An antique carved mother of pearl pendant charm depicting a beatific Madonna in a diamond surround, the verso decorated with a floral motif, in platinum. Cartier, France. #0260, cameo signed F. Vernon. (Chain not included.)
Frédéric-Charles-Victor de Vernon (1858-1912) studied under jeweller Julien Duval at the École des Arts Décoratifs and won the Grand Prix de Rome in 1887. Duval established a jewelry house specializing in medallions and commissioned Vernon in the 1890s to create medallic designs. Cartier ordered Vernon's religious medallions from Duval and the jewelry line created with them, beginning in 1885, was very popular.