150 Years in the Making: Esther Rees Prepares to Unveil ‘Calon Aur’ 

Esther Rees

PRIME Cymru client, Esther Rees, is preparing to unveil two new unique products that feel like a culmination of generations of creativity.  

Esther’s upcoming brand, Calon Aur, is still being kept under wraps, but anticipation is quickly growing for the unveiling of something she describes as ‘150 years in the making’. 

Drawing inspiration from both sides of her family, the pieces are inspired by Wales’s industrial and creative past – from coal mining to the historic docks of Pembroke.  

Growing up surrounded by engraving tools and techniques at her father’s trophy and engraving business has given Esther the skills and attention to detail that play a vital role in the creation of her new product. 

Though still in the prototyping stage, Calon Aur is generating strong interest. Despite only being seen by a select few, it has sparked immediate demand – both viewers have requested commissions, a promising sign for what are positioned as high-end, globally marketable products. 

Esther’s potential has already been recognised locally, having won the Vale of Glamorgan Start-up Business Bursary. 

The products are said to feature ten unique selling points and showcase exceptional attention to detail, reflecting Esther’s engraving background and design expertise. Esther has long admired the intricate patterns of William Morris and classic paisley designs, hinting at the detailed aesthetic of her forthcoming product. 

Deeply rooted in Esther’s home in the Vale of Glamorgan, Esther’s work draws heavily on Welsh culture. Her professional background as a research dialectologist at the University of Wales and a Welsh tutor at Cardiff University, further reinforces this connection. 

Calon Aur is an expression of everything she has learned and loved over the years. The idea first emerged during a quiet evening of research, when inspiration struck and set Esther on a path toward fulfilling a lifelong ambition. 

She said: “I remember thinking, ‘wow, I can make this.’”  

Esther is no stranger to entrepreneurship. She currently showcases her artistic talents and attention to detail as a digital artist. Her business, Turquoise Wren, specialises in extra-large, museum grade wall art.  

International trade advisor, Clive Barnard, who volunteers for PRIME Cymru as a business mentor, has been supporting Esther on her journey. Clive’s experience and large network has strengthened Esther’s confidence in her product’s potential to market globally. 

She said: “My first meeting with Clive was just mind-boggling! His support is exactly what I need and we are definitely singing from the same hymn sheet. 

“It’s very exciting. I feel like I’m meant to be doing this. This new business means an awful lot to me.” 

If you are interested in intricately designed, handmade products, rooted in Welsh history and made from sustainable materials from the Vale of Glamorgan – then watch this space! 

You can contact Esther for more information by emailing master.engraver@calonaur.com and keep an eye out for the launch of Calon Aur’s website at www.calonaur.com. 

If you aged 50+ in Wales and interested in starting a new business, please contact PRIME Cymru for free support on  01550 721813 or email enquiries@primecymru.co.uk.