Choosing a christening medal
First comes the subject: the Virgin or the Virgin and Child, which place the child under Mary's protection; the guardian angel, who watches over them; the patron saint whose name they bear; or a symbol, dove, tree of life, cross. Then the material and the size. Our guide how to choose a christening medal goes through each step.
Gold, silver, gold plate or mother-of-pearl
| Material | What sets it apart |
|---|---|
| 18-karat yellow gold | Unalterable, the material of heirlooms |
| Rhodium-plated solid silver | Same relief as gold, thicker medal, does not tarnish |
| Gold plate | The look of gold for a smaller budget |
| Mother-of-pearl rimmed in gold or silver | Carved subject, the softness of a cameo |
The details are in our guide to materials.
Which size for a baby?
Small sizes, around 14 to 16 mm, suit a newborn or a bracelet; 18 mm is the classic christening medal size, the one worn for life; larger sizes are worn as an adult or as a pendant. Each product page gives the available diameters and the weight of precious metal.
Engraving and chain
The smooth reverse of most of our medals takes an engraving, first name and christening date, done in our Paris workshop. For the chain, see how to choose a christening chain.
A house of medals since 1770
Manufacture Mayaud, founded in Saumur in 1770, was in the 19th century one of France's leading makers of religious medals. It still strikes its medals the traditional way, under engraved dies, and makes its mother-of-pearl medals in its Paris workshop. To learn more, read the history of the christening medal in France.
Frequently asked questions
Who gives the christening medal?
Traditionally the godfather or godmother, but family and friends often give it too.
Which size of christening medal to choose?
18 mm is the classic size, worn for life; 14 to 16 mm suit a newborn or a bracelet.
Which material for a christening medal?
18-karat gold for an heirloom, rhodium-plated solid silver for the same relief at a more accessible price, gold plate for a smaller budget, mother-of-pearl for a luminous, gentle medal.
Can a christening medal be engraved?
Yes: the smooth reverse takes the first name and christening date, engraved in our Paris workshop. Some medals, such as the Miraculous Medal, have an engraved reverse and cannot be personalised.
Where to buy a christening medal made in France?
Manufacture Mayaud, a French house founded in 1770, strikes its christening medals the traditional way and makes its mother-of-pearl medals in Paris; they can be ordered online and at the boutique at 25 rue Vaneau, Paris.