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Behind every piece of heirloom jewellery is a fascinating history, and Clogau has a rich one.
The brand as we now know it was born 30 years ago, though its namesake dates back to the 1800s. In 1989, a local man named William ‘Bill’ Roberts discovered the abandoned Clogau St David’s gold mine in the mountains of Snowdonia in North Wales.
W
hether you’re buying a special piece for yourself or a lucky Valentine, the best kind of jewellery comes with a story. British brand Clogau (pronounced ‘Clog-eye’) is steeped in compelling stories, not least that their jewellery is made using the same rare Welsh gold that can be
found in the wedding rings of Princess Catherine, Queen Camilla, and the late Queen Elizabeth II – a royal tradition that dates back to 1923. In other words, it’s the stuff of many
an enduring love story.
I’ve found
THE PERFECT
Inside, he unearthed undiscovered gold – but not just any gold, incredibly rare Welsh gold – from which he created the first Clogau jewellery collection, and which continues to be incorporated into every single Clogau piece to this day, each one stamped with a unique Welsh Dragon and ‘CG’ mark. As such, each Clogau treasure is an instant heirloom, designed to be passed from generation to generation.
A case in point is the Celebration collection – an edit of beautiful modern heirlooms that combine Clogau’s signature rose gold with either yellow gold or sterling silver, and come set with shimmering lab-grown diamonds or white topaz inspired by champagne bubbles.
Another of my favourites is Clogau 1854, a collection named after the year that gold was first discovered in the Clogau St David’s mine and created in celebration of the unique, rose shade of its precious gold.
‘When I first visited the mine with my father, I saw the gold in its raw form,’ says Ben Roberts, Clogau’s Managing Director and son of founder, Bill. ‘I was struck by the pale rose-yellow tone, unlike anything I had seen, a result of the copper that had previously been mined there giving this rose cast to the mine ore.’
Clogau developed the 1854 blend, a rose-tinted gold made using the original mine ore, and crafted into limited-edition rings ranging from beautifully simple wedding bands to styles architected by swirls and filigree detailing, and studded with glittering diamonds. Roberts is committed to preserving the traditional jewellery-making and hand-finishing techniques upon which his father first built the brand.
Many of Clogau’s pieces were and continue to be inspired by the natural beauty, myths, legends, traditions and heritage of Wales – and the mine itself. For example, there is the Fairies of the Mine motif, which graces necklaces, rings and bracelets, and recalls the mythical creatures said to inhabit the grounds of Clogau St David’s gold mine. Or – my personal favourite – the Reflections of Padarn malachite ring that represents the twinkling Llyn Padarn lake that juxtaposes Snowdon’s lush green landscape.
If you want to make your Clogau heirloom even more personal, have a name, significant date or heartfelt message engraved on the piece of your choosing; Clogau offers engraving for just £15 on selected items. Or go one step further and work with Clogau’s in-house artisans to create a dream piece of bespoke jewellery for you – or a very lucky Valentine. It doesn’t get more special than that.
Claire
Valentine’s gift
It's jewellery, but not just any jewellery – this is made using the same rare gold as the royal family's wedding rings
Claire
Shop our fashion editor's favourites
Celebration Gold and Laboratory-Created Diamond Necklace
£560
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£1,360
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Always in My Heart 18ct Gold and Diamond Drop Earrings
£610
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Reflections of Padarn
Gold and Malachite
Circular Ring
£2,650
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Tree of Life Insignia
Gold Bangle
£2,650
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Princess Diana Gold, Sapphire and
Diamond Ring
£390
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Celebration Gold and Laboratory-Created Diamond Bracelet
£139
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Forget Me Not Silver Pendant
£980
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Cariad Sparkle Gold and Diamond Half-Hoop Earrings
£310
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Clogau Crafnant
Watch
£360
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Clogau Crafnant
Watch
Shop now at clogau.co.uk