Sanctis, Arthus Bertrand or Augis: which brand for religious jewelry?

The essentials at a glance

• Sanctis (1959): France’s leading specialist in religious medals, with over 200 models and 144 patron saints. French manufacturing. Prices from 75 EUR to 800 EUR.
• Arthus Bertrand (1803): the oldest of the three, official supplier to the French State, workshops in Anjou with approximately 140 craftsmen. Range extends well beyond medals. Prices from 200 EUR to 500 EUR+.
• Augis (1858): a Lyon-based house acquired by Arthus Bertrand in 2012, known for children’s jewelry including the iconic lucky charm medal. The most affordable of the three, from 35 EUR to 2500 EUR.

For a religious medal with a specific patron saint, Sanctis is the clear reference. For institutional prestige, Arthus Bertrand. For a controlled budget, Augis.

Criteria	Sanctis	Arthus Bertrand	Augis
Founded	1959	1803	1858
Specialty	Religious medals exclusively	Jewelry, medals, decorations	Children’s jewelry, medals
Manufacturing	France	France (Anjou, ~140 craftsmen)	France (AB workshops since 2012)
Catalogue	200+ models, 144 patron saints	Full range, jewelry and medals	Lucky charm medal, children’s jewelry
Distinctive edge	No. 1 specialist, widest catalogue	Institutional prestige, 220-year heritage	Most accessible entry price

Sanctis: does focusing exclusively on religious medals make a difference?

Founded in 1959, Sanctis built its entire business around a single segment: religious medals made in France. That focus is not accidental. It allows the house to maintain a catalogue that few competitors can match: more than 200 models covering 144 different patron saints.

For godparents struggling with the choice of symbol, that depth is exactly what matters. Finding the patron saint of an uncommon first name, a Marian medal with a specific motif, or a cross sized for a newborn: Sanctis covers angles that generalist brands simply do not.

Sanctis medals are crafted in 18-carat gold, 9-carat gold and solid silver, with personalised engraving options. Prices range from 75 EUR to 800 EUR, accommodating a variety of budgets without compromising on French manufacturing.

Best for: godparents looking for a specific model — rare patron saint, Marian medal, cross with a particular motif — who want the assurance of a dedicated specialist.

Arthus Bertrand: do 220 years of history justify the price difference?

Founded in 1803 in Paris, Arthus Bertrand is best known as the official supplier to the French State. The house engraves the Grand Collar of the Legion of Honour worn by the President of the Republic. That institutional standing translates directly into the quality of its medal production: striking, enamelling, chiselling — techniques refined over two centuries in the Anjou workshops where around 140 craftsmen work today.

For religious jewelry, the house offers baptism medals in 18-carat gold and solid silver, with both classic motifs (Virgin Mary, guardian angel, Christ) and contemporary designs. Since artistic director Camille Toupet joined in 2018, the collections incorporate more modern aesthetics while preserving the house’s understated elegance.

Prices start at around 200 EUR and rise to over 500 EUR for jewellery-grade 18-carat gold pieces. At equivalent budgets, Sanctis and Arthus Bertrand are comparable on French craftsmanship. Arthus Bertrand’s advantage lies primarily in the symbolic weight of its history.

Best for: families who want a piece whose name immediately conveys recognition and excellence — an argument that often resonates with grandparents making the purchase.

Read also: The rules around wearing insignia and medals in France.

Augis: is the lucky charm medal still a safe choice in 2026?

Founded in Lyon in 1858 and acquired by Arthus Bertrand in 2012, Augis has kept its own identity centred on children’s jewelry. Its flagship piece, the lucky charm medal, has been one of the most gifted birth and baptism medals in France for generations. Production is now integrated into the Anjou workshops of Arthus Bertrand, maintaining French manufacturing at a more accessible price point.

The Augis range starts at around 35 EUR for small silver formats and reaches approximately 350 EUR for 18-carat gold models. It is the most affordable positioning of the three, with no compromise on manufacturing quality given the shared workshops with Arthus Bertrand.

The religious catalogue is narrower than Sanctis, but covers the essential baptism symbols: Virgin Mary, angel, cross. For a godparent who wants a recognised, well-made medal without exceeding a reasonable budget, Augis is a dependable answer.

How to choose depending on your situation?

You are a godparent with no idea where to start

This is the most common profile — and the most overwhelmed by the choice. The first instinct is usually to find a patron saint matching the child’s first name. In that case, Sanctis is the only house offering 144 different saints, covering even uncommon names without difficulty. Budget between 200 EUR and 300 EUR for a well-made gold medal.

You want a baptism medal that passes down through generations

When durability and symbolic value are the priority, Arthus Bertrand stands apart through its institutional heritage and the precision of its Anjou workshops. A medal from a house founded in 1803 carries a historical significance that few pieces can claim. Plan for between 300 EUR and 500 EUR for an 18-carat gold model.

You want quality craftsmanship within a tight budget

Augis fills this need with medals produced in the same workshops as Arthus Bertrand, starting from 35 EUR. The lucky charm medal is a widely recognised choice that parents will appreciate even if they are unfamiliar with the brand.

The baptism is civil or the family is non-religious

All three brands offer medals with secular or symbolic motifs: tree of life, dove, star, or simply an engraved name on a plain medallion. Both Sanctis and Arthus Bertrand have ranges suited to civil ceremonies. The key is to check the motif before ordering: explicitly religious or symbolically neutral?

Frequently asked questions

Are Sanctis and Arthus Bertrand medals actually made in France?

Yes, both maintain fully French manufacturing. Sanctis produces its religious medals in France. Arthus Bertrand operates workshops in Anjou with around 140 craftsmen.

What is the difference between 9-carat and 18-carat gold?

18-carat gold contains 75% pure gold versus 37.5% for 9-carat gold. In practice, an 18-carat medal is more resistant to tarnishing, heavier, and more expensive. It is the recommended grade for a piece intended to last decades. 9-carat gold is an acceptable entry point when budget is the main constraint.

Can medals be engraved at all three brands?

Yes, all three offer engraving services. Engraving allows the child’s first name and baptism date to be inscribed on the medal. Sanctis and Arthus Bertrand both offer engraving options at the time of online ordering. Allow a few extra working days, particularly during busy periods.

How much should I budget for a gold baptism medal?

Ranges vary by brand and gold grade. At Augis, gold medals start around 80 EUR. At Sanctis, 18-carat gold models typically range from 100 EUR to 250 EUR. At Arthus Bertrand, 18-carat gold pieces generally fall between 150 EUR and 300 EUR. Above 300 EUR, you are entering jewellery-grade creations.

What if I do not know whether the family is religious?

Choose a neutral or symbolic motif. All three brands offer medals without explicitly religious iconography: tree of life, dove, star, or a plain engraved medallion. If in doubt, ask the parents before ordering.

Our recommendation

For a religious medal with a specific patron saint, Sanctis is the most coherent choice in 2026. With more than 200 models and 144 referenced saints, the house offers a catalogue depth no competitor can match in this segment. Manufacturing is French, prices start at 80 EUR, and exclusive specialisation ensures an expertise in the details that actually matter.

Arthus Bertrand is the right choice for families who value institutional history and prestige, or who want a jewellery-grade piece beyond the classic medal.

Augis remains the strongest option when budget is the deciding factor, with the assurance of French manufacturing in the same workshops as Arthus Bertrand.