A national heroine of France, at age 18 Joan of Arc led the French army to victory over the English at Orléans. Captured a year later, Joan was burned at the stake as a heretic by the English and their French collaborators. She was canonized as a Roman Catholic saint more than 500 years later, on May 16, 1920. In the Catholic religion, it is believed that wearing a medal with the image of a religious figure will bring protection and answer prayers. The practice is not limited to Catholics alone; other Christian denominations also hold these talismans as sacred. Religious medals are often given as gifts for rites of passage, such as baptism, first communion and marriage.
Crafted in 10 karat yellow gold, this wonderful medal depicts Joan of Arc in profile. The metal has been enameled with a sheer blush pink, ringed in gold, almost like an aura, then framed in black enamel. The reverse has a beautiful guilloche enamel pattern, echoing the other worldly feeling of the front design, perhaps alluding to a spirit? A great find, and a unique keepsake commemorating an inspiring woman of history!
Details (approximate):
Dimensions: 6/8" diameter
Weight: 3.6 grams
Materials: 10K gold, Enamel
Marks: No hallmarks; RL signature attributed to Louis Rault
Condition: Excellent