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


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Directory: Estate Jewelry: Gold: Period: Pre 1980: Item # 1404476
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A large heart-shaped 18K yellow and white 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 represented by a plus sign, while “moins” is represented by a minus sign set with small synthetic rubies. Alphonse Augis began designing these love medallions in 1907, and the styles have changed over the years. This example, with its white gold heart-shaped center enhanced with an engraved starburst design, is likely from the late 1970s. Medals surrounded by a gemstone border are the most difficult to find, and this is the first we’ve seen with such generously-sized diamonds alternating with the synthetic rubies of a particularly rich color. The pendant is signed “A.A.” and is fully hallmarked with the maker’s mark and the French 18K standard.
  • Origin: France, ca. 1978.
  • Dimensions: 1” x 1-1/8” (excluding bail).
  • Condition: excellent.
  • Weight: 10.4 grams.
  • Approximate Total Gemstone Weight: diamond, .50 carat; ruby, 1.67 carats.