A CAERNARFON based jeweler will fashion the crown for the 2019 National Eisteddford from copper mined on the Great Orme

It will be made by Angela Evans in her workshop at ‘Siop iard’ in Caernarfon, a space which she shares with two other artists.

The Crown is a major National Eisteddfod honour and is presented to the winner of one of the two major poetry competitions.

Angela gained her degree in Jewellery Design and Silversmithing at the Loughborough University, School of Art and Design in 2004 and completed a Post Graduate Certificate in Education in 2012.

She was chairman of the North Wales Jewellers Collective for 10 years and is a professional member of the Association of Contemporary Jewellers.

She regularly works on commissions and projects for both private and public clients and has exhibited her jewellery nationally.

The last copper mine on the Great Orme in Llandudno, Yr Hen Waith (The Old Mine) closed in 1881, the industry having declined substantially by then.

Gareth Pritchard of Llandudno was given the task of trying to source a two centimetre cube of copper and was helped by Edric Roberts, a director at the Great Orme Mines, who was able to produce a piece of malachite necessary to produce the copper. The mine will reopen to the public in mid March.

Edric explained the process: “It was cast from malachite which was first roasted to remove some of the impurities then re heated a number of times to get purer copper. Finally it was heated again to cast into a clay mould, shaped, cleaned and polished. It has been lacquered to keep its bright colour.”

Edric Roberts presented the copper cube to Huw Garmon, Chairman of the Llandudno and District Eisteddfod Appeal, who is a well known Welsh actor who portrayed Hedd Wyn in the famous film.

Angela explained she wanted her design to be contemporary and unique yet respectful of the Eisteddfod’s traditions. Designing and creating the Crown, which is sponsored by Grŵp Cynefin, will fulfil a long-standing ambition of hers.

She said: “I have always wanted to design and make an Eisteddfod Crown so I’m really excited to have won the commission. I’m hoping that it will create a unique centrepiece for the Eisteddfod that people will remember.

Angela’s designs are inspired by the natural environment of Snowdonia, from the fern covered hillsides to the stunning sunsets on water.

Angela opened a second shop in Pwllheli in 2015 which is operated by a further three artists. As well as the shop, she offers jewellery making courses throughout the year.

Angela regularly works on commissions and projects for both private and public clients and has exhibited her jewellery nationally.