The Virgin of Carmen is one of the most popular medals to give and wear in Spain: for a Carmen, a Mamen, someone who lives by the sea, or someone who simply holds her in their heart. That is also why it is one of the most copied. If you are looking for an original Virgin of Carmen medal, designed and handmade, we will tell you what to look for so you don’t end up with a factory-made piece sold as if it were something else.
We have already talked about this in Khartes Medals vs. Imported Medals and in our guide how to tell if a medal is designed and handmade. Today we are looking at the specific case of the Virgin of Carmen.
How much a factory-made Carmen medal costs
Mass-produced Virgin of Carmen medals are sold on platforms such as AliExpress, Temu, or Shein for very little money. Just to give you an idea: on 28/10/2026, in the AliExpress search engine, an oval “gold plated” Our Lady of Mount Carmel pendant appeared for US$2.55, and another in stainless steel for US$1.09.
We have nothing against those medals: if someone wants a simple and affordable one, it is a perfectly valid option. What we do not think is right is when that same piece is bought for two or three euros and resold for €30 or €40 as “original design” or “handmade.” Anyone who gives a medal of the Virgin, which is often worn for a lifetime, deserves to know what they are buying.
What our Virgin of Carmen medals are like
This is exactly what is stated on our product pages:
- Exclusive Khartes Madrid design. We design them ourselves, Marian and Bárbara.
- Handmade in Spain, piece by piece.
- Zamak with 18K gold plating. We tell you the material and the karat of the plating, without beating around the bush.
- Pearls and natural stones (pearls, amethyst, lapis lazuli...), which may vary slightly in tone and size: each piece is unique.
- Chain included, gold-plated, 40 cm + 5 cm extender.
- Shipping usually arrives in 24–72 h and 14 days to exchange it, with the first exchange free.
Khartes vs. factory medal: the quick comparison
| What to look for | Khartes medal | Factory medal (the usual) |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Original, exclusive Khartes Madrid | Catalog model that is usually repeated in many stores |
| Manufacturing | Handmade in Spain | Mass-produced, often imported |
| Material | Zamak with 18K gold plating | Often steel or alloy with a “golden finish,” without further detail |
| Pearls and stones | Natural, each one different | Frequently crystal, plastic, or resin, all identical |
| Chain | Included, gold-plated, 40 + 5 cm | Varies; sometimes not included |
| Exchanges | 14 days, first exchange free | Depends on each seller |
How to check it yourself
Before buying a medal of the Virgin of Carmen, wherever it may be, we suggest five simple checks:
- Read the product page. A quality medal states what it is made of and what plating it has. If it only says “golden” or “gold finish,” ask.
- Search for the photo. Do an image search (for example, with Google Lens) of the product photo. If the same medal appears on import platforms for a few euros, you already know where it comes from.
- Look at the pearls and the stones. If they are all perfectly identical in shape, size, and color, it is most likely that they are not natural.
- Look at the relief. In a good Carmen medal, the Virgin and the Child are clearly distinguishable. In factory-made pieces, the detail is usually flatter or blurrier.
- Ask who designs it. If a store says “original design,” it should be able to tell you who designs it and where it is made.
Our Virgin of Carmen medals
If you are looking for one that lasts and has a story, here are some of our favorites:
- Virgin of Carmen with natural pearls: one of our bestsellers, it has everything.
- Virgin of Carmen with amethyst: a touch of violet color.
- Virgin of Carmen with lapis lazuli: the most Marian blue.
- Virgin of Carmen with natural pearl and blue enamel: the blue of the sea with the light of the pearl.
You can see them all in the Virgin of Carmen medals collection, and if you are undecided between one and another, we will help you with our guide how to choose your Virgin of Carmen medal.
The most beautiful medals in the world are at Khartes.
Thank you for reading us and for valuing what is made with love.
Marian and Bárbara
The most beautiful medals are at www.khartesmadrid.com. Follow us on Instagram: @khartesmadrid.