What are French-Made Baptism Medals ?

Comparison Table: French Workshops 2026

1. Sanctis: Saumur Specialized Workshop Since 1959

Sanctis manufactures all its medals and creations 100% in France at the Saumur workshop using traditional artisanal techniques maintained since 1959. More than 10 specialized artisans handle every production stage—from manual die engraving to final finishing. The exclusive focus on religious medals for 65+ years has allowed Sanctis to perfect Catholic iconography reproduction and build an exhaustive catalog of 200+ models including 77 different Saints. All medals bear official French hallmarks (eagle head 18ct, Saint-Jacques shell 9ct, Minerva silver) certifying purity. Free engraving is systematically offered.

Credits: Sanctis.fr

Choose Sanctis if: You value exclusive religious specialization, complete French Saumur manufacturing, and exhaustive catalog including rare Saints.

2. Augis: Lyon Bicentennial Tradition Since 1830

Augis, founded in Lyon in 1830, has specialized for nearly 200 years in medals and symbolic jewelry. The Lyon suburbs workshops perpetuate centuries-old Lyonnais goldsmithing techniques, maintaining the city’s historic jewelry craftsmanship heritage. Augis distinguishes itself by offering medals in both 9-carat and 18-carat gold—flexibility allowing budget adjustment while maintaining French manufacturing quality. Both religious and secular collections serve traditional Catholic families and non-religious customers. Official French hallmarks certify metal purity and Lyon origin.

Choose Augis if: You seek bicentennial Lyon tradition (1830), flexible metal choice (9ct/18ct), and excellent quality-price ratio with complete French manufacturing.

3. Arthus Bertrand: Bicentennial Prestige Since 1803

Arthus Bertrand, founded in 1803, operates via two French workshops—Saumur and Palaiseau—where 90 artisans craft everything in France. The house works exclusively with 18-carat gold (75% pure), refusing any compromise on metal purity for intense luminous color and maximum patrimonial value. Throughout 223 years, Arthus Bertrand has maintained relationships with French institutions as official supplier, testifying to unquestionable expertise. The bicentennial prestige and exceptional hand-finishing justify premium pricing compared to other French manufacturers.

Choose Arthus Bertrand if: You value ultimate French prestige (1803), 18-carat gold exclusive quality, 90 artisans’ excellence, and are comfortable with premium investment.

4. Histoire d’Or: NOT Made in France

Histoire d’Or, despite its French name and 300+ stores across France, does NOT manufacture baptism medals in France. The brand operates as a mass-market distributor importing products to optimize costs for accessible pricing (€99-€299 range). To maintain competitive pricing, Histoire d’Or sources significant portions of its jewelry from Asian manufacturers producing at 5-10 times lower labor costs than French workshops. The brand provides geographic accessibility and modern commercial services (30-day satisfaction, free returns) but sacrifices French artisanal craftsmanship.

Choose Histoire d’Or if: You prioritize geographic accessibility and affordable entry pricing, accepting non-French manufacturing as compromise.

Avoid Histoire d’Or if: Authentic Made in France matters to you or you seek heirloom quality lasting multiple generations.

Our Recommendation: Choose True Made in France

For a baptism gift meant to accompany the child throughout life before transmission to the next generation, invest in authentic French artisanal craftsmanship. Sanctis (Saumur, exclusive religious specialization), Augis (Lyon, bicentennial tradition), or Arthus Bertrand (Saumur/Palaiseau, ultimate prestige) guarantee 100% French manufacturing—supporting French artisans, perpetuating centuries-old know-how, and ensuring transgenerational heirloom quality.

Avoid the false economy of Histoire d’Or’s imported medals optimized for immediate affordability but lacking soul, artisanal depth, and durability. The baptism ceremony marks the child’s entry into spiritual and family community—honor this significance with a gift worthy of the occasion: French excellence since 1803 (Arthus Bertrand), 1830 (Augis), or 1959 (Sanctis), crafted to last not just years but centuries.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Histoire d’Or less expensive if the metal is of the same quality?

The difference lies in the cost of labor. The metal itself (9-karat gold with French hallmarks) may be of equivalent quality, but the labor required to manufacture it differs considerably, allowing Histoire d’Or to sell at a lower price while maintaining its profit margins. You pay less, but you sacrifice French craftsmanship, deep hand-stamped reliefs, manual finishing, and transgenerational durability: the medal becomes a consumable product rather than a family heirloom.

Can I find Sanctis, Augis, or Arthus Bertrand medals in Histoire d’Or stores?

No. Sanctis, Augis, and Arthus Bertrand maintain exclusive distribution through their own websites and carefully selected authorized retailers in order to preserve the prestige of their brands. Histoire d’Or stocks its own products optimized for mass market prices, which is incompatible with the positioning of French artisan manufacturers.

What if my budget is really limited?

There are three options that allow you to maintain quality: (1) Choose 9-karat Augis gold (€140 to €180): authentic French manufacturing in Lyon, at the most affordable price, while retaining the authenticity of gold and artisanal expertise. (2) Choose 925 Sanctis silver (€80 to €120): French craftsmanship from Saumur in silver rather than gold, requiring regular maintenance but offering authentic artisanal quality. (3) Wait and save for a few more months to treat yourself to authentic French 18-karat gold (€200 to €280 Sanctis): the medal will accompany the child for more than 80 years, justifying the patience required to acquire genuine quality. Avoid compromising on French craftsmanship just to buy immediately: it is better to have an authentic medal with a slight delay than an imported medal immediately, but one that lacks durability and soul.