What metals were used?

The pieces recorded here are constructed primarily in 18ct gold, appearing in yellow, rose, and white variations. This high gold purity ensures the medals retain their rich tone and structural integrity over a century of wear.

How do I date a medal?

Dating relies on stylistic shifts, moving from late nineteenth-century floral engraved rose gold to Art Nouveau enamel work and mid-century modernism. Maker signatures also help anchor pieces to specific active periods during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.

These items were traditionally suspended from delicate gold chains to rest near the heart as a daily devotional object. They functioned both as personal protective talismans and as expressions of Catholic faith.

What is a miraculous medal?

A miraculous medal is a specific devotional design commissioned following reported Marian apparitions in Paris during the nineteenth century. These pieces typically feature distinct iconography relating to grace and prayer, captured in gold relief.