, Nick decided to start his own brand, investing $40,000 in savings into his designs. The name “von K” honours his grandfather Peter Von Klarwill – a Baron in Austria who was also Jewish and fled to New Zealand when the Nazis invaded.
Design Philosophy
Bold Beginnings
Nick’s early designs were big, bold, “kooky and weird” pieces that made a statement. This fearless approach to jewellery design set him apart from more conventional designers.
Evolving Range
Today, the collection has expanded to include delicate gold rings, precious gems, and a range that incorporates pounamu in ways customers might not have seen before – all while maintaining the brand’s distinctive edge.
Rock-n-Roll Aesthetic
Based in Auckland with eclectic tastes, Nick brings a rock-n-roll sensibility to fine jewellery – pieces that tell stories and make the wearer feel bold and confident.
Materials & Craftsmanship
Genuine New Zealand Pounamu
Nick travels to Hokitika in the South Island to personally source all the pounamu used in his designs, guaranteeing it is all genuine NZ jade. The stone is found in the rivers of the surrounding areas as it tumbles down from the mountains above.
Ethical Production
Most of the seasonal sterling silver collections are produced in one boutique production house in Bali. Nick developed these connections more than 15 years ago, and these relationships have evolved from creative partnerships into lasting friendships.
Sustainability Focus
Sustainability is at the heart of Nick’s craft, with each creation made in small batches to honour ethical production and enduring quality. No mass production – each piece is made with intention.
The Store & Collections
The Nick von K store is located inside the La Gonda Arcade, 203 Karangahape Road, Auckland (near Saint Kevin’s Arcade). Find it up a spiral staircase at the end of the arcade – a destination that matches the brand’s unique character.
Collections
- Pounamu Collection: Genuine NZ greenstone in contemporary settings
- Sterling Silver: Bold silver pieces with distinctive aesthetic
- Precious Metals & Gems: Gold pieces with precious stones
Explore More NZ Jewellery
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