How did people wear these medals?

Historical owners wore these pieces suspended from gold chains around the neck as personal talismans or outward expressions of faith. Religious medals often rested close to the heart. Secular charms and zodiac medallions also hung from charm bracelets or neck chains, allowing the wearer to display personal dates or symbolic motifs.

How do I date a gold medallion?

Dating relies on stylistic markers associated with specific periods such as Art Nouveau floral undulations or mid-century geometric zodiac designs. Maker signatures also help anchor pieces to active working decades. Official French gold hallmarks stamped into the metal provide additional clues regarding the era of manufacture and geographic origin.

What subjects appear on these pieces?

Religious subjects form a large category, featuring the Virgin Mary, Madonna and Child, Jesus Christ with the crown of thorns, and saints such as John the Baptist. These depict sacred narratives and devotional dedication. Secular designs include zodiac starsigns, floral wreaths of roses and leaves, lucky symbols, and love tokens inscribed with specific phrases.