18ct Yellow Gold Medal
An 18ct yellow gold medal delivers the tactile weight of French devotion and design from the late nineteenth to the mid-twentieth century.
18ct Yellow Gold Medal
Every 18ct yellow gold medal on this page originates from French makers working between eighteen-ninety and nineteen-sixty. These items function primarily as pendants, charms, or religious medallions designed to be worn close to the skin.
The selection leans heavily toward devotional subjects, including depictions of the Virgin Mary, Madonna and Child, and various saints. Alongside these religious pieces, buyers encounter secular motifs such as zodiac signs, floral wreaths, and Maltese crosses.
Forms vary from simple circular discs to intricate pierced shapes, shield designs, and crosses. Art Nouveau, Belle Epoque, and mid-century modern styles appear frequently across the periods represented.
Materials and Construction
Makers utilised eighteen-carat yellow gold, occasionally combining it with white gold or rose gold for contrast. Some items incorporate mother of pearl or seed pearls to accent the metallic surface.
Enamel work appears in several variations, including rich red enamel and plique-a-jour, which allows light to pass through translucent coloured sections like stained glass. Relief stamping and hand-piercing define the fabrication methods of these medallions.
Materials include eighteen-carat yellow, white, and rose gold, complemented by enamel and mother of pearl.
Evaluating Craftsmanship
Complexity of construction also divides the range, particularly where pierced openwork, multi-metal components, or delicate plique-a-jour enamel demand advanced technical skill.
Monier·Pageli Perriat·Emile Dropsy·Sellier·Ovide Yencesse·Mazzoni·Perroud·Becker·Serraz·Augis Grun
The 18ct Yellow Gold Medal Glossary
- Plique-a-jour
- An enamelling technique where the enamel is applied without a backing, creating a translucent, stained-glass effect. This method requires considerable skill to avoid cracking during firing.
- Medallion
- A large medal-like piece worn as jewellery or kept as a devotional object. These often feature detailed sculptural relief on one or both sides.
- Maltese cross
- A four-pointed cross with V-shaped arms converging at the centre, frequently utilised in European insignia and jewellery. The form dates back to the Crusades and appears in vintage devotional charms.
- Punch mark
- A small stamped impression indicating metal purity or the maker's workshop. French pieces typically display specific assay hallmarks, such as the eagle head for eighteen-carat gold.
- Chasing
- The art of working metal by hand from the front to refine details, textures, and relief after casting or stamping. This finishing touch brings depth to hair, clothing, and background elements.
18ct Yellow Gold Medal: Frequently Asked Questions
What is an 18ct yellow gold medal?
An 18ct yellow gold medal is a small wearable artwork, usually originating from France, fashioned from high-purity gold. These items were often created for religious sacraments, anniversaries, or personal expression.
Most examples feature detailed sculptural reliefs of saints, floral motifs, or zodiac symbols. They serve as both historical artefacts and enduring pieces of fine jewellery.
How were these medals worn historically?
Historically, wearers suspended these medals from fine gold chains around the neck or attached them to charm bracelets. Religious pieces often held personal devotional significance for the original owner.
Secular charms and medallions were similarly worn daily, functioning as personal statements or commemorative tokens.
How should I care for vintage gold jewellery?
Vintage gold benefits from gentle cleaning using warm water, mild soap, and a soft cloth. Avoid harsh chemical dips, particularly on pieces containing enamel or seed pearls.
Store each item separately in a soft pouch to prevent scratching against other jewellery.
How do I identify the maker of a medal?
Makers frequently stamped their surnames or distinctive punch marks directly onto the surface or the suspension ring of the medal. These tiny signatures link specific pieces to known Parisian workshops and medallists.
French assay marks alongside these signatures help confirm the metal standard and geographic origin.