Antique Art Nouveau French 18k rolled gold Virgin Mary medallion charm

Title: Antique Art Nouveau French 18k rolled gold Virgin Mary medallion charm
c. 1900
Description: This French Art Nouveau "fixe" or rolled gold (18k) Virgin Mary medal is ready to wear with a versatile, sizeable original jump ring. This soft yet realistic depiction of Mary is a great example of high Art Nouveau style and the overall design is reminiscent of a triangular stained glass window in an old church or cathedral.
Pendant weight: 1.36g
Pendant dimensions: 17.55mm at widest across
Pendant depth: 1.8mm deep
Hallmarks: "TAIRAC" (French sculptor and engraver); "FIX" (French maker "FIX" was founded in 1829; many of their pieces were made using the "fixe" process -- "This process of high quality hot gold foil laminating onto brass was first created in France in the early 19th century by a young Paris jeweller called Francois Savard. His process used an unusually thick layer of 18ct or 14ct gold foil over brass to form jewellery which would withstand long term wear and be easily mistaken for real gold. Auguste Savard took over the company in 1893. He registered the unique trade mark FIX with the authorities to identify his products as a high quality range of affordable jewellery. He engaged top rate art nouveau designers to design pieces such as Emile Dropsy, Tairac and Becker to name but a few. At the height of production the Savard FIX company employed 300 people." (From www.antiquejewellerycompany.com))
Condition: Wonderful antique condition with wear commensurate for age