18ct Gold Saint Medallion
An 18ct gold saint medallion brings centuries of French devotional craft to the hand in solid yellow and white gold.
18ct Gold Saint Medallion
An 18ct gold saint medallion is a devotional pendant worn close to the skin, taking the form of a small circular or oval charm depicting revered figures like the Virgin Mary, Saint John the Baptist, or Saint Isabelle.
The pieces on this page are predominantly French items originating from the early decades of the twentieth century, specifically spanning the 1900s to the 1950s.
These charms function simultaneously as personal jewellery and items of religious significance, often designed to be suspended from a delicate neck chain by an integrated suspension loop.
How they were made
Maker workshops utilised 18ct yellow gold and white gold, casting or stamping the precious metal to create the raised relief portraits of saints and holy figures on the face of each medallion.
18ct Gold Saint Medallion Retail Price Guide 2026
Typical asking prices for 18ct gold saint 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.
What varies in quality
The distinction between standard production and finer execution lies in the crispness of the relief work and the depth of the metal engraving on the saint's visage.
Makers known for signed medals often achieved a superior balance of weight in the 18ct gold body and greater clarity in the lettering of accompanying Latin prayers.
Monier·Guilbert·Sellier·Dropsy·Becker·Charl
The 18ct Gold Saint Medallion Glossary
- Medal
- A flat piece of metal struck with a design to commemorate a person or event. In religious contexts, these are blessed objects meant to be worn daily.
- Pendant
- An ornament that hangs from a necklace or chain. These pieces are typically drilled or fitted with a loop for suspension.
- Relief
- Sculptural technique where the sculpted elements remain attached to a solid background of the same material. High relief gives the saint's figure a three-dimensional presence.
- Art Nouveau
- An international style of art and architecture most popular between 1890 and 1910. It is characterised by natural forms and curved lines, visible in several early pieces here.
18ct Gold Saint Medallion: Frequently Asked Questions
What is an 18ct gold saint medallion?
An 18ct gold saint medallion is a small devotional pendant cast in high-purity gold, featuring the likeness of a Christian saint or holy figure.
These pieces were traditionally worn as protective talismans or tokens of faith, originating largely from French workshops during the early twentieth century.
How were these pendants worn?
They were suspended from fine gold chains around the neck, worn daily as personal items of devotion or significant family keepsakes.
The integral loop at the top of each medal is designed specifically for threading onto a necklace.
How do I identify the period?
The dating of these medals relies on stylistic markers such as Art Nouveau curves or Art Deco geometries, alongside any maker signatures stamped into the gold.
French pieces from this era often carry assay marks on the metal surface denoting the standard of gold purity.
Are all these pieces French in origin?
The available evidence for these pendants points directly to French provenance, reflecting the rich tradition of religious jewellery production in France.
Stylistic movements like French Art Nouveau and French Religious Art heavily influence the design language of these specific charms.