Clogau's Welsh gold jewellery is still crafted from its family base near Rhyl

Some of the best-known jewellery in Wales comes from a family business on the Kinmel Park estate at Bodelwyddan, near Rhyl. Clogau describes itself as a second-generation family business, and every piece contains rare Welsh gold.

The story began in 1989, when a local man named William Roberts took on the abandoned Clogau St David's gold mine at Bontddu, near Barmouth. He first hoped to turn it into a tourist attraction where visitors could pan for gold, but when that idea was opposed because of the mine's location in the national park, he gambled that undiscovered gold was still buried there. In 1992 the first Clogau range appeared: just five pieces sold through a handful of small gift shops near the mine. His son, Ben S. Roberts, is now managing director.

The mine has a long history. Gold was discovered there in 1854, and it became the richest and most productive mine in the Dolgellau gold belt. Between the 1862 gold rush and 1911, it produced 78,507 troy ounces of gold.

The last train carrying Welsh gold from Clogau ran in the late 1990s, and most of the gold used today comes from a stockpile William built up beforehand. Each piece is stamped with a Welsh Dragon and a CG mark, crafted using traditional techniques and hand-finished.

Welsh gold has a royal pedigree. It has been used for generations of Royal Family wedding rings, including those of Queen Elizabeth II, Diana, Princess of Wales, and the Duchess of Sussex.

Wales is a key inspiration for the designs. Collections include Tree of Life, Cariad, Past Present Future, Royal Clogau, Nature's Wonder, Forever Yours, Promises and Paw Prints, and there is a range of watches too. Clogau has collaborated with Wrexham AFC and the Welsh Rugby Union, and its anniversary pieces have included limited edition rings and Windsor wedding bands in its 1854 blend, marking 165 years since gold was found at Clogau. The blend was inspired by the pale rose-yellow tone of the raw gold from the mine, a result of the copper once mined there.

Couples planning a wedding can design their own ring through the Compose by Clogau bespoke service, and the brand's poppy pin badge supports the Army Benevolent Fund.

Clogau's collections, stores and stockists can be found at clogau.co.uk.