ABOUT US
Global Gemology is an NAJA Accredited Gemological Laboratory. All gem and jewelry items have been examined by a Graduate Gemologist (GG), Certified Master Appraiser (CMA), Registered Gemologist Appraiser (RGA), and Applied Jewelry Professional (AJP).
ABOUT THE ITEM
This original Art Nouveau Era antique Suffragette brooch bears British hallmarks and a 1909 date code. The piece is completely handmade, featuring amethyst, peridot, and seed pearls set in 9 karat yellow gold. The amethyst, peridots, and seed pearls represent the Suffragette's colors of purple, green, and white!
The amethyst and peridots are set in bezels with wonderful millegrain edges while the seed pearls are meticulously bead set. The pin and handmade C-catch are still nice and tight, functioning perfectly.
The piece is stamped with the following marks:
Maker's Mark: G.E.W. (Unidentified Maker)
Assay Office: Chester, England
Fineness: 9 Karat Gold / .375
Date Letter: 1909 (J)
MORE ABOUT SUFFRAGETTE JEWELRY:
The Art Nouveau era was a relatively short period (c. 1895-1910) that produced some of the most unique, creative, and even risqué jewelry of all time.
Suffragette jewelry refers to jewelry worn by the suffragettes in the early 20th century. In the early 1900s, women were still unable to vote. In 1903, a political organization was formed, called the Women's Social & Political Union (WSPU). The WSPU's motto was "Deeds, Not Words". This more aggressive, militant attitude differentiated the WSPU from women's rights groups before them. The WSPU would disrupt political events, sometimes creating chaos to get their point across. In 1906, these political activists were dubbed Suffragettes by the Daily Mail, which would quickly be a term they would embrace. In 1908, Mrs. Emmeline Pethick-Lawrence wrote an article in the Votes For Women magazine that included the following quote:
"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. I wish I could impress on every mind as deeply as I feel myself the importance of popularising the colours in every way open to us."
Purple, white and green became the colors of the suffragette movement. People would show their support for this new movement through fashion and jewelry. Suffrage jewelry of the Art Nouveau and Edwardian eras were usually set with amethyst, pearl and peridot, and/or enamel.
| ITEM DETAILS |
| Metal: |
9ct Gold (9K Gold) |
| Gender: |
Unisex (Men's or Lady's) |
| Size: |
39mm End to End |
| Hallmarks: |
"G.E.W. 9 .375 J" (Stamped) |
| Gross Weight: |
1.7 grams (1.1 dwts) |
| Age: |
Antique (Circa Early 1900s, Art Nouveau Era) |
Condition:
|
Chipped Amethyst, Good Preowned Condition Otherwise
|
|
| GEMSTONE DETAILS |
| Gemstone: |
Amethyst |
| Quantity: |
1 **Chipped** |
| Cut: |
Round |
| Color: |
Purple |
| Size: |
4mm Diameter |
|
|
| Gemstone: |
Peridot |
| Quantity: |
2 |
| Cut: |
Round |
| Color: |
Yellow-Green |
| Size: |
2.5mm Diameter |
|
|
| Gemstone: |
Seed Pearl |
| Quantity: |
12 |
