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Mari Eluned's crown on the banks of the River Dyfi[/caption]
Blue-coloured Welsh wool has been used to depict the flow of the river Dyfi in the Crown to be awarded at Powys Eisteddfod at Tabernacle Arts Centre, Machynlleth, on October 26 and 27.
Farmers' Union of Wales Meirionnydd and Montgomery county branches commissioned Welsh jewellery designer Mari Eluned to make the Crown which was formally handed over to eisteddfod chairman John Price at a special meeting of the eisteddfod executive committee.
"The inspiration for it comes from the Dyfi valley area and its history and design is based on Owain Glyndwr’s Crown with modifications to convey the river Dyfi," said Mari, who grew up on a remote Snowdonia farm and lives at Mallwyd, near Machynlleth.
She described her creation as similar to the gold and silver Crown crafted for Owain Glyndwr's coronation as Prince of Wales on June 21 1404.
"Slate from nearby Aberllefenni quarry was used to keep the local tone of the Crown, combined with the silver metal content," she said.
"The edge of the Crown was hammered to convey the riverside and blue Welsh wool was naturally wound through it to provide an indication of the river flow.
"In addition to the wool, the image of sheep and lambs etched into the silver reflects the importance of agriculture in the Dyfi valley and the surrounding area and is a suitable link to the FUW branches sponsoring the Crown."
FUW Meirionnydd county executive officer Huw Jones said the union was very pleased to be associated with the eisteddfod and is a privileged to present one of the main awards.
"Mari has established a successful business creating unique Welsh slate jewellery and contemporary pieces using natural materials.
"Her creative flair is extremely popular and she sells her creations all over Britain and overseas.
"She uses natural materials combined with precious metal which she transforms into delicate, tactile jewellery inspired by nature, agriculture and her Welsh roots.
"She takes pride in the quality of the workmanship and the uniqueness of her designs and creates each piece by hand.
"She had a natural creative talent from an early age which developed throughout her time at school and college and has ultimately become her career."
After graduating from Loughborough University in 2006, with a first class BA Honours degree in jewellery and silversmithing, Mari set up her own workshop at her home in Mallwyd and in 2009 she won the Gwynedd Taste & Talent "Young Craft Worker/Artist of the Year" award.