Jewellery Guides
A Guide to Medallion Charms
Cassandra created her Medallion charms as tasteful keepsakes designed to hold personal meaning. Inspired by the graceful concave form of Victorian lockets, each handcrafted charm is a miniature world in itself. While many feature intricate sculptural scenes, others are beautifully simple, such as a single flower, chosen because it is a favourite. These keepsakes are not only exquisitely made but carry deep sentimental value, making them ideal gifts. This guide will help you choose the perfect Medallion charm for yourself or a loved one.
Who are the Medallion Charms for?
Cassandra’s Medallion charms are designed for both men and women and are especially meaningful for younger generations. These fine jewellery charms are timeless treasures to celebrate life’s most important moments including graduations, once-in-a-lifetime journeys, weddings and personal passions. They can also be chosen for no occasion at all, simply because they feel special to the wearer.
How do I choose a Medallion Charm?
Each Medallion charm carries its own distinct character, whether it captures a scene of meaning or celebrates something individual like a favourite flower. Follow these three steps to find the perfect Medallion charm that speaks to you or your loved one:
1. Explore the Medallion charm collection. The Medallion charms are thoughtfully arranged into categories: flora, fauna, passions and wonders of the world. Take note of the Medallion charms you feel naturally drawn to. It might be a scene that reminds you of a cherished memory or a design that simply resonates with you or your loved one’s personality or style.
2. Consider who the charm is for and how it will be worn. Are you selecting it for yourself or as a gift for someone else? Is it to mark a specific occasion such as a birthday, graduation or wedding or is it a gift of encouragement or appreciation? The meaning behind the charm will help guide your choice.
3. Choose a metal. This may be an aesthetic decision or based on practicality. For instance, silver may suit someone who will wear the charm while travelling, whereas gold may be an enduring keepsake for a special celebration.
Which Medallion Charms make the best gifts?
Our Medallion charms make thoughtful and lasting gifts for many occasions.
The Rose, Thistle, Daffodil and Shamrock Medallion charms are ideal for those wishing to honour their heritage or simply celebrate their favourite bloom.
Notre Dame and Tour Eiffel Medallion charms are meaningful mementos for those who have travelled to Paris or dream of going one day.
You can even commission a bespoke Medallion charm, such as a portrait of a beloved pet, to create something deeply personal and enduring.
How are our Medallion charms made?
Each Medallion charm begins as a design by Cassandra, often inspired by her travels around the world. A lifelong collector of trinkets and keepsakes, Cassandra channels her passion for memory and storytelling into each charm, reimagining these sentiments in precious metal.
Our Medallion charms are handcrafted in our London workshop using traditional fine jewellery techniques. Starting from Cassandra’s original drawing, our skilled craftsmen sculpt each design in relief, creating a detailed miniature world cradled within the concave form of the Medallion. The result is a refined and sculptural jewel that balances artistry with meaning.
Can I create something personal to me?
At Cassandra Goad, we believe jewellery should reflect the stories that matter most to you. We are delighted to offer a bespoke service, allowing you to create a Medallion charm that is entirely personal.
Past commissions have included bespoke Medallion charms of beloved pets and designs created to honour a family name through a meaningful flower. Whether you are celebrating a memory, a loved one or a personal passion, Cassandra and our workshop will work closely with you to bring your vision to life in fine jewellery.
If you would like to begin designing a bespoke Medallion charm, please contact our Boutique team here.
A personal touch can also be added to our collection of Medallion charms by adding an engraved message on the reverse.
Medallion Charms & Their Meanings
La Lavande
A reminder of the lavender fields of Provence, in the South of France.
Rose
The national flower of England.
Daffodil
The national flower of Wales.
Tulip
Inspired by Turkish depictions of tulips, honouring the flower’s place of origin.
Mushroom
Inspired by the abundant wild mushrooms of Scandinavia’s forests, a beautiful reflection of nature’s endless cycles.
Plum Blossom
Seen by the Japanese as the heralds of spring, their pink blossoms colour Japan from mid-February to early March.
Palm Trees
From Brazil's iconic Copacabana beach.
Thistle
The national flower of Scotland.
Snowdrop
The first marker of spring, the snowdrop blooms from January into March.
Shamrock
The national flower of Ireland.
Foxglove
A reminder of the hedgerows of the British countryside.
Lily of the Valley
A delicate woodland flower with sweet-smelling white blooms, often carried by brides in their bouquets.
Buttercup
A reminder of the childhood game where children hold a buttercup under someone's chin and say, ‘do you like butter?’ If a yellow glow appears, it means they do!
Le Cheval
For lovers of horses and the equestrian world.
Octopus
Inspired by decorations on Ancient Greek Minoan vases. Octopi are seen as symbols of intelligence and adaptability.
Beetle
For the Ancient Egyptians, the Scarab Beetle was a revered symbol of the cycle of life.
Butterfly
Originally conceived from an 18th century Chinese wallpaper adorned with delicate butterflies, a motif that inspired Cassandra’s Chinese collection.
Elephant
Cherished symbols of wisdom and strength in India.
Owl
The symbol of the Goddess Athena, Goddess of war, wisdom and the protector of Athens.
La Voile
For sailors. From the French for ‘sailing’.
Le Ski
For lovers of skiing and the mountains. An idyllic scene of a vintage gondola against the backdrop of snowy mountains and fir trees.
La Marianne
From Eugène Delacroix’s painting ‘Liberty Leading the People’.
Star of Vergina
Originally a motif on the tomb of Philip II of Macedonia, father of Alexander the Great, in Northern Greece.
Les Vignes
For wine lovers and growers. From the French for ‘vines’.
Le Coq Gaulois
For the French or lovers of rugby.
Le Déjeuner sur l'herbe
From impressionist painter Édouard Manet’s painting of the same name.
Temple of Heaven
Beijing’s Temple of Heaven, a sacred site where emperors, believed to be the ‘Sons of Heaven,’ sought divine favour.
Lion of St Mark
Venice's patron saint and protector, an enduring emblem of courage.
Le Mont Saint-Michel
The Benedictine abbey which rises from the water in Normandy, France.
Notre Dame
A symbol of both the city of Paris and the French nation.
Tour Eiffel
A reminder of Paris.
Lighthouse
For ocean lovers or those seeking new shores.
Cassandra's Medallion Charms
Our Medallion charms are available in both gold and silver. Pair them with a necklace chain from our selection.
If you need any further advice or have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact our team who will be happy to help.