Vermeil Sterling Silver Miraculous Medal Pendant
Jewelry (Pendant/Religious Medal) · Generic Italian Silversmith; the piece bears an 'ITALY' stamp typical of mass-produced but high-quality devotional jewelry from Arezzo or Vicenza.
Pattern: Miraculous Medal (Medal of the Immaculate Conception) - traditional Catholic iconographic design.
Type
Jewelry (Pendant/Religious Medal)
Maker
Generic Italian Silversmith; the piece bears an 'ITALY' stamp typical of mass-produced but high-quality devotional jewelry from Arezzo or Vicenza.
Material
Vermeil; Sterling Silver (.925) base metal with a 14k-24k yellow gold electroplated finish.
Dimensions
Approximately 15mm to 20mm in height (small/medium scale); estimated weight between 0.8g and 1.5g.
Description
A classic oval Miraculous Medal in vermeil sterling silver. The reverse side (shown) displays the traditional Marian symbols: the letter M intertwined with a cross-bar and cross, the hearts of Jesus and Mary below, and a border of twelve stars. The vibrant gold-over-silver construction provides the look of solid gold at a more accessible price point.
Key Features
Reverse-side iconography of the Miraculous Medal; '925 ITALY' hallmark; oval form with scalloped or radiant edge texture.
Material & Composition
Vermeil; Sterling Silver (.925) base metal with a 14k-24k yellow gold electroplated finish.
Finish & Decoration
High-polish gold finish over a die-struck relief; features the Marian monogram (M surmounted by a cross) above the SACRED HEART of Jesus and the IMMACULATE HEART of Mary, surrounded by twelve stars.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamped '925' indicating sterling silver purity and 'ITALY' denoting the country of origin. No specific maker's mark is visible in the provided image.
Construction Details
Die-struck or machine-stamped from a flat silver sheet; features a soldered jump ring at the top for chain attachment.
Functional Features
Single suspension loop (jump ring) designed to be worn on a necklace chain or charm bracelet.
Handle & Grip Details
Standard circular jump ring; original construction, appears to be made of base sterling silver with matching gold plating.
Craftsmanship Details
Industrial quality; clean die-striking with legible symbols; indicative of high-volume Italian jewelry manufacturing rather than hand-wrought artistry.
Authentication Indicators
The '925' stamp is consistent with Italian export standards for precious metals; wear patterns show the silver base through thin spots in the gold plating.
Origin & Manufacturing
Made in Italy; likely from a firm specializing in religious medals using automated industrial striking techniques.
Era & Period
Late 20th Century to Contemporary; design follows the 1830 vision of Saint Catherine Labouré.
Age Estimate
Circa 1990–Present; the crispness of the '925' stamp and the specific yellow tone of the gold plating suggest modern manufacture.
Cultural Significance
One of the most popular items of Catholic devotion worldwide; believed by faithful wearers to bring special graces through the intercession of Mary.
Condition Notes
Very Good; the gold plating (vermeil) shows slight wear on high relief points. Surface tarnish is evident on the polishing cloth, suggesting the item was recently cleaned of silver sulfide oxidation.
Value Estimate
$15.00 - $35.00 USD; value is primarily in the design and religious significance rather than melt weight.
Care & Maintenance
Avoid chemical 'dips' which can strip gold plating; use a soft silver polishing cloth (like the Connoisseurs cloth shown) gently. Store in a dry place to prevent 'bleeding' of tarnish through the gold layer.
Similar Pieces
Solid 14k gold versions (heavier/more expensive), aluminum/pewter versions (lacks 925 stamp), or French-made silver medals (bearing the Minerva head hallmark).
Interesting Facts
The design of this medal was allegedly dictated by the Virgin Mary herself during an apparition to Catherine Labouré in Paris, 1830. Millions are produced annually.