Edwardian Suffragette Necklace

  With the violet of what may be a dark amethyst suspended below the white of a pearl and with the green of peridot, all mounted in unmarked yellow metal this is a necklace that is both very attractive and infused with symbolism.
  Votes For Women!
  This jewellery was worn for two reasons. Firstly the message in the colours: green for giving, white for women and violet for the vote. The secondary impact came from wearing jewellery in the face of charges levelled at Suffragette supporting women that they really wanted to be men. Contrary to some myths, this kind of jewellery would have been worn quite openly in private and public alike.
  There are no markings on this charming necklace. The chain is approx 18" and has the look of rose gold, but no markings. It comes in a box marked for Garrard & Co, Regent St, London, but I do not believe this is its original box. From clasp to tip is approx 10 3/4" (27cms) when laid out flat.
  This is a nice necklace with interesting added significance.
  It dates from the Edwardian era. 'Suffragette' jewellery was made from c. 1890 to around the start of WW1.
  Jewellery in this  colourway was adopted by women so they could show support for the movement to enfranchise women. The WSPU (Women's Social & Political Union: Emmeline Pankhurst) formally adopted the colours in 1908 with the following endorsement
  “Purple, as everyone knows, is the royal colour. It stands for the royal blood that flows in the veins of every suffragette, the instinct of freedom and dignity… White stands for purity in private and public life… Green is the colour of hope and the emblem of spring.” Emmeline Pethick-Lawrence, Votes for Women 1908.

£175
Including UK Mainland delivery
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Item code 1293

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