Women launch jewellery business

6:18am Monday 4th February 2008

IT did not take long for two women who had decided to go it alone in business to think of a name for their company.

Having 16 years of experience in all aspects of jewellery between them with a top Winchester jeweller, Victoria Benson and Victoria Hill-Morriss decided that Victoria Goldsmiths would be an apt name.

They are now working out of a workshop in Chandler's Ford and are keen to spread the word.

Miss Benson, 33, of Harestock, Winchester, is experienced in repairs and restoration, while Mrs Hill-Morriss, 32, from Chandler's Ford, is an expert in design and hand-making, as well as being a diamond grader.

Miss Benson said: "At the moment we're trying to get some trade customers, which is where most of our money will come from.

"Since we have started, we have had a lot of commissions from friends and family and through word of mouth."

Since their November launch, they have also been advertising in trade magazines and plan to take part in open house' events.

They do repairs, private commissions, wax carving and casting and complete reconstructions, as well as offering to melt down old pieces and make something new from them.

All the work is bespoke and can cost anything from £10 to thousands.

Miss Benson added: "The hope is really to be successful and continue giving good quality and service to our customers and form a real loyal base of private customers, as well as getting the trade.

"It's a really personal service, which I think is sometimes lacking. It's a very special thing, buying jewellery."

Mrs Hill-Morriss said: "At the moment we're having quite a good response from everyone who sees our stuff.

"It's gaining confidence with people. It's about trying to spread the word."

She said it was good to be her own boss as well.

"It means we're able to be more free because it's for us, we have been able to do what we want to do."

For more details, visit www.victoriagoldsmiths.com, or call 023 8026 2798, 07909 546692 or 07771 591940.

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