Virgin Mary Medallion
When you search for a virgin mary medallion, you find devotion cast in precious metal and framed in French gold.
Virgin Mary Medallion
A virgin mary medallion is a small devotional object worn as a pendant or charm, typically depicting the Madonna or the Madonna and Child. These pieces originate largely from French workshops spanning the late nineteenth century through to the mid-twentieth century.
The most common version met on this page is the 18K yellow gold pendant from the early twentieth century. These items often incorporate religious inscriptions such as Ave Maria or Virgo Virginum alongside traditional floral motifs.
How they were made
Goldsmiths utilised 18K yellow, rose, and white gold to construct the frames and medals. Many pieces integrate mother of pearl grounds or hand-carved plaques beneath the metal figures.
Enamel work, particularly plique-à-jour which allows light through the translucent coloured glass, frequently decorates the borders. Seed pearls are also set into the gold frames to accent the central devotional image.
Virgin Mary Medallion Retail Price Guide 2026
Typical asking prices for virgin mary medallion 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.
Several medallions whisper secrets on their backs, carrying tiny hand-engraved dates and initials left by nineteenth-century godparents.
What varies in quality
The distinction between tiers rests upon the fineness of the metalwork and the crispness of the engraving. Skilled execution in translucent plique-à-jour enamel and the delicate placement of seed pearls indicate superior craftsmanship.
Pieces bearing the signatures of known medallists command attention through greater depth in the facial expressions and precision in the script. Simpler stamped medals without secondary decorative materials occupy the other end of the range.
Emile Monier·Pageli Perriat·Emile Dropsy·Sellier·Augis Grun·Serraz
The Virgin Mary Medallion Glossary
- Plique-a-Jour
- An enamelling technique where the pigment is fired without a backing, creating a translucent, stained-glass effect within a gold wire framework.
- Seed Pearl
- A very small natural pearl, often drilled and threaded onto wire or set in clusters around the edge of a religious pendant.
- Medal
- A flat piece of metal struck or cast with a commemorative or devotional design, usually fitted with a loop for suspension.
- Madonna and Child
- A traditional artistic representation of the Virgin Mary holding the infant Jesus, frequently seen on French devotional jewellery.
Virgin Mary Medallion: Frequently Asked Questions
What is a virgin mary medallion?
A virgin mary medallion is a devotional pendant or charm fashioned from gold, often featuring enamelling or mother of pearl. These objects were worn close to the heart as personal expressions of faith.
Most examples originate from French religious jewellers working between the late nineteenth and mid-twentieth centuries. They take the form of small framed medals, charms, or carved plaques.
How were these pendants worn?
These pieces were primarily worn suspended from gold chains as pendant necklaces or attached to charm bracelets. Their small scale allowed them to sit discreetly against the clothing.
Many incorporate integrated suspension loops designed specifically for delicate neck chains. The reverse sides often left blank space for personal engraved inscriptions.
How do I identify the period?
Dating relies heavily on the prevailing artistic style visible in the framing and decorative details. Pieces featuring flowing organic lines typically point to the Art Nouveau era around nineteen-ten.
Later examples adopt geometric motifs from the Art Deco period or mid-century designs. Hallmarks stamped into the gold also provide clues to the country and decade of manufacture.
What materials are used?
The primary material is 18K gold, found in yellow, rose, and white varieties. Artisans combined this metal with natural substances including mother of pearl and seed pearls.
Coloured glass enamel, particularly plique-à-jour, added translucent hues to the borders and halos. Carved bone or shell also appears in select wall plaques and larger medallions.