Clogau Guide
In 1923, Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon chose Welsh gold from the Clogau St David's mine for her wedding ring — starting a royal tradition that has continued unbroken for over a century. Every British royal bride since has worn Welsh gold, including Princess Diana, Catherine Princess of Wales, and Meghan Duchess of Sussex.
At OD's Jewellers, we are proud to be an authorised Clogau stockist. Every piece contains a trace of authentic Welsh gold from the historic St David's mine in North Wales — making each design part of a living legacy that intertwines craftsmanship, provenance, and royal symbolism.
1 | Why Clogau Matters
Clogau At A Glance
- Every qualifying piece contains rare Welsh gold from the St David's mine
- Royal wedding ring tradition since 1923 — eight royal brides and counting
- St David's mine (1854–1998) produced 80,000 ounces — the UK's most prolific domestic gold source
- Certified by Welsh Dragon hallmark and "CG" sponsor mark
- Family-run since 2007 under Ben Roberts, preserving Welsh heritage
Perfect For
- Those seeking jewellery with royal provenance and British heritage
- Engagement and wedding jewellery buyers wanting pieces with story and meaning
- Welsh pride collectors celebrating national identity
- Milestone gift-givers (anniversaries, graduations, significant birthdays)
- Customers valuing heirloom potential over fashion trends
What Makes Clogau Different
1923 Royal Tradition
Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother chose Welsh gold for her wedding ring, starting an unbroken tradition. Eight royal brides have followed — from Queen Elizabeth II (1947) to Meghan Duchess of Sussex (2018).
Finite Welsh Gold
The St David's mine closed in 1998. Existing stockpiles are increasingly precious. Each Clogau piece is part of irreplaceable history — Welsh gold has sold at auction for over 8.5 times the spot gold price.
Verified Authenticity
Edinburgh Assay Office audits annually. Every piece carries the Welsh Dragon hallmark and CG sponsor mark. Third-party verification provides a complete audit trail.
Ethical Sourcing
All diamonds are conflict-free under the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme. Responsible materials throughout the supply chain.
2 | The Clogau Story: Royal Heritage Since 1854
The Clogau St David's mine was discovered in 1854 in Bontddu, North Wales. Operating until 1911, it produced around 80,000 ounces of gold — making it the UK's most prolific domestic gold source. Welsh gold's association with the British monarchy began in 1923, when Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon chose it for her wedding ring.
Clogau's modern story began in 1989 when William Roberts rediscovered the abandoned mine. After years of careful stockpiling, the first jewellery collection launched between 1992 and 1994. The mine closed in 1998, making existing stockpiles increasingly precious. Today, Ben Roberts continues the family legacy, ensuring Welsh gold heritage persists through careful stewardship.
Royal Brides with Welsh Gold Wedding Rings
| Royal Bride | Year |
|---|---|
| Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother | 1923 |
| Queen Elizabeth II | 1947 |
| Princess Margaret | 1960 |
| Princess Anne | 1973 |
| Diana, Princess of Wales | 1981 |
| Camilla, Queen Consort | 2005 |
| Catherine, Princess of Wales | 2011 |
| Meghan, Duchess of Sussex | 2018 |
3 | Craftsmanship & Certified Quality
Premium Materials
Sterling Silver (Rhodium-Plated)
Base metal for most collections, finished with rhodium plating for tarnish resistance and lustrous shine. 925 hallmark verifies purity.
9ct and 18ct Gold
Fine jewellery pieces enriched with rare Welsh gold. 375 hallmark (9ct) and 750 hallmark (18ct) verify gold purity.
Welsh Gold Trace
Every qualifying piece contains authentic Welsh gold from St David's mine stockpiles — certified by the Welsh Dragon hallmark and CG stamp.
Conflict-Free Diamonds
Natural diamonds sourced under the Kimberley Process. Compose® bridal range diamonds (0.30ct+) include GIA® certification.
Design DNA
Clogau's collections draw deeply from Welsh heritage — the Tree of Life® symbolises growth and renewal, the Welsh Dragon represents national pride, and Celtic motifs celebrate Welsh identity. Mixed metal tones create warm, wearable luxury suited for both everyday wear and special occasions.
Edinburgh Assay Office Verification
Since 2004, Clogau has been registered with the Edinburgh Assay Office, which independently tests every piece for metal purity and conducts annual audits of quality systems. This third-party verification provides a complete audit trail for Welsh gold inclusion.
4 | Clogau in Culture & Events
Welsh gold from the St David's mine has been chosen for royal wedding rings for over a century. This connection elevates Clogau beyond jewellery into British cultural heritage — worn by queens, princesses, and duchesses across eight generations.
- Gethin Jones (Brand Ambassador since 2015) — TV presenter who fronted Clogau's national Christmas advertising campaign in 2024
- Country Life (April 2025) — Reported newly mined Welsh gold coins selling at auction for over £20,000 each — more than 8.5 times the spot price
- Hello! Magazine — Regularly features Clogau in royal wedding coverage
- UK Jewellery Awards — Brand of the Year recognition
The Signature Button Collection
Draws direct inspiration from the coronation regalia used during Prince Edward's Investiture as Prince of Wales in 1911 — creating a tangible link between contemporary jewellery and royal pageantry.
5 | Shop Clogau at OD's Jewellers
We stock 94 Clogau pieces across earrings, necklaces, bracelets, bangles, and rings. Here is a selection from our current range — all in stock and ready to wear.
Tree of Life® Collection
Celebration Collection
Cariad & Gift Favourites
94 Clogau Pieces In Stock
Browse our full Clogau collection online, or visit us at 41 Barrow Street, St Helens to see them in person and find the perfect piece.
6 | Clogau Size Guides
Rings
Clogau rings follow standard UK sizing. Visit OD's Jewellers for free professional sizing — we measure on exact shank profile and record measurements for future orders or resizing.
Bracelets
Chain Bracelets
Add 1–1.5 cm to your wrist measurement for comfortable fit.
Charm Styles
Add 2 cm for drape. Charm bracelets need extra length to sit correctly.
Necklaces
Princess length (18"/45cm) at the collarbone is most versatile for pendants. This is the standard Clogau pendant length.
Sizing Tip
If you fall between sizes, we always recommend sizing up for comfort. For comprehensive sizing guidance, see our Master Jewellery & Watch Size Guide.
7 | Care & Warranty
Clogau-Specific Care
Rhodium Re-Plating
White gold and silver pieces feature rhodium plating that naturally wears over time. Professional re-plating every 1–3 years restores original brilliance.
Rose Gold Patina
Rose gold naturally darkens slightly over time — this is normal patina, not a defect. Professional polishing restores the original tone.
Pearl & Enamel Care
Wipe pearls after each wear. Avoid all acids, perfumes, and cosmetics on pearls. Never use ultrasonic cleaners on pearls or enamel.
General Silver Care
Store in an airtight container or original box to prevent tarnishing. Clean with a jewellery polishing cloth. Regular wear helps maintain shine.
Warranty — 30-Day Registration Required
- Full coverage: 2 years from purchase date if registered within 30 days at www.clogau.co.uk/warranty
- Standard coverage: 1 year if not registered within 30 days
- Covers: Manufacturing defects, material defects, workmanship errors
- Excludes: Normal wear and tear, plating wear, accidental damage, unauthorised repairs
- At OD's: We handle all warranty claims, clean and check services, and professional sizing in-store
For universal jewellery care principles, see our Jewellery Care Guide.
8 | Why Choose Clogau at OD's Jewellers
Authorised UK Stockist
Guaranteed authenticity and full manufacturer warranty. We never stock grey-market or counterfeit Clogau.
Welsh Gold Expertise
We explain Welsh Dragon hallmarks and heritage context clearly. Our team understands the royal tradition and can guide you through collection choices.
Precise Fit Service
Measured on exact shank profile with records kept for future sizing. Free professional ring sizing eliminates guesswork.
30+ Years of Trust
Family-run jeweller serving St Helens and the North West for over 30 years. You are not a transaction number — you are part of the OD's family.
Annual Clean & Check
We provide annual maintenance to keep your Clogau pieces pristine — inspecting clasps, settings, and plating condition. We also coordinate all warranty claims and registrations in-house.
Top Picks at OD's — In Stock Now
Three best-sellers our customers are choosing this month — all in stock, ready to ship from St Helens, available to try in our St Helens store before you buy.
All available in-store at 41 Barrow Street, St Helens, WA10 1RY — try before you buy.
Browse the full jewellery range at OD's.
9 | Frequently Asked Questions
Does every Clogau piece contain Welsh gold?
Yes. Every qualifying piece contains rare Welsh gold, certified by the Welsh Dragon hallmark and CG stamp. Keyrings and accessories may not contain gold.
Is Clogau solid Welsh gold?
No. Due to extreme scarcity, a small symbolic amount is blended with sterling silver or 9ct/18ct gold. This preserves Welsh gold supplies while keeping Clogau jewellery accessible.
When was Welsh gold last mined?
The Clogau St David's mine closed in 1998. Current pieces use carefully stewarded stockpiles from decades of mining.
What quality are Clogau diamonds?
Quality varies by collection. Many pieces feature near-colourless (G-H) and eye-clean clarity (SI1+). Larger diamonds (0.30ct+) in the Compose bridal range include GIA certification.
How do I register my Clogau warranty?
Register at www.clogau.co.uk/warranty within 30 days of purchase for full 2-year coverage. You will need proof of purchase. Failure to register within 30 days reduces warranty to 1 year.
Can OD's resize my Clogau ring?
Yes. We handle all Clogau adjustments, resizing, chain shortening or lengthening, and refinishing in-store. Professional sizing ensures Welsh gold integrity is preserved.
Can I buy Clogau in-store in St Helens?
Yes. OD's Jewellers is an authorised Clogau stockist at 41 Barrow Street, St Helens, WA10 1RY. Visit Monday to Saturday, 9am to 5pm.