Christening Medals

Choosing a christening medal: diameter, effigy and material

A christening medal is chosen based on three concrete criteria: the design, the metal and the size. For a newborn, a diameter of 14 to 16 mm remains the most common: the piece sits lightly on a fine chain and doesn’t get in the baby’s way. From 18 or 20 mm upward, the medal gains presence but also weight, a choice some godparents reserve for an older child or for occasional wear. The average weight is around 2 to 3 grams for standard 16-18 mm models.

On the metal side, 18-carat yellow gold (750/1000) still leads christening orders, followed by white gold for those who prefer a more understated look. 9-carat gold (375/1000) offers a lower purity for a tighter budget while remaining genuine gold. Solid 925 silver remains the most affordable option and works very well as a first medal for a child who will later receive a gold piece. There are also medals set on mother-of-pearl plaques, a natural material with shifting reflections that gives a different, softer look to an engraved effigy.

Which religious effigy for a christening medal

The choice of effigy often comes before the choice of metal. Virgin Mary medals and depictions of the Virgin and Child remain the most requested for a little girl, while an angel or a patron saint more often accompanies the choice for a boy, though this is by no means a strict rule.

The Miraculous Medal and Marian effigies

Among depictions of the Virgin Mary, the Miraculous Medal holds a special place: its origin dates back to the apparition reported by Catherine Labouré in 1830, in Paris. It is recognizable by its oval shape, the Virgin with open arms, and the twelve stars surrounding her, an iconic design unchanged for nearly two centuries. Other models show the Virgin as queen, with a starred veil, or in prayer with hands joined, depending on whether a round or oval medal is chosen.

Angels, saints and symbols

Angel medals, often depicting the Archangel Raphael, come in a pensive version or as a messenger accompanied by a dove. For a godfather or godmother who prefers a specific patron saint, saint medals cover the most requested figures: Saint Christopher, Saint Benedict, Saint Michael, Saint Therese. Others prefer a simpler symbol: a plain cross, chrism, dove or tree of life, also available as a miniature medal for smaller budgets.

Choosing the chain and its length for a baby

A medal is worn on a christening chain, to be chosen separately based on the child’s age. For a newborn, a length of 40 to 45 cm avoids any risk of catching while letting the pendant rest naturally. After age 3, a 50 cm length becomes better suited to the child’s growth. As for the link style, the choice is usually between curb, rolo or marine link, in 1 to 1.6 mm diameter: below that, the chain loses strength, above it, it becomes heavier to wear day to day.

Criteria to get it right

• Medal diameter: 14-16 mm for a newborn, 18-22 mm for a bolder look
• Metal: 18-carat gold for durability, 9-carat gold or 925 silver for a controlled budget
• Chain length: 40-45 cm before age 3, 50 cm beyond
• Link: curb or rolo in 1-1.6 mm, neither too fine nor too heavy

Engraving on the back of the medal

A christening medal is traditionally engraved on the back: the child’s first name, the date of the christening or birth, sometimes a short word. The available space remains limited, only a few characters on a 16 mm medal, which means keeping it essential rather than aiming for a full sentence. The choice between script or block lettering also affects legibility on a small format: block lettering stays sharper on a diameter under 18 mm.

Who gives the medal and when

Tradition has the godmother give the medal, while the godfather more often gives the accompanying chain, usually in 18-carat gold. This division is by no means mandatory: many godparents today choose the set together, or opt for a complete 18-carat yellow gold medal with a matching chain. The piece is presented on the day of the ceremony, before the priest blesses it, though some parents prefer the child to already be wearing it during the service.

What is the difference between a christening medal and a communion medal?

A christening medal is sized for a baby, usually 14 to 16 mm, on a light 38 to 40 cm chain that suits a newborn’s neck. Communion medals run 18 to 20 mm on a 45 cm chain, since the child is around eight. Many parents buying a baptism medal for a baby boy keep the medal and replace only the chain later.

Which metal should I choose for a baby’s baptism medal?

Solid 9ct or 18ct gold resists tarnish and skin acidity best, and holds engraving cleanly for decades. Sterling silver costs far less but darkens and needs polishing every few months. Gold-plated brass suits a tight budget, though plating wears at the chain bail. For hypoallergenic baptism jewellery for babies with sensitive skin, choose 18ct gold or rhodium-plated white gold.

Can I have the medal engraved on the back?

Yes. The reverse of most medals in this collection is left plain for engraving. Expect room for a first name and a date, roughly 20 to 25 characters on a 16 mm disc. Laser engraving keeps detail crisp on gold; hand engraving gives deeper strokes on silver. Order a personalised engraved christening medal early, as engraving adds three to five working days.

How do I clean and store a christening medal?

Wipe it with a soft dry cloth after each wear to remove skin oils. For silver, use a treated polishing cloth, never toothpaste or abrasive paste, which scratches the relief. Rinse gold in lukewarm soapy water, then dry fully before storing. Keep the medal in a lined box or anti-tarnish pouch rather than a drawer, where chains tangle and surfaces rub.