A PAIR of neighbours who run a vintage headpiece business have been nominated for an award.
Crystal Heirlooms, based in Oxted, is one of the breakthrough business nominees in this year's National Vintage Awards.
Set up in 2012, the company is run by Fran Taylor and Jean Dyas – two friends and neighbours.
Mrs Taylor said: "Jean got engaged and she and I went out wedding shopping and we were looking at head-dresses and things and could not see anything she wanted, so she decided to make it herself."
Crystal Heirlooms was launched from this idea and the firm released its first collection in 2012.
Mrs Taylor added: "It's been a huge amount of fun. It's obviously been a learning curve, because the wedding industry is totally populated by small businesses and micros like ourselves. You have to really see where your niche is."
Each headdress is handcrafted by Mrs Dyas using vintage jewellery or pristine vintage embellishments including beadwork, lace, appliqué, ribbon and silk flowers.
Mrs Dyas says she then adds new and vintage elements, including Swarovski crystals and pearls, to create unique accessories with a contemporary feel.
Mrs Taylor believes the uniqueness of their products is the key to their success: "I think we weren't sure when we started out, but I think it's desperately important.
"Brides, when they are putting their big day together, really want to know that they have got things about their wedding that nobody else has got and the one-of-a-kind aspect is hugely appealing.
"It can really make the difference between which head-dress they choose."
The National Vintage Awards take place on June 19.
To find out more about Crystal Heirlooms, visit www.crystal-heirlooms.co.uk
