The origins of the medal

Undeniably one of this year's hottest jewelry items, the medal is a veritable fashion phenomenon. But did you know that medals have been around for almost 2,000 years?

In this article, Poinçon 22 takes you back in time to discover the history of its favorite 18k gold jewelry.

The Fortuna medal from Poinçon 22, available in 18K yellow, rose or white gold.

Medals, the history of an ancient art

Reproduction of a Roman coin.

Medals have their origins in the Roman Empire. At that time, they were mainly used to commemorate events. Already used as jewelry, Roman medals were closer to coins than to medals as we know them today. It was a large coin minted for a very specific occasion. Often presented by the Emperor, it could also be set with precious stones and worn on a chain.

The birth of the modern medal

It was at the end of the Middle Ages, and more precisely during the Renaissance, that the modern medal was born. Completely losing the monetary aspect of antiquity, the medal retained its function as a marker of events, but also became a way of paying tribute to personalities, famous or otherwise, through profile portraits. It was during this period that medals were first considered an art form in their own right. In fact, the first medals are thought to have been struck in Italy, and the first medallic artist in history was the 15th-century Italian Vittore Pisano, known as "Pisanello".

Medal of John VIII Palaeologus by Pisanello, 1438.

The medal in our time

Today, medals are still used to honor and reward acts considered exceptional. Of course, medals can also be found in the world of sport, where they take on the status of awards, particularly in Olympic sports. Last but not least, medals are also a pleasurable piece of jewelry to be given on various occasions, as a birth gift for example, or as a personalized gift for a christening.

Since the creation of the House in 2017, Poinçon 22 has put the medal at the center of its inspiration. Today, the Poinçon 22 creations highlight the heritage of this thousand-year-old jewel while anchoring it perfectly in today's fashion. Round, oval or octagonal, decorated with fine stones in the Nuances collection, as a true declaration of love in the Amore collection but also in more classic versions for baptisms, there is a Poinçon 22 medal for each of the important moments of a life.