18ct Gold Madonna Pendant
An 18ct gold madonna pendant brings devotional art into personal jewellery, offering miniature metalwork of the Virgin Mary.
18ct Gold Madonna Pendant
An 18ct gold madonna pendant represents a devotional religious medal or charm depicting the Virgin Mary, often shown with the Christ Child. When you search for an 18ct gold madonna pendant, you meet French ecclesiastical pieces spanning the early decades of the twentieth century.
The objects take the form of small circular or oval medals and charms, sometimes styled with pierced borders or combined with seed pearls and mother of pearl. These devotional jewels originate predominantly from French workshops working in Art Nouveau and Art Deco idioms.
How they were made
Selected examples incorporate seed pearls, diamonds, or mother of pearl elements set directly into the gold framework. Piercing techniques create openwork borders around the central religious scene.
18ct Gold Madonna Pendant Retail Price Guide 2026
Typical asking prices for 18ct gold madonna pendant among the pieces listed under this phrase on Sellingantiques today, from the lower quarter to the upper quarter. They describe what is for sale here now, not the wider market.
Listings span the periods from 1900 to 1930, capturing French devotional jewellery from the Art Nouveau and Art Deco eras.
What varies in quality
The distinction between pieces rests on the clarity of the sculptural relief and the reputation of the medallist who signed the work. Finer medals exhibit sharp facial details and careful finishing on the reverse sides.
The presence of secondary materials such as seed pearls or mother of pearl introduces complexity to the construction. The weight of the 18ct gold and the sophistication of pierced frames alter the visual impact.
Rasumny·Monier·Pageli Perriat·Emile Dropsy·Sellier·Mazzoni·Perriat·Arnault·Augis Grun·Serraz
The 18ct Gold Madonna Pendant Glossary
- Ecclesiastical
- Relating to the Christian Church or its clergy. These medals served devotional purposes within religious contexts.
- Medal
- A flat piece of metal stamped with a design or inscription, worn here as a pendant. They frequently commemorate saints or religious figures.
- Seed pearl
- A very small natural pearl, often unperforated or drilled, used to embellish jewellery borders. They appear alongside gold settings in period pieces.
- Art Nouveau
- A style of decorative art characterised by flowing natural lines. This aesthetic influences the curves and floral motifs found on early twentieth-century pieces.
- Mother of pipe
- An alternative term for nacre, the iridescent inner layer of certain mollusc shells. It provides a luminous background for carved religious subjects.
18ct Gold Madonna Pendant: Frequently Asked Questions
What is an 18ct gold madonna pendant?
An 18ct gold madonna pendant is a small religious medal or charm fashioned from high-purity gold, depicting the Virgin Mary. These items function as personal devotional objects.
Most examples originate from French makers active during the early twentieth century. They combine religious iconography with period jewellery design.
How were these pendants worn?
The pieces feature suspension loops designed to attach to chains or bracelets. They served as wearable tokens of faith for the original owners.
Today, they function as standalone necklaces or charms suspended from fine gold chains. Their small scale suits daily wear.
How do I identify the period?
Stylistic indicators such as Art Nouveau curves or Art Deco geometry help date the jewellery. French assay marks stamped on the gold provide further chronological clues.
Makers active in the early decades of the twentieth century signed many of these medals. Comparing signatures against known working dates clarifies the timeline.
What materials are used alongside gold?
Selected pieces incorporate seed pearls or diamonds to frame the central religious subject. Mother of pearl also appears as a backing or sculptural base.
White gold occasionally supplements the standard yellow gold construction. These varied materials reflect the decorative approaches of French jewellers.