A Museum-Quality Antique Gold Necklace with Plique-à-Jour Enamel and French Medals
Few antique jewelry pieces capture the artistry and devotion of the early 20th century as beautifully as this Plique-à-Jour All 18K Gold Necklace. Entirely handcrafted in 18-karat gold, this exceptional necklace combines three historic religious medals, an intricate handmade gold chain, and one of the finest enameling techniques ever mastered—plique-à-jour.
Dating between 1909 and 1918, this remarkable French jewel is more than an elegant necklace. It is a rare collector's piece that blends religious symbolism, artistic excellence, and master craftsmanship into a single wearable work of art.
Preserved in outstanding condition, it remains a striking example of the quality and refinement found in the finest antique European jewelry.
A Rare Piece from an Exclusive Antique Jewelry Collection
Every antique jewel presented by Swan Collection is carefully selected for its authenticity, craftsmanship, and historical significance.
• Genuine antique jewelry—not reproductions or modern copies.
• Carefully preserved to retain its original beauty.
• Chosen for collectors who appreciate exceptional European artistry.
• Suitable both as an investment-quality collectible and a wearable heirloom.
This necklace is particularly extraordinary because every component—from the medals to the chain—is crafted in solid 18K gold and bears French hallmarks, confirming its authenticity.
The Extraordinary Beauty of Plique-à-Jour Enamel
At the heart of this necklace is an exceptionally rare Plique-à-Jour medal, considered one of the most difficult enameling techniques ever developed.
Unlike traditional enamel, Plique-à-Jour has no metal backing behind the transparent enamel.
Instead:
• Light passes directly through the enamel.
• The colors appear luminous from every angle.
• The design resembles miniature stained glass.
• Every surviving intact example is highly prized by collectors.
Because of its fragile construction, complete antique Plique-à-Jour pieces have become increasingly difficult to find, making this necklace exceptionally desirable.
The Center Medal — A Masterpiece Signed by Léon Julien Deschamps
The centerpiece is a breathtaking medal depicting the Virgin Mary, surrounded by an elegant wreath of fine sea pearls.
Its design is completed by:
• a sparkling rose-cut diamond positioned at the center
• translucent Plique-à-Jour enamel
• rich 18K gold craftsmanship
• a finely balanced circular composition
On the reverse appears the engraved date:
9 May 1918
The medal measures 25 mm in diameter (excluding the bail) and weighs 5.33 grams.
Perhaps most importantly, it bears the signature of Léon Julien Deschamps, one of France's respected sculptors and medallists.
Deschamps exhibited at the Salon des Artistes Français, became a member of the Société des Artistes Français, and later taught at the prestigious École Estienne in Paris. His signed medals are admired for their refined composition and exceptional artistic detail.
Antique Virgin Mary Medal Dated 1909
On one side of the necklace hangs an elegant 18K gold Marian medal.
The obverse features:
• the haloed profile of the Virgin Mary
• the inscription "Sancta Maria"
The reverse displays:
• a Resurrection Cross
• lilies representing purity
• the "A.C." monogram
• the engraved date 14 May 1909
Measuring 22 mm in diameter and weighing 4.8 grams, the medal remains beautifully preserved with crisp details that have survived more than a century.
Lourdes Apparition Medal Dated 1913
Balancing the opposite side is another remarkable antique gold medal honoring the Apparition at Lourdes.
Its design includes:
• the Lourdes Grotto
• the inscription "Immaculate Conception"
• symbolic lilies
• the engraved date 4 August 1913
The medal measures 20 mm in diameter and weighs 4.7 grams.
Together, these three medals create a harmonious composition that reflects both faith and exceptional artistic balance.
An Intricate Handmade 18K Gold Chain
Connecting the three medals is a magnificent handmade gold chain that deserves appreciation in its own right.
Its craftsmanship reflects the meticulous work of early twentieth-century French goldsmiths.
Features include:
• entirely handmade construction
• solid 18K gold
• elegant, intricate links
• comfortable 50 cm (19.7 inch) length
• weight of 7.90 grams
Rather than simply supporting the medals, the chain becomes an integral part of the necklace's artistic design.
Crafted Entirely in Solid 18K Gold
Authenticity is one of this necklace's greatest strengths.
Every component carries French hallmarks confirming 18-karat gold.
The complete necklace weighs approximately:
22.70 grams
This substantial weight reflects both the quality of the materials and the craftsmanship invested in its creation.
Unlike many antique necklaces assembled from mixed components over time, this example remains remarkably cohesive and original.
Exceptional Craftsmanship in Every Detail
Collectors are often drawn to pieces that demonstrate multiple artistic disciplines within a single jewel.
This necklace beautifully combines:
• master goldsmithing
• Plique-à-Jour enameling
• medal engraving
• gemstone setting
• hand-crafted chain making
• religious iconography
Every element complements the next without overpowering the composition.
The result is refined, elegant, and unmistakably French.
A Rare Opportunity for Collectors
Jewelry of this quality seldom reaches the market.
Its desirability comes from several remarkable characteristics:
• signed French artist medal
• authentic Plique-à-Jour enamel
• original rose-cut diamond
• fine sea pearls
• three dated antique medals
• complete handmade gold necklace
• French 18K hallmarks throughout
• exceptional state of preservation
Finding all of these qualities together in a single necklace is extraordinarily uncommon.
Perfect for Antique Jewelry Enthusiasts
Whether displayed in a curated collection or worn on special occasions, this necklace appeals to collectors who appreciate:
• French antique jewelry
• Art Nouveau craftsmanship
• religious medals
• museum-quality devotional jewelry
• signed antique works
• rare enameling techniques
It is equally suited to collectors of historical jewelry and those seeking an heirloom with genuine artistic significance.
Condition
Considering its age, this necklace has been preserved beautifully.
Highlights include:
• original craftsmanship intact
• excellent enamel preservation
• crisp medal details
• fine condition chain
• strong gold structure
• balanced original composition
Its overall presentation reflects careful preservation across more than a century.
Conclusion
The Plique-à-Jour All 18K Gold Necklace with Three Antique Medals represents an extraordinary meeting of faith, artistry, and French craftsmanship.
From the luminous beauty of the signed Plique-à-Jour medal to the elegant handmade gold chain and beautifully preserved devotional medals dated 1909, 1913, and 1918, every detail tells a story of exceptional workmanship.
Entirely crafted in solid 18-karat gold, enhanced with fine sea pearls and a rose-cut diamond, this necklace is far more than antique jewelry—it is a wearable work of art and a remarkable piece of European history.
For collectors seeking rarity, authenticity, and timeless elegance, opportunities like this are exceptionally rare.
Explore this exceptional antique necklace at Swan Collection:
https://swancollection.com/products/plique-a-jour-all-18k-gold-necklace-49631
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes this necklace so rare?
Its rarity comes from the combination of Plique-à-Jour enameling, three original antique gold medals, French hallmarks, a handmade 18K gold chain, and a signed centerpiece by French sculptor Léon Julien Deschamps.
What is Plique-à-Jour enamel?
Plique-à-Jour is a rare enameling technique where transparent enamel is suspended without a metal backing, allowing light to shine through much like stained glass. Because of its delicate construction, intact antique examples are highly collectible.
Is the necklace made entirely of 18K gold?
Yes. Every component of the necklace—including the medals and handmade chain—is crafted in solid 18-karat gold and bears French hallmarks confirming its authenticity.
Who was Léon Julien Deschamps?
Léon Julien Deschamps (1860–1928) was a distinguished French sculptor and medallist. He exhibited at the Salon des Artistes Français, became a member of the Société des Artistes Français, and later taught at the École Estienne in Paris. Signed medals by Deschamps are admired for their artistry and historical significance.
Is this necklace suitable for collectors?
Absolutely. Its signed centerpiece, rare enameling technique, original rose-cut diamond, sea pearls, French hallmarks, and outstanding preservation make it an exceptional acquisition for collectors of antique French jewelry, religious medals, and museum-quality decorative arts.