Art Nouveau Brooch Of Joan Of Arc By Edmond Henri Becker, 18ct Gold Filled, French Fixe, Circa 1910

This is an unusual listing for me but bear with me and I will tell you why. There are two identical brooches of Joan of Arc, both by the famous medallic artist, sculpter and jeweller Edmond Henri Becker who was born in Paris in 1871 and died in 1971. This pair of brooches were made around 1910.

This lovely pendant is 18ct gold filled which is called 'Fixe' here in France. This method involves pressing two sheets of gold onto a medal which is usually made of copper or bronze. In this case Becker has used bronze as you can see it where the gold has rubbed on the second brooch. With fix you can see where the two sheets of gold have been joined at the edge. It means there is a lot more gold on a fixe medal or brooch than normal gold plating. In fact companies that buy gold will not by plated items but will buy fixe because of the high gold content. This is why there is a similar medal by Becker on Ruby Lane which sold for $165. Etsy also has examples where prices range from 177 euros to 459 eruos.

I was able to buy this at a very sensible price so anyone who decides they wish to save this lovely and rare medal will be well rewarded.

Most Christians are aware of the story of Joan of Arc but not usually aware that she was not made a saint until 1920. It is why this medal clearly dates from before 1920 as the title is 'Jehanne' which was the medieval name for Joan. So any medal or brooch that has 'Saint Joan' must have been made after 1920.