TWO jewellery designing sisters have played their part in the the Olympic closing ceremony.
Nicola and Stephanie Ball, of Prestatyn-based Halo and Co, designed the gold filigree tiara worn by Geri Halliwell during the Spice Girls’ performance on Sunday night, seen by a estimated global television audience of 4 billion.
The sisters, who head a team of six staff, were ordered to keep their work top secret until after the ceremony.
“It felt like we won a gold medal,” said Nicola, aged 36, of Dyserth.
“We had a late night celebrating. It was a once in a lifetime thing to watch a closing ceremony and seeing something you have designed.
“You can understand what the athletes go through before a race.”
The sisters were asked by Suzanne Neville, who made Geri’s dress, to design the piece and the pair then went to meet the Spice Girl and show her their designs.
“She was lovely,” said Nicola.
“It was an amazing thing to meet someone like Geri.
“She was lovely and it was great working with her.”
The tiara is a combination of gold metalwork filigree with thousands of metallic effect encrusted crystals and stones.
Stephanie, aged 38, also of Dyserth, said: “Geri wanted it to look regal.
“We designed something we thought she would like.
“Everyone has worked really hard.
“The staff here are really skilled.
“My heart literally stopped when I saw Geri wearing something I have worked so hard to deliver.
“It’s a great day for Halo and Co and helps fly the flag around the world for British fashion designers like ourselves.
“I do not know how much it is worth, but after Gerri’s Union Jack dress this will be her second most iconic outfit.”
The sisters have already designed pieces for Princess Anne, Katherine Jenkins and Katie Price.