Antique HEAVY Solid Silver French \"Lover\'s Medallion\" Personalized/Engraved 1895 For Sale

Intro:

This is a beautiful antique Art Nouveau French solid silver high detail marriage medal from 1895. While you can find a few of these medals out there, NONE of them are in wearable form. The massive, heavy solid silver loop was added to this piece by the former owner, thereby turning this piece of “days gone by” into a wearable work of art. Additionally, two further elements of this piece add to its finite rarity:

One, the absolutely STUNNING condition of the piece. Two, while the few other examples of this medal (in coin form, not wearable) that exists are blank, this medal is beautifully engraved in cursive font with the names of a couple who were married in 1897. Cambry, and Renard.

Condition:

The silver relief is unbelievably detailed on this nearly 130 year old medallion. While it is quite common for silver relief to dull and become indistinguishable over time, such is not the case with this piece! The detailing is masterfully composed, and the three dimensionality of the depiction (raised silver detailing) has maintained - incredibly - over time. Call me old fashioned, but when it comes to works of precious and semi-precious metals, I like HEAVY, chunky, bulky. This medallion is just that, a HEAVY work of solid silver, weighing in at approximately 38 GRAMS! You certainly will never forget that you are wearing this piece, but its weight is not uncomfortable. A nice little “tug” at the back of the neck.

Depiction: On the obverse, a seated woman and a kneeling man. Him putting a ring on his lover’s finger. Underneath this depiction, the word “SEMPER,” meaning “Always.” On the reverse an antique fountain under an oak tree and engraved names of the lovers and the date of their marriage.

Cambry and Renard:

As mentioned earlier, this piece was engraved to mark the wedding date of a French couple - married in the years 1897. The engraving (in beautiful, ornate cursive font) reads “Le. de Cambry” and “Le. Renard.” The date of their wedding is below the names of the couples, reading “21 Avril (April) 1897.”

I’ve always thought it would be fascinating to run a “family history” on Cambry and Renard. How did this piece come to be in an antique store in San Fransisco three decades ago when I purchased it? What is their story? At any rate, the love that Cambry and Renard held for one another continues on through this piece. I’ve always felt “privy” to that love… humbled by the nearness of two strangers who were married so long ago in a foreign land.

Parting Notes:

Overall, this is truly a spectacular work of art - unique in its story and depiction. I have been honored to care for this piece for decades on end - now - I pass that care, that experience, the joy in owning a work as such to someone new (:

~If you have any further questions, or would like to see any additional photos, please do not hesitate to reach out in the form of an email. I will get back to you promptly. Will ship overseas, but not responsible for any customs fees that might be incurred.

Dimensions/Specs

Weight: 38 GRAMS

Across: 41 mm (4.1 cm or 1.6 inches)

~Note: This piece is currently on a thick, soft leather cord. This leather cord will be included upon sale.