Joy for New Zealand jewellers as Kate splashes £3,000 ahead of visit
Tim Ewart
Former Royal Editor
Victoria Taylor and Kirstin O'Brien are two friends who run a little jewellery store in a city centre shopping arcade in Wellington, New Zealand.
Victoria, known as Tory to her friends, designs the jewels, Kristin handles the business side.
Over the past 13 years they've slowly built up a reputation. Several local celebrities favour their jewellery and through their website they have gained a decent international following.
But one hit on the website two weeks ago may transform their lives. Tory and Ko, as their business is known, had hit the jackpot.
The order came from Kensington Palace in London and the buyer was the Duchess of Cambridge. She ordered three pairs of earrings and a necklace.
Total charge, including delivery: 5,870 New Zealand dollars. That's £3,000.
Now the women hope that Kate will wear the jewellery during her three-week tour of New Zealand and Australia that starts on Monday morning Wellington time.
And they know that what the Duchess wears, thousands may copy.
"It's fantastic," says Victoria. "The whole story is so romantic."
And profitable. Already the website boasts: "As selected by Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Cambridge."