Featured Who made the original of this Art Nouveau Style Maiden pin?

I have not read through all the replies so this answer is completely off the cuff... The mid to late 19th century were the Golden Age for World Fairs, Exhibitions, Centennial Fairs and the like. It all started with Prince Albert's celebration of the Industrial Age with the Crystal Palace Exhibition of 1851. All manner of industries and arts businesses and disciplines entered the Exhibits, with an eye to garnering prestigious medals for excellence. This could possibly be what some are referring to.

 

Seems we usually use 'medal' for an award; medallions can be commemorative, portraits/tributes, or just decorative. Our lady may have been made for use in jewellery right from her inception, not associated with any greater meaning. The person behind the monogram may also have made medals/medallions.

I tried looking in Forrer, the go-to reference for this kind of thing, with no luck. It was hard to know quite what to look under.

 

Sure glad I stumbled into this one!

 

PS - My reply was to the "Sometimes it takes a village" comment.
I appreciate the insights on medals/awards vs. decorative medallions. Either theme could apply to this pin. Many thanks!