Medusa Mini Medallion
For women who refuse to make themselves harmless.
Solid gold lasts lifetimes. Vermeil is a thick layer of solid gold over sterling silver — an accessible alternative, designed to last several years with care.
Free global shipping
100% recycled solid gold or vermeil
2 year warranty
Fairly made, fairly priced
There are varying origin stories for Medusa, but the ancient poet, Ovid, tells us that she was once a beautiful mortal woman and a priestess of Athena. In the sacred temple of Athena, Medusa was raped, and the enraged goddess transformed Medusa into a Gorgon - a monster with snakes for hair.
Medusa would never be touched by a man again, for she could turn them to stone with only her gaze. But men are terrified by women who wield power, so it was not long before Perseus sought out Medusa to chop off her head, which was then used as a weapon.
Women who speak out against injustice are very often mockingly compared to Medusa. On the surface, it is disrespectful and belittling. Her femininity is used to undermine her and diminish the value of her words. But there is a deeper meaning in the comparison, and that is Medusa's decapitation, which says that women speaking must be silenced - by whatever means necessary.
But women have always heard Medusa’s voice. She has served as a symbol of protection (known as a Gorgoneion) in Greek culture for millennia, and more recently, as a universal symbol of power and feminine rage.
“You only have to look at the Medusa straight on to see her. And she's not deadly. She's beautiful and she's laughing.” -Hélène Cixous, Laugh of the Medusa.
This molten gold medallion brings Medusa to life in three dimensions, golden snakes seem to almost move as the light hits the syrupy metal. Around half the size of the original Medusa 7 Emerald Medallion, she is cast in 100% solid gold or 18k gold vermeil, and can be purchased with or without a chain.
Complete the look:
Product Details
About Solid Gold
Solid gold is for those who buy once and buy well. It will not tarnish, fade, or degrade; worn daily for decades, it only grows more beautiful. It is the right choice if you want a piece that lasts a lifetime or becomes an heirloom.
Gold has appreciated steadily for centuries and retains intrinsic value: it can always be melted down and reborn as something new. It is adornment that is also an investment.
Our solid gold pieces are cast using the ancient lost wax method and are never hollow. Every gram is 100% certified recycled, and every piece is made by hand in New York City.
About Gold Vermeil
Gold Vermeil, pronounced ver-may, is a french term for a style of gold plating that is regulated by the federal government. Unlike "gold plated" jewelry, vermeil must always be on a solid 925 sterling silver base - rather than brass - with at least 2.5 microns thickness of gold. This is 3 times thicker than normal gold plating.
This makes vermeil a longer lasting product than gold plated jewelry, as well as more valuable because it's composed entirely of precious metals.
When will my piece ship?
We keep a small inventory of solid gold pieces - please check just above the size/color selector to see if your piece is in stock.
If your solid gold piece is not in stock, please see above for the estimated timeframe to ship.
FAQ
When will my order ship?
Gold Vermeil pieces ship within 2 business days.
Solid gold pieces are handcrafted to order, though occasionally we keep a few items in inventory.
Each item has a different lead time based on the complexity of the piece.
This piece's lead time is:
How do returns work?
We ship for free globally, and offer free return labels within the US. International orders can be returned within 60 days, though we do not cover postage.
You can start your return using our easy self-serve portal.
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