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France history pendant

France history, map of France and cross of Lorraine pendant in silver

The France History pendant is a meaningful custom piece designed to embody a powerful symbol of French identity. It represents both the French people's deep attachment to their land and the remembrance of the sacrifices made to preserve their freedom. Through this unique creation, our client wished to pay tribute to the trials France has endured—particularly during wartime—and to the courage of those who fought to uphold the values of the Republic.

We hand-cut a sheet of solid sterling silver into the geographical silhouette of France, emphasizing the profound bond between the people and their territory. At its center, we pierced an openwork Cross of Lorraine, a powerful emblem of resistance and liberty. This iconic motif spans multiple eras of French history, from medieval Christianity to the fight against Nazi occupation.

The Cross of Lorraine, composed of two unequal horizontal bars, originated from the patriarchal crosses used in the Middle Ages. At that time, it symbolized the True Cross—believed to be the cross on which Jesus was crucified—topped with the inscription "Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews". Adopted by the Dukes of Anjou and later by the Dukes of Lorraine, the cross became both a strong territorial symbol and a sign of Christian faith. It is also present in the coat of arms of the House of Anjou, which ruled over Lorraine for centuries.

In the 20th century, the Cross of Lorraine gained renewed significance as one of the major symbols of the French Resistance. On July 1st, 1940, Vice Admiral Émile Muselier proposed to General Charles de Gaulle that this cross be adopted as the emblem of Free France, in direct opposition to the Nazi swastika. The suggestion, made in the presence of Lieutenant Commander Thierry d’Argenlieu, was swiftly accepted. From that moment on, the Cross of Lorraine became the banner of the Free French Forces and a rallying sign for the Resistance within occupied France. It was widely disseminated through BBC broadcasts and leaflets dropped by parachute, becoming a symbol of defiance, unity, and hope for the occupied population.

Since then, the Cross of Lorraine has remained closely linked to Gaullist memory. It was chosen as the emblem for the Charles de Gaulle Memorial in Colombey-les-Deux-Églises, inaugurated in 1972, and has continued to be used by major Gaullist political movements throughout the Fifth Republic.

By uniting the map of France and the Cross of Lorraine in a single sterling silver piece, this pendant offers a heartfelt tribute to the nation's history, its struggles, its collective memory, and the enduring spirit of resistance that continues to inspire its citizens. It is a deeply symbolic and meaningful piece of jewelry—subtle yet powerful—designed to honor the values of unity, freedom, and resilience.

 

Material: Solid sterling silver (925)

Pendant only (chain not included)

Dimensions: 3 x 3 cm (approx. 1.18 x 1.18 in)

 

As we currently dwell in Mexico, provide a period of 3 to 6 weeks to receive your order for free with normal post service. Thank you for taking this information into account before ordering in our shop. At checkout, you will also have the option of choosing an express shipping. (please, read the complete conditions of shipping here).

You have a question? Contact us.

I hope you will love this jewel as much as I enjoyed creating it.

By Emmanuelle Guyon.

Tags : France, Cross of Lorraine, map, history, freedom, resistance, remembrance, memory, cross, silhouette, world wars, struggle, duty, war, patriotic, historical, Free France, tribute, Charles de Gaulle, geography, artisan jewelry, patriarchal cross

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