Royal weddings send brides in ring frenzy – huge interest in Welsh gold since Meghans day

Prince Harry flashes wedding ring to schoolgirls in Tokyo

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info

Searches for ‘Welsh gold jewellery’ in the first half of 2021 are up a huge 143 percent from 2018, when Meghan Markle and Prince Harry got married. Harry placed a traditional wedding ring on Meghan’s finger, which was fashioned from Welsh gold. She was one of many royal brides to wear this type of ring – the Queen herself has the same, as does Kate Middleton and Princess Eugenie.

Noticing this trend and ongoing popularity, the Managing Director of heritage Welsh jewellery firm Clogau, Ben Roberts, paid £20,000 at an auction for a rare gold nugget weighing just 30.5 grams, which is less than an average bar of chocolate.

With intrigue in Welsh gold growing significantly over recent months, the heritage brand Clogau in Wales invested this £20,000 to continue producing its jewellery for years to come.

Ben said: “The first we heard about the golden nugget was through the media.

“Everyone was so excited about this rare piece; I just knew I had to get into the auction.

“I tracked it down and made sure I was first in line to make the purchase.”
Clogau, a second-generation family business, based in Dolgellau, North Wales, is often referred to as ‘The Gold of Royalty’.

It is famously known for producing custom pieces for the likes of The Queen Mother and Queen Elizabeth II, a tradition that first began in 1923.

Its pieces are seen as an heirloom with both a personal and cultural meaning and a permanent tie to Wales, which means they are valuable to pass down through the royal generations.

Ben continued: “To many, our jewellery signifies a deeper meaning and often hear tales of customers who have visited stores to get their loved ones their first piece, whilst proudly showing our staff the Clogau jewellery they personally received many years before.

“Who knows, we might even be lucky enough to use this nugget to produce jewellery for Princess Charlotte, baby Lillibet and other Royal family members of the future.”

Welsh gold, which has a history stretching back at least 2000 years, can currently be valued up to 30 times more than standard world gold.

Known for its scarcity and origin, it has become one of the most sought-after golds in the world.

Ben added: “The jewellery industry has been severely affected by the pandemic.

“The closure of non-essential stores was a worry, but at Clogau, we focused our efforts on digital e-commerce and made sure we were as responsive as ever to our customers’ needs and wants.

“As a result, the auction came on the back of one of our best years in terms of sales performance.

“Plus, with no gold mining taking place in Wales today, Welsh gold supplies may eventually run out.

“So, securing this piece ensures we can continue to produce hand-crafted pieces and future proof the unique experience that makes us who we are.

“Its ongoing popularity and recent surge in interest has further cemented my decision to make the purchase, ensuring it remains in Wales, where it belongs.”

Meghan has now been married for three years, and the Welsh gold ring has clearly worked out well for her marriage to Prince Harry.

Her 40th birthday today will be celebrated in California where the Duke and Duchess of Sussex live, and hopefully, some new royal photos will be released.

Most members of the Royal Family get married with a wedding ring fashioned from Welsh gold, from the Queen in 1947 to Princess Eugenie in 2018.

Source: Read Full Article