What periods do these gold medals date from?

The available pieces originate primarily from the late nineteenth century through the mid-twentieth century, with a concentration of items produced around nineteen-ten. French workshops active during the Art Nouveau and Art Deco periods created the majority of these devotional jewels.

Are these medals made of solid gold?

The items are fashioned from eighteen-carat yellow, rose, or white gold, representing the standard purity for fine French jewellery of the era. Makers frequently stamped the metal with standard French control marks denoting this gold content.

How were plique-a-jour enamelled medals worn?

Owners typically suspended them from gold chains as pendant necklaces, allowing light to pass directly through the translucent enamel panels. Some examples also functioned as charms attached to traditional link bracelets.

How do I identify a signed medal?

Makers and sculptors often stamped their surnames into the lower edge of the metal ground near the figures. Names such as Dropsy or Monier appear directly on the surface as maker marks.