A Wellington jeweller wants to eventually create a design hub in the capital following a deal to supply the designs for an exclusive range of bridal rings for a major Chinese firm.
The Inspired Collection - the brainchild of The Village Goldsmith founder - Ian Douglas, has signed a two-year deal with Hiersun, which will make and distribute the rings through its "I Do" branded stores, paying a royalty for the designs.
The rings will sell for $1000 to $5000 each and Mr Douglas says there is plenty of room for growth in the underdeveloped Chinese engagement ring market.
He hopes to use the knowledge that has gained from the Chinese deal and apply it to North America and the United Kingdom.
"We want to build a design hub in Wellington where we can start absorbing young talent, young graduates and really build a whole business around IP (intellectual property) and design development that we control and own but disseminate that knowledge around the world."
Mr Douglas says he is also in talks with large companies in the United States, Canada and Britain, and hopes the business will be successful enough to create something like New Zealand film director Sir Peter Jackson's Weta Workshop.
