Every November, as her feast day on the 27th approaches, many people look for the same thing: where to buy the Miraculous Medal and, above all, how to know it is “the original.” We’ll tell you what makes it authentic, what to look for before buying it, and where to find a beautiful Miraculous Medal, handmade in Spain, to keep the Virgin always close to your heart.
Khartes Medals
Keep the Miraculous Virgin close to your heart
Miraculous Medal with natural pearls€69I want it
Miraculous Medal with lapis lazuli€65I want it
Enamel Miraculous Medal€40I want it
Handcrafted in Spain · Free shipping from €65
Is there an “original” Miraculous Medal?
There is no single official manufacturer. The medal originated from the apparition of the Virgin to Saint Catherine Labouré in the rue du Bac in Paris in 1830, and the first ones were minted and distributed there in 1832. Since then, millions have been made all over the world and in all kinds of materials.
What makes a medal the Miraculous Medal is not the brand or the workshop, but the image: the Virgin standing upon the world, with her arms open and rays of light emanating from her hands. The complete design also features, around it, the prayer “O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee” and, on the reverse, the M with the cross, the two hearts, and the twelve stars. We explain each symbol in the history of the Miraculous Medal.
That is why, when someone looks for the “original Miraculous Medal,” they almost always mean something else: a medal that is well made, faithful to the Virgin, and not a cheap copy. And there really are huge differences.
What to look for before buying it
- That they tell you what it is made of. A reputable store will state the material (zamak, brass, silver, gold) and, if it is plated, the karat. If they don’t, be wary.
- Where and how it is made. A piece handmade by workshops and enamel artists is not the same as a mass-produced factory medal.
- Original or catalog design. Many stores sell imported medals as “original designs” that cost about €2 and are resold for €30 or €40. We tell you about this in Khartes Medals vs. Cheap Imported Medals.
- The details of the Virgin. On a good medal, the face, hands, and rays are clearly visible. On cheap copies, the image is blurry.
- What is included. Chain, gift packaging, exchanges and returns, shipping time.
How much does a Miraculous Medal cost?
There are all kinds: costume jewelry medals for just a few euros, which tarnish quickly, and solid gold medals that cost hundreds or thousands of euros. At Khartes, we are somewhere in between: our Miraculous Medals cost between €65 and €69, the enamel pendant €40, and the bracelets from €19.
Where to buy it: our Miraculous Medals
At Khartes Madrid, we have designed our own version of the Miraculous Virgin, inspired by the antique medals of our families, with natural pearls, stones such as lapis lazuli or amethyst, and colored enamels. Here is what they are like:
- Zamak with 18K gold plating, handmade in Spain with the workshops and enamel artists we work with.
- Chain included, 40 cm long with a 5 cm extender.
- Free gift wrapping and a free handwritten card: leave us the message on the product page.
- Shipping in 24–72 hours, free from €65 to the mainland and Balearic Islands, and 14 days to exchange it.
We are an online store, so they reach any point in Spain, including Madrid, without having to go and pick them up. And it is not just a piece of jewelry: it is a way to keep the Virgin close to your heart every day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should the Miraculous Medal be blessed?
It is not mandatory to wear it, but it is a very beautiful custom to take it to be blessed by a priest. We explain this in what the Church says about blessing a medal.
When should you give it as a gift?
Any day, but there are special occasions: her feast day, November 27; a baptism, a first communion, or a difficult time. Ideas in giving the Miraculous Medal: what it means and who to give it to.
Which one should I choose?
It depends on who it is for and their style: pearl for something classic, stones and enamels to add color. You have our guide to choosing your Miraculous Medal.
The most beautiful medals in the world are at Khartes: discover all our Miraculous Medals. And follow us on Instagram at @khartesmadrid.
Marian and Bárbara
The most beautiful medals are at www.khartesmadrid.com