Vintage Vermeil Sterling Silver Madonna Pendant Medal by A. Augis
Jewelry (Religious Medal/Pendant) · A. Augis (Alphonse Augis). Founded in Lyon, France, in 1830, Augis is a prestigious house known for high-quality jewelry and their famous '+ qu’hier - que demain' love tokens.
Pattern: Renaissance Revival Madonna Portrait Collection; Production status: Discontinued vintage design.
Type
Jewelry (Religious Medal/Pendant)
Maker
A. Augis (Alphonse Augis). Founded in Lyon, France, in 1830, Augis is a prestigious house known for high-quality jewelry and their famous '+ qu’hier - que demain' love tokens.
Material
Vermeil (Sterling Silver .925 base with a thick 18k or 24k Gold plating); high gold-content surface finish over precious metal base.
Dimensions
Estimated diameter of 30mm-35mm (Large Medallion size); weight approximately 12-18 grams of substantial sterling silver weight under the plating.
Description
A magnificent French oversized religious pendant rendered in rich vermeil. The piece depicts the Virgin Mary ('The Queen of Heaven') in a gentle three-quarter profile, wearing a royal crown over a traditional veil. The texture is masterfully varied, with a sand-cast stippled halo contrasting against the smooth, lustrous planes of the face. It exemplifies the mid-century French penchant for heavy, artistic religious jewelry that served as both a statement of faith and a luxury fashion accessory.
Key Features
Bold 'AA' artist monogram on the obverse; intricate beaded 'perlé' border; substantial thickness; distinct mid-century French 'Brutalist-lite' surface texture on background.
Material & Composition
Vermeil (Sterling Silver .925 base with a thick 18k or 24k Gold plating); high gold-content surface finish over precious metal base.
Finish & Decoration
Matte gold finish with burnished highlights; high-relief sculptural casting featuring a crowned Madonna with a circular halo, beaded border, and stippled background textures.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Visible 'AA' maker's mark within a cartouche (Alphonse Augis) on the front right. Expected French hallmarks (Minerva head 1 or Boar's head) and maker's lozenge likely located on the bail or reverse rim.
Construction Details
Die-struck or lost-wax cast from a high-quality hand-sculpted master mold; integrated suspension loop at the top for chain attachment.
Functional Features
Single-sided relief medal with a flat reverse suitable for personalized engraving or commemorative dates; fixed bale loop.
Handle & Grip Details
Rectangular suspension bale made of solid sterling silver (vermeil), integrated into the main body of the medal.
Craftsmanship Details
Expertly finished edges; the transition between the polished relief and the matte background indicates high-level hand-finishing after the initial striking process.
Authentication Indicators
Distinctive A. Augis 'AA' mark is consistent with known 1950s production; typical French matte-yellow gold tone; high-definition casting quality that avoids the 'fuzzy' edges of modern reproductions.
Origin & Manufacturing
Lyon, France; produced in the historic Augis workshop following traditional French jewelry-making standards.
Era & Period
Mid-20th Century (c. 1940-1960) Revivalist style, drawing on 15th-century Renaissance aesthetics and religious iconography.
Age Estimate
Circa 1950-1965 based on the matte-gilt finish style, signature placement, and the specific depiction of the Virgin Mary.
Cultural Significance
Represents the post-war European resurgence of devotional jewelry as high-fashion; showcases the mastery of French 'art medalists' who treated religious subjects with the same gravity as fine sculpture.
Condition Notes
Excellent vintage condition. Minimal wear to the vermeil plating on high points (nose, crown tips). Light oxidation in recessed areas adds attractive depth. No structural distortions or repairs.
Value Estimate
$250 - $450 USD. Value is driven by the 'Augis' brand name, the size of the medallion, and the French origin rather than just the silver weight.
Care & Maintenance
Avoid liquid chemical dips which strip the gold plating; use a dry, soft jewelry cloth only. Store in a silk pouch to prevent scratches from other jewelry. Do not use silver polish as the abrasive will remove the vermeil layer.
Similar Pieces
Medals by Arthus-Bertrand or Savard. Arthus-Bertrand pieces often feature more geometric Art Deco influences, whereas Augis pieces maintain a softer, more classical French romanticism.
Interesting Facts
Alphonse Augis became world-famous after 1907 for the 'Medaille d'Amour' based on a poem by Rosemonde Gérard. His religious works are highly valued for their artistic depth compared to standard mass-produced church shop medals.