Catholic Saint Medal
A catholic saint medal brings devotional figures into fine jewellery, cast in gold and worn close to the heart.
Catholic Saint Medal
A catholic saint medal is a pendant or charm designed for personal devotion, most frequently encountered here as French religious jewellery originating from the decades spanning 1890 to 1950. These pieces take the form of small oval or circular discs depicting figures such as the Virgin Mary, Saint John the Baptist, and Saint Therese.
The objects function as both jewellery and portable shrines, worn on chains or added to charm bracelets. Collectors encounter these pieces styled within Art Nouveau and Art Deco movements, reflecting the decorative tastes of their respective periods.
Examples on this page appear almost exclusively in high-karat yellow, rose, and white gold, sometimes incorporating mother-of-pearl accents. Each piece carries devotional iconography cast or engraved with distinct religious titles and inscriptions.
What varies in quality
The weight and gauge of the 18K gold frame dictate the structural integrity of the piece over time. Thicker metal preserves the original depth of the engraving without thinning at the suspension ring.
Catholic Saint Medal Retail Price Guide 2026
Typical asking prices for catholic saint medal 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 feature 18K yellow gold predominantly, alongside white gold, rose gold, and mother-of-pearl across pieces dated from 1890 to 1950.
Emile Monier·Mazzoni·Guilbert·Vernon·Sellier·Dropsy·Tairac·Perriat·Becker·Charl·Monet·Ruffony
The Catholic Saint Medal Glossary
- Pendant & Charm
- A small decorative object designed to suspend from a necklace chain or bracelet link. These items combine personal adornment with devotional function.
- Art Nouveau
- A decorative style characterised by flowing, organic lines inspired by natural forms. Pieces from this movement often feature sinuous borders framing the saint.
- Art Deco
- A design aesthetic favouring geometric precision, symmetry, and stylised motifs. Medals from this era display cleaner architectural lines around the central religious figure.
- Mother-of-Pearl
- The iridescent inner layer of certain mollusc shells used as a backing or ground for specific saint medallions. It provides a luminous contrast to the surrounding gold.
Catholic Saint Medal: Frequently Asked Questions
What is a catholic saint medal?
A catholic saint medal is a small devotional pendant worn to honour a specific holy figure or protect the bearer. They combine sacred imagery with fine jewellery craftsmanship.
These pieces were produced as personal items of faith, often marking significant life events or name days.
How were these medals worn?
They were suspended from fine gold chains around the neck or attached to charm bracelets alongside other personal tokens. The compact size allowed them to be kept close to the wearer daily.
Suspension loops integrated into the top of each piece facilitated easy attachment to various types of jewellery findings.
What materials are used?
The pieces on this page are constructed from 18K gold in yellow, rose, and white variations. Mother-of-pearl also appears as a contrasting background material for specific devotional designs.
These durable materials ensured the medals survived decades of frequent handling and wear.
How do I identify the maker?
Maker marks and signatures are typically stamped directly onto the reverse of the medal or along the suspension ring. These tiny punches indicate the individual artist or workshop responsible for the piece.
Names such as Monier, Dropsy, and Tairac frequently appear on French religious medals from this era.