Home Get Inspired Pendants Caduceus Medical Symbol Pendant in 14k Yellow Gold

A round 14k yellow gold pendant with a raised, polished caduceus medical symbol set against a matte background, hanging from a gold chain.

Caduceus Medical Symbol Pendant in 14k Yellow Gold

$$$

14k yellow gold

A. wanted a gift for her husband N. that would sit alongside the small cross pendant he already wore every day. The original plan was a cut-out caduceus charm to match the cross exactly, but after N. mentioned the cross's thin edge constantly poked him, they switched to a sturdier round plaque design instead. When it arrived, A. wrote: 'We are loving the pendant! It came out perfect.'

'Looks really good! Were really excited to see it in person. Thanks so much!!' — on seeing the finished piece photo before shipping

'We are loving the pendant! It came out perfect.' — on delivery

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Daily wear Gift for partner Just because A Gift That Says Everything Just because

Quick specs

Design type

Pendants

Primary Metal

Yellow gold 14k

Primary Stone

No stone

Accent Stones

None

Style

Engraved Matte finish Medallion style Symbolic

Design Complexity

Moderate

Intent

A Gift That Says Everything Just because

Intent: Certainty

High

Size

Pendant approximately 25mm (1 inch) diameter round plaque. Bail sized to fit chain up to 3mm width.

How they made it distinctive

01
Round plaque shape chosen specifically to avoid the thin, poking edge the recipient experienced on his existing cross pendant
02
Matte background added after the first render specifically to make the polished caduceus emblem stand out more clearly
03
Bail sized to fit the recipient's existing chain up to 3mm, so the new piece could be worn on the same chain as his other pendant
04
Dual finish combines a polished raised emblem and rim with a matte flat field for contrast without added stones

How you'd make it yours

Emblem: this piece uses a caduceus; a new commission could use a different professional or personal symbol in the same raised-relief style

Metal: this piece is 14k yellow gold; the same design works in 10k or 18k yellow gold, or white or rose gold

Finish: this piece pairs a matte background with a polished emblem; a new piece could use an all-polished or all-matte finish instead

Plaque shape: this piece is round; a new commission could use an oval, square, or other plaque shape

Size: this piece is sized to pair with an existing 3mm chain; a new piece is sized to its own wearer and chain

One of a kind: this exact pendant was designed for one client's husband and is not reproduced — a new commission is an original piece inspired by this one, not a copy

Design changes made

The design shifted from a cut-out caduceus shaped like the existing cross pendant to a round plaque with the caduceus raised in the center, after the client noted the thin cut-out style on the original piece was uncomfortable to wear. A matte background was also added to the final round design to help the polished emblem stand out.

Who this is for

This piece is for someone looking to honor a partner's profession or identity with a symbol that feels personal, not store-bought. It's especially right if you're trying to match or complement a piece someone already wears every day, rather than replace it.

How it's made

Once the round plaque design was approved, the team built a 3D model and printed a resin version on a 3D printer so the client could preview the piece before any metal was committed. That resin model was attached to a wax tree, invested in plaster, and fired in a kiln to burn out the wax and leave a hollow mold. Molten 14k yellow gold was then cast into the mold under pressure to form the raw pendant. After casting, the pendant was cleaned and polished, with the outer rim and the raised caduceus emblem brought to a bright polish while the flat background field was given a matte finish to create contrast between the smooth emblem and its textured backdrop. The bail was finished to fit a chain up to 3mm wide, matching the scale of the client's existing pendant. No stone setting was required for this piece.

Key note

The matte background isn't just a texture choice — it was added specifically after the first glossy render to make the polished caduceus emblem read more clearly against the plaque, a sequencing decision made before casting rather than after.

Pricing guidance

A round gold plaque pendant with a raised emblem design sits in the mid range for custom pendant work, largely because of the gold weight required for a solid plaque at this size. Labor for the raised emblem detail and the dual matte-and-polish finishing adds to that baseline, with metal choice being the biggest swing factor from there.

Moves price up ↑

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Upgrading from 14k gold-plated silver to solid 14k or 18k gold adds significant material cost at this weight
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Increasing the plaque diameter beyond 1 inch increases the gold weight required
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Adding gemstone accents or a second engraved side
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Choosing a thicker rim border or heavier overall gauge

Moves price down ↓

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Using gold-plated silver instead of solid gold for a similar look at a lower weight cost
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Reducing the plaque diameter
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Simplifying the emblem to a flatter, less dimensional relief
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Omitting the polished rim border in favor of a plain edge

Questions people ask

Can you make a caduceus pendant that matches another piece of jewelry?

Yes, matching an existing piece is a common request, and the process starts with photos and measurements of the piece you want to coordinate with. The design team can match metal tone, finish, and scale even when the new piece takes a different shape, such as a round plaque paired with a cross pendant. A render is shared before production so you can compare it directly to the original piece. Small adjustments, like finish changes, are normal during this stage.

Why would someone choose a round plaque instead of a cut-out charm shape?

A solid round plaque gives more surface area and structural thickness than a thin cut-out shape, which makes it more comfortable against the skin and less likely to have a sharp or poking edge. Cut-out designs that closely follow a thin silhouette, like a cross, can leave narrow points that dig into the wearer. A round plaque also gives a raised emblem more background space to stand out. This tradeoff is worth discussing if a thin existing piece has ever been uncomfortable to wear.

What does a custom 14k gold pendant like this typically cost?

A solid gold round plaque pendant with a raised emblem design sits in the mid range for custom pendant work, mostly driven by the weight of gold required at this size. Labor for the raised detail and the two-tone matte-and-polish finish adds to that baseline cost. Switching to gold-plated silver instead of solid gold reduces the cost significantly while keeping a similar look. The final price is confirmed once the 3D design determines the exact metal weight.

How durable is a matte finish on a gold pendant?

A matte finish is a mechanical surface texture rather than a coating, so it does not wear off the way plating can, though it can gradually smooth and pick up a slight sheen with handling over years of wear. It's commonly paired with a polished border or raised design to create contrast, which is a durable combination since both finishes are part of the same solid metal. Occasional professional re-matting can restore the original texture if it becomes too shiny. This differs from plated finishes, which wear down to a different base metal color over time.

How long does it take to make a custom pendant like this?

The design phase typically takes about one week from deposit to an approved render, though it can take longer if revisions are requested, such as switching from one pendant shape to another. Once the design is approved, production typically takes three to four weeks, covering 3D printing a resin model, casting, and finishing. A resin preview is often shared partway through so you can see the piece before it's cast in metal. Rush timelines around holidays can be tight, so approving the design promptly helps keep a piece on track for a specific date.

Can a pendant like this be made in a different gold karat?

Yes, a raised-emblem pendant like this can typically be made in 10k, 14k, or 18k gold, with higher karats being softer and more yellow in tone but also more costly at the same weight. 10k is more affordable and slightly more durable for everyday wear, while 14k offers a balance of color and durability that many clients prefer. 18k has the richest color but is the most expensive option and a bit softer. The choice mostly comes down to budget and personal preference for color depth.

Is a caduceus the right symbol for a medical profession gift?

The caduceus, a winged staff with two intertwined serpents, is one of the most recognized symbols associated with medicine and the medical professions in Western culture, though the single-serpent Rod of Asclepius is technically the more historically accurate medical symbol. Many people and institutions use the caduceus interchangeably as a medical emblem regardless of the historical distinction. As a pendant design, it translates well into a raised relief on a round or other plaque shape. It's a popular choice for gifts marking milestones in medical careers.