18ct Gold Medallion
An 18ct gold medallion is a wearable metal disc or devotional charm crafted in high-purity gold, sought after for intricate French artistry and religious symbolism.
18ct Gold Medallion
An 18ct gold medallion encompasses a range of pendant forms, most frequently originating from French workshops across the late nineteenth and mid-twentieth centuries. These items serve primarily as religious medals, zodiac charms, and decorative floral pendants designed to be worn on a chain.
The pieces appearing on this page span several distinct stylistic movements, including Art Nouveau, Belle Epoque, and Mid-Century design. Religious subjects depicting the Virgin Mary, Madonna and Child, and various saints dominate the selection alongside astrological symbols and natural motifs.
How they were made
The body of each piece relies upon 18ct yellow gold, sometimes paired with white gold accents or shaped into intricate shield and disc configurations. Goldsmiths utilised stamping and casting methods to form the base medals before applying fine hand-engraved details.
Many examples incorporate gemstones such as diamonds, rubies, sapphires, and pearls set directly into the gold mount. Enamelling techniques, including plique-à-jour, occasionally add translucent colour to the metal surfaces.
18ct Gold Medallion Retail Price Guide 2026
Typical asking prices for 18ct gold medallion 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.
Among the sacred hearts and saints, you will find a dedicated dog house charm waiting for a canine enthusiast.
What varies in quality
The distinction between standard commercial pieces and finer examples rests upon the crispness of the relief work and the reputation of the designer. Medallions bearing clear signatures from known French medallists display superior depth and facial expression in figurative scenes.
Quality also hinges upon the integration of supplementary materials, where well-matched seed pearls, diamonds, or properly fired enamel elevate a simple gold disc into a work of miniature sculpture.
Perroud·Monier·Pageli Perriat·Guilbert·Emile Dropsy·Sellier·Ovide Yencesse·Becker·Charl·Grun·Augis·Serraz
The 18ct Gold Medallion Glossary
- Plique-à-jour
- An enamelling technique where the enamel is fired without a backing, creating a translucent, stained-glass effect that lets light pass through the design.
- Medallion
- A large medal-like ornament worn as a pendant around the neck rather than pinned to clothing.
- Devotional
- Pertaining to religious items created to aid personal prayer and veneration, such as depictions of saints and holy figures.
- Relief
- A sculptural technique where figures and motifs project from a flat background surface rather than standing entirely free.
- Shagreen
- Untanned leather with a rough, granulated surface, historically used to cover small boxes or incorporated into specific decorative items.
18ct Gold Medallion: Frequently Asked Questions
How were these medallions originally worn?
These pieces were typically suspended from thin gold chains or ribbons around the neck. Religious versions often served as personal tokens of faith and protection.
Other variations, such as zodiac charms and floral designs, functioned purely as decorative jewellery or personal markers of identity.
How can I tell the period of a medallion?
Dating relies heavily on stylistic markers, such as the flowing organic lines typical of Art Nouveau or the cleaner geometric aesthetics of Mid-Century design. Maker signatures and French hallmarks stamped into the gold also provide reliable chronological markers.
Examining the specific manufacturing techniques and gemstone cuts helps narrow down the decade of production.
Are all these pieces French in origin?
The vast majority of the medallions listed here originate from French workshops and prominent medallists. They reflect the rich tradition of French devotional and decorative jewellery production.
These pieces frequently carry domestic assay marks indicating the standard of the gold used.