Forged in Newtown

With Gillian Kilgour of King Street Metalsmiths

On the quieter end of South King Street, King Street Metalsmiths has carved out a space that feels both refined and distinctly local. Co-owner Gillian Kilgour has spent the past five years building a workshop where traditional techniques meet creative expression. Every piece of jewellery is handcrafted on site, with the open studio inviting customers to witness the process up close.

“Newtown was always the right fit for us,” Gillian says. “This community appreciates things that are personal, thoughtful and a bit different. We design everything here, whether it is an engagement ring, a remodelled heirloom or a completely new idea. The people who come through the door inspire what we make.”

“We are about thinking differently. Every piece reflects the story of the person it is made for. That is what Newtown is all about.”

The space is a reflection of the suburb itself—unconventional, welcoming and built on stories. “Our custom work really took off once we opened in Newtown,” Gillian says. “The spectrum of what people ask for is as diverse as the neighbourhood. It has helped us grow into something more than a typical jewellery store.”

She credits their success to the relationships built over time, not just with customers but with fellow small businesses. “Lucy from the Button Shop was one of our earliest supporters. Now we send people to Escape Hair, Porkatroya, She Loves You and others nearby. We’ve become part of the street.”

Among the many pieces crafted in the South King studio, one commission still stands out. “We made a pendant inspired by the concept of a Black Swan Event—those rare and unpredictable moments that change everything. It was a deeply personal story for the customer and the piece ended up full of symbolism. That is the kind of work we love most.”