How Lady Louise Windsor’s favourite jewellery brand uses rare Welsh gold sourced from the same mine as the royal wedding rings

Prized for its scarcity and origin, Welsh gold is among the most sought-after precious metals in the world. 

Since 1923, it has been used in royal wedding rings, a tradition that began with Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon, later known as the Queen Mother, during her marriage to the future King George VI. 

Elizabeth’s ring was crafted from a gold nugget sourced from the Clogau St David’s mine in Bontddu, Wales. 

Subsequently, wedding rings for Queen Elizabeth II, Princess Margaret, Princess Anne, Diana, Princess of Wales, Camilla, then Duchess of Cornwall, Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle were all made from pure Welsh gold.

The Clogau St David’s gold mine was discovered in 1864 and quickly became the most productive and wealthiest of the north Welsh mines. 

The Clogau St David’s gold mine was discovered in 1864 and became the most productive and wealthiest of the north Welsh mines

It was active during the gold rush of 1862 until 1911, during which it extracted 78,507 troy ounces (2,442 kg) of gold from 165,031 tons of ore. 

However, the mine went through mixed fortunes, with the gold veins being inconsistent and difficult to locate, leading to its neglect.

In the mid-1980s, it was acquired by William Roberts, who founded the British jeweller Clogau.

He had envisioned reopening the mine as a tourist attraction, but after the Snowdonia National Park Authority blocked his plans, Mr Roberts shifted his focus to extracting gold for jewellery. 

William Roberts’ son, Ben, who is now managing director of Clogau, recalled visiting the mine with his father for the first time. 

‘When I first visited the mine with my father and saw the gold in its raw form for the first time it was truly unforgettable,’ he told MailOnline.

‘I really was struck by the pale rose-yellow tone, [which was] unlike anything I had seen, a result of the copper that had previously been mined there giving this rose cast to the mine ore.

‘Even now, the memories of that first trip stay with me and remind me of the legacy we’re carrying and make me want to share our story with as many people as I can.’

Queen Elizabeth II’s wedding ring was crafted from pure Welsh gold sourced from the Clogau St David’s gold mine

In the mid-1980s, the Clogau St David’s gold mine was acquired by William Roberts, founder of British jeweller Clogau (left) who visited with his son Ben (right)

Rock from the Clogau mine containing rare Welsh gold

Following tradition, wedding rings for Diana, Princess of Wales and Meghan Markle were made from pure Welsh gold

Founded in 1989, the British jewellery brand creates distinctive pieces that celebrate traditional Welsh culture, each incorporating a sliver of the country’s rare gold. 

‘At Clogau, we’re all about celebrating heritage, craftsmanship and storytelling. We want our jewellery to carry meaning and history, as well as being beautifully and originally designed,’ Ben explained.

‘We pride ourselves on preserving traditional jewellery-making methods and ensuring each piece is painstakingly finished by hand.

‘Through this, we ensure that each Clogau piece remains as special as the day you received it – so our unique design and story can be passed down through generations.’

Such is the case with the brand’s £149 Fairy Locket, which was presented to Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, as a gift from Clogau in 2014.

It has been worn by her daughter, Lady Louise Windsor, on numerous occasions, including the Service of Thanksgiving for Prince Philip and a Christmas Day church service at Sandringham in 2022.

Inspired by ancient Welsh fairytales, the ethereal locket features a Tree of Life filigree heart design and is set in sterling silver and 9-carat rose gold. 

‘We were truly delighted to see Lady Louise wearing the Fairy Locket, and the fact that she’s been seen with it so often feels like a real nod of approval,’ Ben said. 

‘It’s amazing to think that a piece we created resonates with her so much that she chooses to wear it again and again.

‘It’s also quite touching to see that connection with the younger generation of the Royal Family – it makes all the hard work worthwhile, knowing that our jewellery and storied history with their family has become a small but cherished part of their lives.’

As with every piece of Clogau jewellery, the locket contains a portion of Welsh gold, identifiable by the Welsh dragon stamp and ‘CG’ mark.

Ben continued: ‘The locket is one of those pieces that really captures the magic of Welsh folklore, with its delicate design inspired by the natural beauty of Wales. 

‘The fact that it’s become a favourite in their family adds a special layer of meaning – it’s lovely to see our jewellery being treasured across generations.’ 

Lady Louise Windsor has worn Clogau’s £149 Fairy Locket on numerous occasions. Left: Pictured at the 2022 Commonwealth Games

The necklace was originally presented to her mother, Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, as a gift from Clogau in 2014

Ben expressed his pride in Clogau’s remarkable connection to the Royal Family, highlighting their unique association with this rare gold. 

‘Knowing that our Welsh gold is part of such a longstanding royal tradition is something we’re immensely proud of,’ he said.

‘It has helped cement Clogau’s status as a symbol of love, heritage and authenticity. 

‘Each piece of jewellery we create carries with it a story that goes beyond just craftsmanship – it’s a story of tradition, legacy and a deep-rooted connection to the history of the British Isles.’ 

Welsh gold, extracted from the ancient and rugged terrains of Snowdonia and the Dolgellau gold belt, has a distinct appearance that sets it apart from other varieties – but it will eventually run out.

‘The geological processes that formed this gold millions of years ago have given it a unique composition and warm rose-yellow hue, setting it apart from other gold varieties,’ Ben explained.

‘Gold mining in Wales dates back over two millennia, but today, there are no active commercial gold mines in Wales, making Welsh gold extremely scarce. 

‘This rarity, combined with its historical significance, makes for a rare and alluring combination.’

Last month, Clogau unveiled its autumn/winter 2024 collection, blending classic and heritage designs with contemporary elements 

Notably, the patriotic Welsh dragon locket, available for £159, offers the option of engraving for a personalised touch

For a touch of romance, the Cariad collection includes heart-shaped necklaces, earrings, bracelets and bangles, while the Beachcomber Pearl collection evokes the natural beauty of Welsh shorelines

The core collection showcases a £209 Princess Diana locket, a £139 bracelet and £270 earrings, all inspired by the iconic sapphire engagement ring worn by the royal

In August, Clogau unveiled its autumn/winter 2024 collection, masterfully blending classic designs with contemporary elements. 

There is something to suit every style and budget, offering exquisite, versatile pieces that can be worn on both casual and formal occasions. 

The range includes a dazzling £269 tennis bracelet, adorned with white topaz and 9-carat rose gold, complemented by matching drop earrings, priced at £199, and a chic £119 ring.

The beloved Tree of Life collection returns with a fresh twist, allowing customers to personalise their jewellery with an assortment of charms, such as hearts, pearls, bees and malachite crystals. 

Elsewhere, a patriotic silver and rose gold Welsh Dragon Locket, available for £159, can be engraved to make it truly one-of-a-kind. 

Evoking the natural beauty of Welsh shorelines, the Beachcomber Pearl series takes centre stage with a standout £279 necklace, featuring lustrous seeded pearls interspersed with 9-carat rose gold and sterling silver beads.

For a touch of romance, the Cariad (sweetheart) range comprises heart-shaped necklaces, earrings, bracelets and bangles, all incorporating elegant 9-carat rose gold detailing – a perfect gift for someone special.

And, of course, the core collection wouldn’t be complete without its tribute to Princess Diana. 

The £209 Princess Diana Locket, alongside a matching £139 bracelet and £270 earrings, pays homage to her iconic sapphire engagement ring, offering a timeless and elegant aesthetic.

Clogau jewellery is a testament to exceptional craftsmanship, with each piece embodying the spirit of Wales through its intricate design and detail. 

Enriched with rare Welsh gold, every item takes on greater significance, becoming a treasured heirloom that reflects the deep heritage of Cymru.