French 18k Gold Pendant
A french 18k gold pendant brings together fine goldsmithing and devotional or sentimental iconography from the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.
French 18k Gold Pendant
A french 18k gold pendant typically takes the form of a small devotional medal, a sentimental love token or a charm created during the Belle Epoque, Art Nouveau and Art Deco periods. These pieces serve as wearable items of personal faith, affection or commemoration, frequently designed to be suspended from a chain or added to a bracelet.
The selections on this page span the late Victorian era through to the mid-century, with a strong representation of Edwardian and 1910s examples. Forms range from circular religious medals depicting the Virgin Mary and saints to romantic lockets, zodiac starsigns and whimsical novelty charms.
How they were made
Maker workshops constructed these items primarily in 18k yellow, rose or white gold, often employing high-carat alloys to achieve a warm lustre. Surface decoration frequently incorporates translucent plique-a-jour or opaque coloured enamel to highlight motifs like floral wreaths, crosses and religious scenes.
Detailing was achieved through hand engraving, twisted wire framing and delicate filigree work. Accents of seed pearls, mother of pearl and small gemstones such as rubies or diamonds were set into the gold structures to add texture and contrast.
Materials utilised across these items include 18k yellow, rose and white gold, complemented by enamel, mother of pearl and seed pearls.
What varies in quality
The preservation of applied elements like plique-a-jour enamel and seed pearl settings dictates the overall integrity of the piece. Finer examples display meticulous chasing and balanced proportions that elevate them beyond standard mass production.
Emile Monier·Paul Brandt·Perroud·Mazzoni·Pageli Perriat·Dropsy·Guilbert·Vernon·Sellier·Rasumny·Ovide Yencesse·Tairac·Augis·Lasserre·Bouix·Becker·Tricard·OBC
The French 18k Gold Pendant Glossary
- Plique-a-jour
- An enamelling technique where pigment is fired in open cells without a backing, allowing light to shine through the transparent colour like stained glass. This method requires considerable skill to prevent the enamel from cracking during cooling.
- Medal
- A flat or slightly convex piece of stamped metal bearing commemorative imagery, frequently worn for religious devotion or as an award. In French jewellery, these often feature sacred figures on one side and space for an engraved dedication on the reverse.
- Charm
- A small decorative trinket suspended from a bracelet or pendant loop. Historical examples often incorporate mechanical elements or symbolic motifs relating to luck, love or astrology.
- Locket
- A small hinged case designed to hold a miniature portrait, lock of hair or other memento. These objects combine metalwork structure with private sentiment.
- Filigree
- Delicate jeweller's work consisting of twisted fine gold threads soldered together to form openwork patterns. The technique creates intricate lace-like designs without adding excessive weight to the pendant.
French 18k Gold Pendant: Frequently Asked Questions
What do these religious medals depict?
These pieces most commonly show the Virgin Mary, various saints or scenes from the life of Christ. Many bear specific titles relating to places of pilgrimage or devotional titles such as the Miraculous Medal.
Craftsmen often rendered these sacred figures in detailed relief against a background of matte or polished gold. The reverses frequently leave smooth areas intended for personal inscriptions and dates.
How do I date an 18k gold pendant?
Dating relies on stylistic clues, accompanying maker signatures and specific motifs associated with periods like Art Nouveau or Art Deco. The presence of characteristic framing and lettering styles helps place a piece within its decade of manufacture.
Objects from the Belle Epoque often feature flowing floral elements, while 1920s examples lean towards geometric framing and stylised figures. Examining the construction of the suspension loop and catch can also offer chronological context.
What is a French love token pendant?
French love tokens include sentimental designs such as witch's hearts, four-leaf clovers and special phrases derived from Alphonse Daudet's poem. These items were exchanged as expressions of affection, engagement or remembrance.
Pieces by makers like Augis famously incorporate enamel numbers and gemstone accents to encode the sentiment that love increases with each passing day. Other variations feature motifs like cherubs, forget-me-nots and swallows.
Can I wear a charm pendant daily?
These gold pendants are suitable for regular wear when paired with a secure chain and appropriate jump rings. Solid gold structures withstand everyday use well, though pieces with delicate enamel or pearl settings require care.
Avoiding exposure to harsh chemicals and removing the pendant during physical activities will protect the surface details. Regular checks of the suspension loop ensure the piece remains secure during daily rotation.