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Augis French 18K Gold Diamond Ruby PLUS QU’HIER Love Token Pendant


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Directory: Estate Jewelry: Gold: Period: Pre 1940: Item # 1393503
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A lovely 18K yellow gold, diamond and ruby love pendant (“medaille d’amour”) with a rebus spelling out Plus qu’hier, moins que demain,” (“More than yesterday, less than tomorrow.”) a line from the love poem written by Rosemonde Gérard to her husband Edmond Rostand (author of “Cyrano”) in 1889. The word “plus” is symbolized by a plus sign set with a rose cut diamond and the word “moins” by a minus sign set with rectangular cut synthetic rubies.

In 1907, the Lyonnais jewelry Alphonse Augis created a love token based on the poem. This example, signed A.A., is in the original style with a “crêpe de chine” textured background and floral wreath border. The use of a rose cut diamond, the Augis signature and the patent mark indicates that this is an earlier example. The small size is perfect for either a delicate chain or to wear as a charm on a bracelet. The pendant is fully stamped with French 18K gold marks and with Augis’ maker’s mark.
  • Origin: France, 1930.
  • Condition: excellent; sharp detail.
  • Dimensions: 5/8” diameter (excluding bail and jump ring).
  • Weight: 2.8 grams.
  • Approximate Total Gemstone Weight: diamond, .01 carat; ruby, .03 carat.