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Wales (Counties as in 1851-1901) => Wales => Topic started by: Romilly on Sunday 12 October 08 20:45 BST (UK)
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On a recent trip to Snowdonia, I had my wedding ring, handmade in Welsh gold by a Welsh Craftsman revalued...
I would never part with it...but I was surprised by how much it had gone up in value :D
It is made with gold from the Gwynfynydd Mines, Dolgellau. I gather that this gold isn't mined anymore, & is in short supply...
I would love to know more about the history of Welsh Gold Mining, & why it has almost disappeared.
Any experts on here?
Cheers, Romilly.
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Gold generally has held its value - it has always changed over time.
I suspect recent events has lead to a sharp increase in your ring's value. :)
meles
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Aaaahh, - just found this Link:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/263540.stm
Apparantly Welsh gold is very pure...
I feel very lucky to have my ring, - but wish that I also had my Grandmother's bracelets & wedding ring too, (all made of Welsh gold) but with my elder sister in New Zealand(!)
Romilly.
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I believe the Queen's wedding ring is made of Welsh gold?
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I believe the Queen's wedding ring is made of Welsh gold?
Yes, apparantly all of the Royal family use Welsh gold for their rings. (This quote is from Wikipaedia)
'The royal patronage of jewellery formed out of Welsh gold still continues today. Her Majesty The Queen, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, Her Highness Princess Margaret, HRH The Prince of Wales, Diana Princess of Wales and HRH Camilla The Duchess of Cornwall all wore/wear wedding rings fashioned from Welsh gold. Her Majesty The Queen was presented with a kilogram of Welsh gold on her 60th birthday (April 1986). Due to its rarity, and perhaps the royal patronage, Welsh gold is usually more expensive to buy on the high street and is often sold in diluted form (with as little as 10% of provenanced Welsh gold mixed with other gold bullion)'.
I'm fairly convinced now that I should hang on to my wedding ring!
Romilly ;D ;D ;D
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Hi
OH bought me a Gold ring in Wales couple of years ago
I have a Certificate of Authenticity
The ring contains Clogau Welsh Gold
The Gold Mine is Clogau St Davids Gold Mine is stiuated deep in the heart of Snowdonia.The gold in the mine was first found by accident in 1854.
It is famous for being selected to supply the gold used in the wedding rings of the Queen,Pricess Diana,the Queen Mother,Pricess Margaret.
I would hang on to your ring
Regards
Omega
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I am very lucky to have my late grandmother's wedding ring, which is also made from Welsh gold, but I have no idea where abouts in Wales it came from.
I will always treasure it, but it would be nice to know where abouts it came from
Jane
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On my recent trip to Snowdonia, I was told by a Welsh jeweller that all of the Clogau jewellery, (as advertised on the www) is now manufactured in China! (Even though their site has lots of Welsh landscapes on it). It does seem sad...
Romilly.
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There is another Gold Mine called Dolaucothi,now owned by the National Trust.
Its on a road off the A482 near Pumsaint.
Its possible your Grandmother ring was made from gold there.
Its well worth a visit.
I took 2 Grandkids on the tour down the Mine.Not for the faint hearted.There are 2 ways to come out,one being way the Romans came out,thats the way we came out <yikes>
Omega
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We did a tour of the Gwynfynydd Mines, Dolgellau in 1992 or '93. At that time they gave us all hammers & little bags, & told us that we could have a bash at getting our own gold!! Its all closed down now...& if it wasnt, I expect the health & safety brigade would be onto that like a shot(!)
We tried to find the mine site on our last visit, but no luck:-(
Romilly.
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I have my mums wedding ring made from Welsh Gold. She got married in 1947 and swears it was made from the same gold batch as the Queens!!
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I have a welsh gold ring, it was given to me just before they closed the mines. As far as I understand it the mine was closed to ensure that there would always be enough gold for the Royal families wedding rings - which, as a proud welsh lass i find extreamly irritating.
I recently told my boyfriend that if i had a choice i'd want my engagement ring to be welsh gold too - it was only after he'd looked at prices he went quiet ;D
I'll just have to hold out for my mother's eternity ring!!!
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I am among the lucky few to have a Welsh Gold Wedding ring. Mine is Clogau Gold - I also have a bracelet and a Welsh Dragon charm!
Take a look at the hallmark inside the Wedding Bands - you should be able to spot a Welsh symbol, such as the Leek, a Spinning Wheel, Welsh Lady etc. Any jeweller worth his salt should be able to trace your jewellery from that and tell you more about it.
Not sure that information will help anyone but it's good to chat about such rarities!! ;D