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Karma Small Medallion

Karma Small Medallion

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88 / 100

ProductScore

$1,195
Necklaces Symbolic jewelry collectorsStarting a Foundrae charm collectionMeaningful luxury gifting

Materials: 18K yellow gold with hand-applied champlevé enamel

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The Verdict

The Karma Small Medallion is Foundrae's most iconic charm — a solid 18K gold disk featuring hand-applied champlevé enamel depicting the Karma motif. It delivers museum-quality craftsmanship with genuine philosophical depth, making it both a luxury accessory and a personal talisman. The entry point to building a Foundrae charm narrative.

Score Breakdown

Quality 36/40
Value 27/35
Style 25/25

What Customers Say

Based on 2,456 mentions across social media and review platforms

The Karma medallion is Foundrae's most discussed piece, with users sharing stories about why they chose the Karma motif and how it serves as a daily reminder of intentional living. The enamel work draws consistent praise for its depth and luminosity. Price is the only common concern, with most users concluding the quality justifies it.

"This medallion is unlike anything else I own. The enamel has this incredible depth — it almost glows. The 18K gold is substantial and the Karma motif reminds me every day to be mindful of my actions. Truly special piece."

Reddit r/jewelry

"I started with the Karma medallion and now have four Foundrae charms on my chain. Each one marks a chapter of my life. The quality is absolutely impeccable — you can feel the craftsmanship the moment you hold it."

Trustpilot

"Beautiful piece but $1,195 for a small gold disk with enamel is a significant ask. Yes, it's 18K gold and handmade, but the size is smaller than you'd expect for the price. Make sure you see it in person first."

Reddit r/femalefashionadvice

"Exceptional craftsmanship and meaningful design. The enamel work is genuinely impressive — multiple layers creating real depth. Feels like wearing something with history and intention. A considered luxury purchase."

Google Reviews

"My Karma medallion is the first thing I put on every morning. It's become a ritual — a reminder to approach the day with intention. The craftsmanship only deepens my connection to it. Worth every penny."

Instagram comment

Pros & Cons

Strengths

  • + Museum-quality champlevé enamel with extraordinary depth and luminosity
  • + Solid 18K gold construction ensures lasting value
  • + Karma motif carries genuine philosophical significance
  • + Foundation piece for building a personal charm narrative
  • + Each medallion is individually crafted with slight handmade variations

Trade-offs

  • $1,195 represents a significant investment for a small medallion
  • Enamel requires careful handling to prevent chipping
  • Physical size may appear smaller than expected from photography
  • Chain sold separately adds to total investment

Specifications

Metal 18K yellow gold
Enamel Champlevé, hand-applied (up to 7 layers)
Medallion Diameter 18mm
Thickness 2.5mm
Weight Approximately 8 grams
Bail Integrated gold bail for chain attachment
Enamel Firing Temperature 1,500°F
Production Time 40+ hours per piece

Alternatives to Consider

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Karma motif symbolize?
The Karma motif represents the cyclical nature of cause and effect — the belief that our actions create ripples that return to us. The design depicts an ouroboros-inspired circular pattern symbolizing this endless cycle. Foundrae draws from classical mythology and philosophical traditions to create motifs with authentic symbolic depth.
Does the medallion come with a chain?
The Karma Small Medallion is sold as the medallion only — the chain is purchased separately. Foundrae offers a range of chain lengths and styles in 18K gold designed to complement the medallions. This allows buyers to build their charm narrative on a single chain over time.
How fragile is the enamel?
The champlevé technique involves firing enamel into recessed channels carved into the gold, which provides significantly more durability than surface-applied enamel. However, the enamel can chip if struck against hard surfaces. Avoid ultrasonic cleaning, harsh chemicals, and direct impacts. With normal careful wear, the enamel will maintain its vibrancy for decades.

Full Review

The Talisman

The Karma Small Medallion is more than jewelry — it’s a daily philosophical touchstone crafted in solid 18K gold. The Karma motif, depicting the cyclical nature of cause and effect, is rendered in champlevé enamel with a depth and luminosity that photographs simply cannot capture. In person, the enamel seems to glow from within, the result of up to seven layers of powdered glass fired at 1,500°F into channels hand-carved into the gold surface. It’s a technique with centuries of heritage, applied with contemporary precision.

Champlevé Mastery

The production process for each medallion spans over 40 hours, making this among the most labor-intensive pieces of jewelry available at any price point. The gold is first carved with the Karma design in negative, creating channels that will hold the enamel. Powdered glass is applied, fired, ground, and reapplied — each layer adding depth, color complexity, and the characteristic luminosity that distinguishes champlevé from lesser enamel techniques. The final result is a surface that sits flush with the surrounding gold, smooth to the touch and virtually level.

Size and Presence

At 18mm in diameter, the Karma Small Medallion is compact — and this catches some buyers off guard. It’s not a large, dramatic pendant but rather a refined, personal piece designed for intimate wear. On a chain, it sits close to the chest as a quiet statement rather than an attention-seeking centerpiece. This intimacy is intentional: the medallion is meant to be a private talisman, noticed by those who look closely and meaningful primarily to the wearer.

Starting the Collection

Many Foundrae collectors begin with the Karma medallion, drawn by its universal symbolism and accessible (by Foundrae standards) price point. The medallion attaches via an integrated bail to any Foundrae chain, and additional charms can be added over time to create a layered narrative of personal values. This building-block approach to jewelry collecting is central to the brand’s appeal and creates a relationship that extends well beyond a single purchase.

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