Our Lady of Mount Carmel Medals
The Virgin of Carmen, Stella Maris, is the patron saint of the sea, sailors, and the Navy. Her devotion is linked to the scapular, which tradition says she gave to Saint Simon Stock in 1251, and her feast day is celebrated on July 16 with maritime processions along the coast.
Our Virgin of Carmen medals are round, feature our own designs, and are handmade in Spain with natural pearls, stones, and enamel. All come with their chain and gift-wrapped. For gifts: medallion + necklace or bracelet packs.
Read more
What the Virgin of Carmen medallion means
The Virgin of Carmen takes her name from Mount Carmel in the Holy Land, where the first hermits lived who founded the Order of Carmel. For those who wear it, her medallion is a sign of trust in the Virgin and of her protection on the journey, at sea, and in daily life. It is not an amulet: it is a reminder of faith that you wear.
That is why it is often given to those who live near the sea or work on it, to those named Carmen or Mari Carmen, and to those who want to keep the Virgin close during an important time.
Virgin of Carmen medallion or scapular
The scapular is the distinctive sign of the Virgin of Carmen. Originally, it consisted of two pieces of cloth joined by ribbons, worn one over the chest and one over the back. Since 1910, the Church has allowed it to be replaced by a medallion featuring the Virgin on one side and the Sacred Heart of Jesus on the other: the medallion-scapular.
- If you are looking for the scapular, see our collection of Virgin of Carmen scapulars: mother-of-pearl, with pearls or stones, and the Sacred Heart on the back.
- If you are looking for a medallion to wear every day, those in this collection are single-sided, featuring the image of the Virgin of Carmen surrounded by pearls, stones, or enamel.
We explain it in more detail in what the scapular is and how it is worn.
How to choose your Virgin of Carmen medallion
- With natural pearls: the most classic and the one most often given as a gift. Alone or with blue or pearl-white enamel.
- With natural stones: lapis lazuli, fluorite, rhodochrosite, topazes, or turquoise, for those looking for color.
- For a child or for a baptism: the one with natural pearls is the most delicate.
All are made of zamak with 18K gold plating and come with a 40 cm gold-plated chain and a 5 cm extender, so you can wear it as a pendant from day one. The stones are natural and the enamel is applied by hand, so each piece is unique. More ideas in how to choose your Virgin of Carmen medallion.
Who to give it to
- To a Carmen or Mari Carmen on July 16.
- To someone who lives by the sea, a sailor, or someone in the Navy.
- For a baptism, a First Communion, or a confirmation.
- To your mother or grandmother, as a meaningful gift for life.
If it is a gift, we send it wrapped and with a free handwritten card with the message you choose on the product page. And if you like to sing it, here is the Salve Marinera, with its lyrics and history.
Handmade in Spain
We design each medallion ourselves, Marian and Bárbara, and make it by hand in Spain with the workshops and enamel artists we work with. Our designs are inspired by antique family and antique shop medallions. Khartes original design: you will not find these medallions in any other store.
Frequently asked questions about the Virgin of Carmen medallion
Are the medallions made of gold?
They are made of zamak with 18K gold plating and come with a gold-plated chain: the shine of gold in a piece of jewelry to wear every day or give as a gift.
What is the difference between the medallion and the scapular?
The medallion-scapular features the Virgin of Carmen on one side and the Sacred Heart on the other, and can replace the cloth scapular. The medallion features only the image of the Virgin. You can find both on our website.
When is the feast day of the Virgin of Carmen?
July 16. That day, maritime processions are held in many ports in Spain.
Can it be worn as a pendant or with another necklace?
Yes. It comes with its 40 cm chain + 5 cm extender, ready to wear as a pendant, and you can combine it with our pearl and natural stone necklaces.
How long does shipping take?
It usually arrives in 24-72 hours, with free shipping from €65 to the mainland and Balearic Islands, and always gift-wrapped at no extra cost.
