Symbol medals

Christening medal symbol: which design to choose

A christening medal doesn’t always depict a patron saint or the Virgin Mary. Some parents and godparents prefer a symbolic design instead: the dove, the chrism, the ichthys, the tree of life, the paschal lamb or the Holy Spirit. These motifs work well when the child’s first name doesn’t match any particular saint, or when you’re looking for a piece of jewellery that speaks of faith without a face. Most of these medals come in 18ct yellow gold (750/1000) and 9ct gold (375/1000), two purities that change the weight in the hand and the final budget.

The most requested Christian symbols for a christening

The dove, symbol of the Holy Spirit

In the Gospels, the Spirit descends in the form of a dove during the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan. It’s this very account that explains its presence on so many dove medals for christenings. A dove reads clearly even at a small diameter, 14 or 15 mm, which makes it a popular choice for a newborn.

The chrism, monogram of Christ

The chrism combines the Greek letters Chi and Rho, the first two letters of “Christos”. Emperor Constantine is said to have had it painted on his soldiers’ shields after his vision of 312, before the Battle of the Milvian Bridge: it’s one of the oldest documented Christian monograms. This geometric design stays legible even when finely engraved, making it suitable for both small diameters and larger pieces.

The ichthys, a mark of recognition among early Christians

The Greek word “ikhthus” (fish) forms an acronym: Iesous Khristos, Theou Yios, Soter, meaning “Jesus Christ, Son of God, Saviour”. Early Christians used it as a discreet sign at a time when displaying one’s faith could come at a cost. This stylised fish outline is worn today as a simple piece of jewellery, often in solid 925 silver, with no other ornamentation.

The tree of life, between Genesis and Revelation

The tree of life appears at the beginning and the end of the Bible, in the Garden of Eden and then in the vision of Revelation. It’s a motif suited to more elaborate chain links: openwork branches, detailed roots, sometimes a pendant a little larger than the usual 16-18 mm average. The fineness of the engraving makes a big difference to the final look. The tree of life medals clearly show how much treatment varies from one design to another.

The Holy Spirit and the paschal lamb

The Holy Spirit is depicted as a flame or a stylised dove; the paschal lamb refers to the figure of Christ in the Easter liturgy. Both designs remain less common than the dove or the cross, making them a choice for anyone looking for a less widely seen piece of jewellery. For a more figurative style, an angel medal remains a close alternative in spirit.

Choosing the diameter, material and engraving

The diameter is chosen first according to the wearer’s age:

• 14 to 16 mm for a newborn or very young child
• 18 to 20 mm from a few years old, when the medal is worn for longer
• 22 mm for a teenager or adult who will keep the piece long-term

Weight follows diameter and material: an 18ct gold medal of 16 mm generally weighs between 1 and 2 grams, while a 9ct gold piece of the same diameter is a little lighter in fine gold content. Three finishes come up most often: matte sandblasted, polished glossy, hammered with an irregular grain, a choice that mainly depends on the look you want on the back, where the engraving goes. A short first name and a christening date fit on most diameters from 16 mm upward; below that, it’s best to limit the engraving to a first name alone or initials to keep the characters legible.

The medal is paired with a chain: curb or rolo chain for a delicate look, marine link or bracelet-style chain for a more visible piece. For a child, a length of 40 to 45 cm leaves room to grow in the early years.

Who a symbolic medal makes a good gift for

This type of medal suits a christening, but also a birth or a communion, without the religious connection necessarily being the main focus. A dove or a chrism stays discreet on a fine chain, while a more elaborate tree of life draws more attention. To widen the search towards a patron saint design rather than a symbol, the saint medals page covers the most common first names.

What is a symbol medal and how is it different from a plain engraved medal?

A symbol medal carries an engraved or embossed motif — cross, tree of life, angel, dove, guardian star — rather than only a name or date. Most in this collection are 14–18 mm discs in sterling silver, gold-plated brass or 9k gold. If you are choosing a christening medal for a baby boy or girl, the motif sets the tone while the reverse stays free for engraving.

Which metal should I choose for a newborn’s medal?

Sterling silver (925) is the usual pick: light, hypoallergenic and easy to re-polish. Gold-plated brass costs less but the plating thins after years of wear. Solid 9k or 18k gold suits a keepsake meant to be handed down. For sensitive baby skin, a nickel-free sterling silver baptism medal is the safest option, especially for daily wear.

What chain length and medal size work for a baby?

Pick a 14–16 mm medal for a newborn and 16–18 mm from age three, so the disc sits flat without being heavy. Chains run 36–38 cm for infants and 40–42 cm for older children. Many parents buy the medal alone first, then add a longer chain later — a good reason to check whether the listing includes a chain for a baptism medal.

How do I clean and store an engraved medal without damaging it?

Wipe it with a soft, dry cloth after wear, and use a silver polishing cloth on tarnish — never abrasive paste, which flattens fine engraving. Keep gold-plated pieces away from perfume, chlorine and cleaning products. Store in a sealed pouch or lined box; that slows oxidation and is the simplest way to care for a silver christening medal between occasions.