1950s French mini oval St. Christopher pendant in 18kt yellow gold with haloed figural relief – Auric Vintage

1950s mini oval St.Christopher pendant

€240,00

Latest drop

1950s mini oval St.Christopher pendant

€240,00

1950s French mini oval St.Christopher pendant in 18kt yellow gold. An oval form is decorated to the centre with the figures of a bare chested St.Christopher holding the christ child on his shoulder, both are haloed and steadied in the waters below by a staff in relief. The scene is framed by a raised border with subtle polished faceted finish. Suspended from an oval bail, marked with the eagles's head, the French hallmark for 18kt gold and bears a maker's mark. 

1950s French mini oval St. Christopher pendant in 18kt yellow gold with haloed figural relief – Auric Vintage
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Looking through the LOUPE

MATERIALS

Gold

AGE

c.1950

SIZE

2.3cm L x 1.2cm W

WEIGHT

0.89 g

MARKS

French. Eagle's head hallmark. The mark for 18kt gold 750/1000
1950s mini oval St.Christopher pendant

In a world that moves faster and farther than ever, we are all travelers, whether chasing adventure, education, or a quiet moment away from home. Long ago, when journeys were perilous. loved ones might send a companion in miniature, a talisman, a prayer, a guardian.


Saint Christopher was one of the most cherished. Legend tells of a giant who sought to serve the greatest king in the world. only to discover that Christ was the mightiest of all. The giant dedicated himself to helping others, guiding travelers safely across treacherous rivers.


One evening, a small child asked to be carried. As the giant waded through the raging waters, the child's weight grew heavier and heavier until it felt as if he bore the weight of the entire world. When they reached the far shore, the child revealed himself as Christ and gave the giant a new name: Christopher. Christ-bearer.


Mentions of Saint Christopher date back to the 3rd century AD. His image became a portable prayer, a symbol of protection for all who journeyed into the unknown. Today, whether near or far, a Saint Christopher is a reminder that someone is hoping for your safe return, that you are never truly alone.

SAINT CHRISTOPHER

TAKE ME WITH YOU!

1950 - 1959

Fifties

The war was over, and the 1950s arrived with a sense of reset. Optimism took hold as the Western world began rebuilding, trading austerity for structure, polish, and a renewed appetite for beauty. After years of rationing, glamour returned with intent. Hollywood led the charge, projecting a vision of controlled femininity through figures like Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly, and Marilyn Monroe.

Jewellery followed this direction. It became composed, precise, and unapologetically refined. Platinum and white gold dominated, set with brilliant-cut diamonds and punctuated by saturated, coloured stones. Design leaned into contrast, structure, and light, with higher settings and sculpted forms giving pieces presence without excess.

There was variety beneath the surface. Naturalism, abstraction, and exotic influences coexisted, offering different expressions of the same polished ideal. Tropical flora and fauna emerged as recurring motifs, alongside birds and marine forms, each reimagined by leading jewellery houses such as Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, and Harry Winston.

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