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Antique Czech Diamond and Aquamarine Paste Necklace
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Rhinestone:
Pre 1920 item# 721153
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GlitzQueen History and Art to Wear
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The "Czecho" signature on this gorgeous antique necklace lets us date it quite precisely to the first years of the Czech Republic (between 1918 and the early 1920s). The region was previously known as Bohemia, part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire until World War I ended, and Bohemian glass has been prized from medieval times. The beautiful old pastes here certainly live up to the area's reputation -- all of them still gleaming brightly after nearly 100 years, including three dainty ones set into the clasp.
Although the dating is technically transitional, falling between the death of King Edward and the period dominated by Art Deco style, the necklace is extremely Edwardian in spirit: delicate and refined. The Edwardians loved an icy white-on-white look, accented by pastels (as opposed to the strong colors used later in the 1920s) and they adored dangling drops and droplets, as well as the graceful drape of articulated mountings like these. Each diamond paste is prong-set within its own frame that moves freely.
Fourteen and a half inches long, a little more than choker length, the necklace reached us from a New York estate in lovely condition, as you see. The only flaw I've found is age-appropriate surface wear on the back, where white metal plating covers underlying brass. This is hard to notice without high magnification and wouldn't been seen at all when the necklace is on.
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Fascinating German Art Deco Brooch and Earrings Set
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Rhinestone:
Pre 1930 item# 720774
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GlitzQueen History and Art to Wear
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Here's a truly exciting antique demi-parure from "Cabaret"-era Germany. There's something marvelously wicked about roses in the colors of midnight moonlight, each holding a brilliant rhinestone dewdrop -- and there's something quite magical about the fact that they weigh no more than a breeze. They're of aluminum enameled in matte black, and the ornately stamped petal edges glitter with mock-marcasites.
This spectacular, highly dimensional set is a triumph of doing much with little, and you'll remember that extremely hard times befell Germany after World War I, due to the savage terms of the Versailles Treaty (which unfortunately contributed to Hitler's rise). Obviously, not much jewelry was made there in the Deco era -- or even in later Retro times, when materials were devoted to another war effort. Their rarity makes these pieces all the more special -- and there's extra poignance in the fact that they seem to have been worn very little, if at all, suggesting that the original owner didn't survive the next war (or at least had to leave them behind in the chaos). That they're marked "Made in Germany" means they can't possibly be post-WWII, when the country was divided into East and West, nor did Germany export to English-speaking markets after war broke out, so common sense and the Deco styling tie the set firmly to the 1920s or early 1930s.
Somehow it reached an estate in the Upper Midwest and from there came to us. The brooch is about 2 inches round and the earrings are about 1.25 inches round. Condition, as you see, is pristine. I love how perfectly these jewels evoke a brief but momentous period of European history and hope you will, too!
There's no charge for insured U.S. shipping and gift-wrap is always free when desired. Please e-mail erinharris@comcast.net to confirm availability, order or request more photos. Thanks for looking!
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1920s Art Deco Jeweled Suffragette Earrings
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Pre 1930 item# 706912
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GlitzQueen History and Art to Wear
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When green, violet and white appear together on historic jewelry, this unusual color combination typically signifies that the piece was first owned by a member of the Suffragette movement -- for whom green represented hope, purple signified dignity and white stood for purity. The language we associate with "regard" jewelry applied, too: The "G" of green, "W" of white and "V" of violet comprised an abbreviation for Give Women (the) Vote. All this seems cryptic now, but was well understood by everyone in the days when messages were also communicated by which flowers you sent, how you held your fan and which corner of a calling card you folded down, if any.
To the Suffragettes' efforts through many decades in the U.K. and U.S., we modern women owe our right to vote. That right was finally extended to all American women in 1920 and to all in Great Britain in 1928. Thus, although most of the jewelry is Victorian, Edwardian or transitional, some dates from the Art Deco era.
These spectacular earrings were among the last examples, dating from the 1920s. By American 75-year standards, they're already antique, not just vintage. Richly embellished with faux pearls, amethysts and beautifully marbled jade(probably Czech), the earrings are highly dimensional and of excellent quality, with a nice heft. Each measures about 1 inch by 1 1/4 inches. The gilt metal features lattice-like detail and cutwork and its color is prettily patinated by age, not brassy. Based on dating, they were most likely made in England (although they could be American, produced in celebration of the Suffragettes' recent triumph here). Condition of the earrings is lovely and the original screw backs are present. Interestingly, we had this same design once before, but with lavender jades as the central stones and accents of emerald and pearl. It's beautiful, either way.
Suffragette jewelry has been rapidly gaining value since the movie "Iron Jawed Angels" appeared in 2004, revealing what those gals went through (including hunger strikes and beatings). Wearing Suffragette jewels is a great way to show your pride and appreciation and, now that the genre has been rediscovered, they're getting much harder to find. These reached us from an East Coast estate.
Thanks for looking!
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Amazing Antique Suffragette Gilt Bronze Dragon Bracelet
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Unsigned:
Pre 1930 item# 701482
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GlitzQueen History and Art to Wear
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The early feminist who first owned this bracelet must have felt mighty powerful with it on her arm! She had a legion of dragons on parade, along with her bold Suffragette colors, plus nearly 100 grams in weight from the ornate gilt bronze metalwork and stones. It's clearly for a woman who likes her jewelry to bowl people over -- and could even be a weapon, if need be!
When green, violet and white appear together on historic jewelry, as they do here, this unusual color combination typically signifies that the piece was first owned by a member of the Suffragette movement -- for whom green represented hope, purple signified dignity and white stood for purity. The language we associate with "regard" jewelry applied, too: The "G" of green, "W" of white and "V" of violet comprised an abbreviation for Give Women (the) Vote. All this seems cryptic now, but was well understood by everyone in the days when messages were also communicated by which flowers you sent, how you held your fan and which corner of a calling card you folded down, if any.
To the Suffragettes' efforts through many decades in the U.K. and U.S., we modern women owe our right to vote. That right was finally extended to all American women in 1920 and to all in Great Britain in 1928. Thus, although most of the jewelry is Victorian, Edwardian or transitional, some dates from the Art Deco era.
This spectacular bracelet was probably among the last examples, dating from the 1920s, despite being very Art Nouveau in form. This is based on the type of clasp and the presence of a safety chain with the spring ring catch that came in around 1920. Based on both dating and the metalwork, it was most likely made in France, long renowned for skill with gilt bronze. The fabulous mounds of faux jade appear to be art glass, but seem actually to be of an early plastic (probably Galalith, invented in the 1890s). They're accompanied by twinkling amethyst pastes and faux pearls, all of which look original. Condition of the bracelet is lovely, its provenance is a Midwestern estate and the length is about 7 inches, right for the average wrist. If your wrist is smaller, one of the six linked plaques could easily be removed (and turned into a pendant or ring).
Suffragette jewelry has been rapidly gaining value since the star-studded TV movie "Iron Jawed Angels" appeared in 2004, revealing what those gals went through (including hunger strikes and beatings). Wearing Suffragette jewels is a great way to show your pride and appreciation and, now that the genre has been rediscovered, they're getting much harder to find.
There's no charge for insured U.S. shipping and gift wrap is always free when desired. Please e-mail erinharris@comcast.net to confirm availability, order or request more photos. Thanks for looking!
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Antique Art Nouveau Suffragette Lavaliere Necklace
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Unsigned:
Pre 1920 item# 701475
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GlitzQueen History and Art to Wear
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Dating from the late 19th or very early 20th century, this spectacular antique necklace makes its feminist statement in a pretty, flirty way -- with a profusion of Art Nouveau leaves and flowers, lots of glittering jewels and a graceful lavalier form that sets the drop dancing as you move.
Both the surmount and the pendant are domed and highly sculptural. The gilt bronze is richly finished in two shades of rose gold: One is a slightly pink gold and the other deepens to red gold. As you know if you follow fashion, rose gold is the trendiest hue for jewelry now -- just as it was from circa 1890 until white metals became the rage in Edwardian times. Adorning it are a huge cabochon of art glass (or possibly Galalith) jade, four sparkling amethyst pastes and four faux pearls.
The unusual combination of green, purple and white typically signifies that a jewel was first owned by a member of the Suffragette movement. For them, green represented hope, purple signified dignity and white stood for purity. The language we associate with "regard" jewelry applied, too: The "G" of green, "W" of white and "V" of violet comprised an abbreviation for Give Women (the) Vote. All this seems cryptic now, but was clearly understood by everyone in an era when messages were also communicated by which flowers you sent, how you held your fan and which corner of a calling card you folded down, if any. To the Suffragettes' efforts through many decades in the U.K. and U.S., we modern women owe our right to vote. That right was finally extended to all American women in 1920 and to all in Great Britain in 1928. Thus, although most of the jewelry is Victorian, Edwardian or transitional, some was crafted in the Art Deco era. Forgotten for many years, these jewels have been rapidly gaining value since the movie "Iron Jawed Angels" appeared in 2004, revealing what the gals went through (including hunger strikes and beatings). Wearing Suffragette jewels is a great way to show your pride and appreciation and, now that the genre has been rediscovered, they're getting much harder to find.
This jewel, which reached us from a Utah estate, probably originated in France, long renowned for work in gilt bronze. It's quite a substantial piece and in lovely condition. A little age-appropriate surface wear can be noted on the reverse, but the front shows only the patina of time and all the stones appear original. The chain, although beautifully matched for color, is of a form developed a few decades later, so must have replaced an open-linked chain broken long ago. The brass filigree clasp is also too perfect to be original, but of the right style. Our price of course reflects the later additions. This is quite a substantial piece, as you'd expect with a bronze. The lavaliere is about 2.5 inches tall and the chain measures 7 inches on each side, so total hanging length is roughly 17 inches, allowing half an inch for the clasp. Most likely dating is circa 1895 - 1905.
There's no charge for insured U.S. shipping and gift-wrap is always free when desired. Please e-mail erinharris@comcast.net to confirm availability, order or request more photos. Thanks for looking!
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Spectacular Antique Suffragette Bracelet
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Rhinestone:
Pre 1920 item# 696685
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GlitzQueen History and Art to Wear
Phone: 505.205.1404
Sold; thank you!
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When green, violet and white appear together on historic jewelry, this unusual color combination typically signifies that the piece was first owned by a member of the Suffragette movement -- for whom green represented hope, purple signified dignity and white stood for purity. The language we associate with "regard" jewelry applied, too: The "G" of green, "W" of white and "V" of violet comprised an abbreviation for Give Women (the) Vote. All this seems cryptic now, but was clearly understood by everyone in an era when messages were also communicated by which flowers you sent, how you held your fan and which corner of a calling card you folded down, if any.
To the Suffragettes' efforts through many decades in the U.K. and U.S., we modern women owe our right to vote. That right was finally extended to all American women in 1920 and to all in Great Britain in 1928. Thus, although most of the jewelry is Victorian, Edwardian or transitional, some dates from the Art Deco era.
In the case of this bracelet, we have to rule out Edwardian times, because it's so substantial: weighing more than 55 grams. Edwardian jewels tended to be delicate and airy, as you know, and they often featured white metals. Thus, it must be Victorian or post-World War I. The design is certainly Art Nouveau, being loaded with curves and scrollwork, and the four domed plaques are joined by engraved bookchain links that are typically 19th century. The only thing that argues for a later dating is its amazing condition. The gilding remains bright, the gorgeous stones are in great shape and the only signs of wear evident without high magnification are on the links, which seem to be of softer gilt brass rather than gilt bronze. Heavy wear is unusual on Suffragette jewelry, though, since most people wore it only occasionally and tucked it away after the vote was gained. Of course the bracelet is now an antique, by American 75-year standards, whether made in the 1890s or a couple of decades later.
From an estate in the Pacific Northwest, it measures about 7.5 inches long, 1.25 inches wide and more than half an inch tall. The layered construction and very large green stones make it highly dimensional. In addition to the 8 big crescents of faux jade (very beautifully marbled), there are 8 faceted amethyst pastes and 4 faux pearls. All appear original. The jades are most likely Bohemian (or Czech, if fashioned after WWI), but the amethysts and pearls could be French and I'm inclined to think the setting is French, since working with gilt bronze has been a specialty there for centuries.
Suffragette jewelry has steadily risen in price since the movie "Iron Jawed Angels" appeared in 2004, revealing what the gals went through (including hunger strikes and beatings). Wearing Suffragette jewels is a great way to show your pride and appreciation and, now that the genre has been rediscovered, they have serious investment value, too.
There's no charge for insured U.S. Priority shipping and gift-wrap is always free when desired. Please e-mail to confirm availability, order or request more photos. Thanks for looking!
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Gorgeous Antique Suffragette Brooch circa 1920
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Rhinestone:
Pre 1920 item# 691577
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GlitzQueen History and Art to Wear
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That this exquisite Suffragette brooch comes from a Rhode Island estate adds particular interest, since that state was a major jewelry production center in the early 20th century. Many of the most talented designers and artisans worked for companies located there, and no doubt also created jewels on the side.
This brooch isn't marked, but obviously is by a master with access to excellent materials. The substantial weight of it will surprise you, as will the quality of the art glass and metalwork. Details incorporate Art Nouveau scrollwork plus Arts and Crafts influences seen in the cabochon cut and collet settings of the amethyst, emerald and baroque pearl. The richly textured reverse is beautiful, too.
The brooch is in such fabulous shape that you'd almost mistake it for new. However, great age is indicated by the findings. While an early safety clasp is present, the pinstem moves with that wonderful side-to-side wobble that says you've got a true antique. Around 1920 would be right for this hardware. Also arguing for that approximate dating is the size of the brooch. At three inches long, it's larger than earlier bar pins, evolving toward Art Deco boldness.
I expect the original owner acquired it very shortly before the vote was gained for all American women in 1920, or perhaps in celebration of the event, and then stored it away very carefully. There's really no other way to explain its virtually pristine condition. It takes serious searching with a loupe to find any signs of surface wear to the gilding or glass.
As you know if you collect jewelry of this type, the unusual color combination had deep meaning for early feminists. Green represented hope, purple signified dignity and white stood for purity. The language we associate with "regard" jewelry applied, too: The "G" of green, "W" of white and "V" of violet comprised an abbreviation for Give Women (the) Vote. Forgotten for decades, Suffragette jewelry has been rapidly gaining value since the movie "Iron Jawed Angels" appeared in 2004, revealing what the gals went through (including hunger strikes and beatings). Wearing Suffragette jewels is a great way to show your pride and appreciation and, now that the genre has been rediscovered, they're getting much harder to find. We try our best to keep a good selection, but demand keeps growing. If this strikes your fancy, you'd better not delay.
As always, we offer free insured U.S. shipping (or an equivalent discount for international customers). Gift-wrap is also free on request. Please e-mail to confirm availability, order or request more photos. Thanks for looking!
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Antique Art Nouveau Suffragette Pendant Necklace
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Unsigned:
Pre 1910 item# 690513
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GlitzQueen History and Art to Wear
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This antique Suffragette pendant is wonderfully opulent, richly jeweled with cabochons of amethyst and chrysoprase, half-pearls and even faceted amethysts and emeralds. Eight faux gemstones, four of significant size, are featured and they're of such quality they really have to be Bohemian. I expect the intricately layered and detailed setting of gilt filigree is, too, which makes the piece Austro-Hungarian -- probably crafted just before the war that ended their empire, sometime around 1910.
Suffragettes were marching across England and America then -- and also in other parts of Europe. Whether those in the East also used the Suffragette colors of green, white and violet (standing for Give Women the Vote), I don't know. The pendant was probably made for export, though, since it reached us from a Virginia estate. The original owner would have been near enough to Washington to participate in the mass marches that grew bigger and bigger through the early years of the 20th century.
Measuring about 1 1/4 inches tall and a little more than an inch wide, in an scrolling shape typical of Art Nouveau design, the pendant is in lovely condition, showing only age-appropriate surface wear, no damage. The stones have come through sublimely. The chain probably isn't original; it looks a little younger, but it's a good old one of the right color. Twenty-six inches long, it slips conveniently over the head, with no need for a clasp.
Wearing Suffragette jewels like this is a great way to show feminist pride and appreciation of the efforts of those who won our right to vote. That right was finally extended to all American women in 1920 and to all in Great Britain in 1928. Although forgotten for many years, these jewels have been rapidly gaining value since the movie "Iron Jawed Angels" appeared in 2004, revealing what the gals went through (including hunger strikes and beatings) and, now that the genre has been rediscovered, they're getting much harder to find. This is a piece that offers significant investment potential, as well as exceptional beauty.
There's no charge for insured U.S. shipping and gift-wrap is always free when desired. Please e-mail to confirm availability, order or request more photos. Thanks for looking!
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Rare Antique Victorian Earrings with Screw Posts c 1890
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Rhinestone:
Pre 1900 item# 687914
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Threaded posts and screw-on fasteners are a wonderful luxury, because you never have to worry about losing an earring due to a loose back. That luxury normally requires buying very costly earrings, but it wasn't so in the 1890s, when backs like these appeared on nicer costume jewelry, too.
Due to the form of their fasteners, we can date these stud earrings with perfect precision. Backs looked like this ONLY in the 1890s. Also typical of the era is the rosy golden mounting that's fluted like a tart-crust to cradle each gorgeously faceted, large diamond paste. Without a doubt, every millimeter of these is original.
The earrings are almost a quarter of an inch round, with most of the size in glittering stone, so they make quite an impression. Antique pastes, as you know, have much more depth and finesse than our modern rhinestones and can easily be mistaken for old-cut diamonds.
The stones are in fantastic shape, showing only slight surface wear under high magnification. The rose gilt metalwork has accumulated quite a lot of age patina, so -- with apologies to the purists among us -- I recommend a fairly serious polish. A good jeweler could loosen a few of these wide prongs, take the stones out, remove a century of grunge behind them and make these shine like the dickens. I can barely restrain myself from taking them to my favorite jeweler -- but will, since the decision on how far to go with cleaning rightfully belongs to the next owner. You don't want them to look like they were made yesterday, of course, but there's clearly room for improvement short of that.
From a St. Louis estate, these earrings are a truly rare find and of a style you'll delight in wearing both day and night. We've priced them this low, to allow for professional cleaning.
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Beautiful circa 1920 Jeweled Suffragette Dome Brooch
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Rhinestone:
Pre 1920 item# 652596
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GlitzQueen History and Art to Wear
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This stunning antique brooch is dramatically domed in three layers, each featuring one of the colors so important to the Suffragette movement: green, white and violet, the first letters of which stood for "Give Women (the) Vote". Green also represented hope; white signified the purity of their intentions; and violet was a reference to dignity ("the royal purple").
Here a central marquis-cut stone of emerald glass rises above a tier of 8 diamond pastes, which radiate on spokes over the 17 amethyst pastes set in silvery pot metal. These are wonderful stones, very well-crafted and fiery, almost certainly Bohemian (technically Czech, if made after World War I).
The brooch could have been fashioned either a little before or just after that war. The openwork setting has the lacy look favored by Edwardians, yet a hint of Art Deco is also present. I'm persuaded toward the slightly later dating by the fastening mechanism.
As you know if you collect Suffragette jewelry, it was worn by early feminists from Victorian times until around 1920 in the U.S. and nearly 1930 in the U.K. Once female suffrage became universal in both countries, these treasures were stored away and forgotten -- until the film "Iron Jawed Angels" appeared in 2004, reminding us what our fore-mothers went through (including hunger strikes and beatings). Wearing Suffragette jewels is a great way to show your pride and appreciation and, now that the genre has been rediscovered, they're getting much harder to find.
In lovely original condition, this is a piece with great investment potential. It measures about 1 7/8 inches across, but seems larger due to its highly dimensional construction and the lavish quantity of stones.
Besides wearing it conventionally, the pin would look fabulous attached to a wide ribbon choker and it could also be a pendant, suspended from narrow ribbon run through the cutwork.
There's no charge for insured U.S. shipping and gift-wrap is always free when desired. Please e-mail to confirm availability, order or request more photos. Thanks for looking!
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