Friday, 11th February 2005 (4207 views)

Shortly after announcing that his engagement to Camilla Parker Bowles, the Prince of Wales inspected wedding and engagement rings at the Goldsmiths' Company in London.

Prince Charles arrived at the historic assay house for an official visit just hours after the announcement and was greeted by a crowd of well wishers.

The centuries-old Goldsmiths' Company is one of only four houses in the country allowed to hallmark precious metals.

One of the 12 Great Livery Companies of the City of London, The Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths was awarded its first royal charter in 1327 and has been responsible for testing the quality of gold and silver since 1300.

Royal tradition dictates that Mrs Parker Bowles' wedding ring is likely to be made from a nugget of Welsh gold. All royal brides from the Queen Mother in 1923 to the Princess of Wales in 1981 had rings made from the same gold nugget, mined at Clogau St David's in Bontddu, North Wales.

The Prince inspected the work of craftsmen and designers during his visit to the Goldsmiths' Company and looked at the updated methods of stamping gold, silver and platinum.

After making a tour of the Assay Office, the Prince met young apprentice jewellers and silversmiths, who showed him examples of their work.

 

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