Verve catches up with Victoria Taylor and Kirstin O’Brien, founders of internationally renowned TORY & KO. Jewellers.
What sparked the idea to create TORY & KO together?
KIRSTIN: We met in 2004 when my fiancé took me to Victoria’s boutique to buy a ring. I was inspired by Victoria’s design aesthetic and personality and dreamt of collaborating one day. That day came in 2009 for a charm collection for a children’s charity. And TORY & KO. was born!
You both have a huge amount of experience in the industry, how do you delegate so you’re playing to each of your strengths?
K: Victoria’s extensive jewellery design and manufacturing skills, years of experience working in a diamond merchant, and her gemmology degree from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) give her the insight to create beautiful pieces. Victoria is the designer and jeweller, so all creative flair is delegated through her. She advises on diamond and gemstone choices, assesses existing jewellery, designs every piece and deals with our New Zealand and international gemstone and diamond merchants. Her background in accounting also lends itself to the financial side of the business which she manages.
VICTORIA: Kirstin’s grandfather and uncle were both manufacturing jewellers, so she grew up watching them work. She also spent years working in jewellery retail while at university. Her recent diamond and coloured gemstones study through the GIA, background in corporate business development, sales, and marketing, along with her family history and understanding of the trade, complement my design skills. Kirstin takes care of the ‘operations’ side of the business, from insurance to CRM and stock systems, to social media marketing and website development. She also consults with customers and advises them on designs for diamonds and gemstones, and completes valuations for insurance.
You’ve had so many highlights, like creating a brooch for Queen Elizabeth II. What are each of your own personal proudest moments?
K: One of my proudest moments was being asked us to create a piece for the Genée International Ballet Competition when it was held in New Zealand. It’s the Formula 1 of the ballet world. Victoria created a beautiful tiara for the audience award-winner, featuring sapphires, topaz, moonstones, and a freshwater pearl drop. We were lucky enough to present it on stage. We met with ballet royalty from London including the CEO of the Royal Academy of Dance, Luke Rittner, and I was like a teenager when I met with the actual Li Cunxin (Mao’s Last Dancer) backstage!
V: Working with our engagement and wedding clients is always a highlight. Because we’re a bespoke business, we want to get to know customers from their engagement right through to their wedding and even meeting their babies! Each consultation leads to a new-found business relationship or even friendship. Friends recommend their mothers, sisters, or colleagues. We’re fortunate to create unique pieces for special occasions for other mothers and women. We also get many men visit for advice on rings or gifts.
