A Guide to Welsh Gold / Glogau Gold

Gold is the most famous and sought after metal in Wales. Gold has been mined from Welsh ground from centuries. There is no record in history of actual date when mining started in Wales, but it has been believed that Romans did mining in the Mid-Wales area.

The mines were first discovered in 1843, which showed that gold has been mined in the area of Dolgellau gold belt in the region of North Wales. Welsh gold has been around for long but because of its high price tag and rarity it’s not such a common item.

The Dolgellau Gold

The Dolgellau gold belt is said to have produced nearly 3-4 tons of gold till date. The mines are dated back to 19th and early 20th century. After extensive study of the mines, one can judge the interest of Romans in the place. There are many evidences that Romans have been extensively using these sites. Various artifacts recovered from the site proved this. 

Clogau or Glogau Welsh Gold  

Clogau Gold or Glogau Welsh Gold is found in the mountains of Snowdonia.  The Clogau name comes from the area called Dolgellau gold mine area. The mines are situated in Bontddu in northwest Wales. The mine was a major copper producing area but later was used as a gold mine from the year 1862.

The gold rush which started during 1862, continued till 1911. During this period, total of 2440 kg of gold was dug. The mines in Clogau were sometimes also known as Clogau St David's Mine. The gold was produced till year 1995. The mining stopped when it became too difficult and uneconomical.  

Gold for Rich and Famous 

The Welsh gold has been first choice of rich and famous people throughout the centuries. Earlier kings and noblemen in Europe made many jewelry items from it. The scarcity of Welsh gold made it more popular and hence all the powerful people of the time wanted to have more of it.

There are prominent sites selling the Clogau gold. These firms have a limited stock of Clogau gold and produce many modern and traditional jewelry designs from it.

The Clogau gold is also associated with the British royal family. Queen Elizabeth founded the tradition in year 1923 on her marriage with King George VI. The tradition still continues, as many Royal family members prefer Clogau gold wedding rings.  

The most popular use of Welsh gold among rich and famous is the use of wedding rings. The Welsh gold was used to create wedding bands for Late Princess Diana and Camilla Parker Bowles. Similarly, Welsh beauty Catherine Zeta Jones was presented a Welsh gold band by her husband Michael Douglas.

It’s been predicted that this precious metal on earth will soon end. Welsh gold no doubt is a prized possession for its owner.