The TORY & KO female design duo sprang to life two years ago when Victoria Taylor, well-known jeweller, designer and gemologist teamed up with business partner Kirstin O’Brien, who comes from a family of jewellers…
The TORY & KO female design duo sprang to life two years ago when Victoria Taylor, well-known jeweller, designer and gemologist teamed up with business partner Kirstin O’Brien, who comes from a family of jewellers.
Positioned upstairs in the Old Bank Arcade in Wellington (pictured left), they are tucked away in a perfect boutique location but central enough that anyone can check out their creations.
In 2010 Tory travelled to Tokyo with her sister, fellow designer, Rebecca Taylor, where they saw the movie The Cove. It focused on the plight of the dolphins in Japan, which inspired them to create a special edition dolphin charm to raise awareness of the heinous cruelty towards this beautiful animal. Their shared love of animals gave them the idea for this new collection.
The charm can be attached to a classic charm bracelet, or features on a silver bangle or necklace. TORY & KO.supports a number of charities including the Neo-Natal Trust, Mary Potter Hospice, Gillies McIndoe Research Foundation, Christchurch Earthquake Appeal, End Polio Now, MS NZ and the Oceanic Preservation Society.
The Cove Pendant in Rebecca Taylor’s New York boutique.
Currently they have four collections: TORY & KO Charm Collection, Pretty Collection, Engagement & Wedding Jewellery and Bespoke Jewellery. Tory’s personal favourites from the ranges are the Diamond Set Wing Charm and Pearl Drop from the Charm Collection, the Rose Gold & Diamond Swallow Necklace from the Pretty Collection and the Diamond Snowflake Necklace from the Wedding Collection.
Kirstin admits she loves the Black Diamond Star Necklace from the Pretty Collection as her daughter Stella inspired them. Tory likens herself to a magpie when it comes to jewellery because she loves anything that sparkles, as does Kirstin.
Their jewellery manages to reach a wide market, from teenage girls to mothers to grandmothers. TORY & KO pieces are contemporary but still strikingly classic. This is highlighted in their Pretty Collection, where Marie Antoinette was their muse. Tory says she was inspired by the French icon’s style while she was pregnant, as the Marie Antoinette movie always seemed to be playing on TV during this time. The pretty bows and antique tailoring of the jewellery in the film gave her the concept.
The popularity of their business is spread through word of mouth, as clients enjoy one-on-one meetings and are able to create unique pieces for any individual. Their focus as a team is to create an atmosphere of fun where every customer enjoys an experience of creating something suited to their own personality or an exquisite piece with character for someone special. Most importantly they don’t want people to be intimidated when buying jewellery, but would rather they have an enjoyable time choosing a piece that has or will be lovingly made.
Tory and Ko Pieces: showing versatility in styles from romantic to classic to quirky.
Tory and Kirstin’s jewellery also has a delicate feminine edge to it. This is seen in the majority of their pieces, such as the gorgeous 9ct Gold Butterfly Ring with Diamond, which is a nice change in a jewellery industry that is largely “man”-made.
The design duo working on their next bespoke piece.
So what’s next? Tory says she likes the idea of big dress cocktail rings, but says there is a wide range of possibilities for the duo. She agrees that whatever’s next on their to-do list will be something that all women will enjoy and a collection that will surprise and delight. I’m confident that whatever they develop next will be a success, as these talented young ladies have a fresh approach to jewellery that acknowledges a woman’s individual style.
Check out their Special Edition Sterling Silver Dolphin Charm at www.toryandko.com
Written by Amelia Smith http://invitationonlyuncovered.blogspot.com
Jewellery photos provided by Tory and Ko.
Portrait pictures by Brandon Skilton
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