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Antique Victorian Art Nouveau Suffragette Necklace browse these categories for related items... All Items: Antiques: Decorative Art: Jewelry: Costume: Pre 1900: item # 691014 GlitzQueen History and Art to Wear 56 Calle Monte Aplanado, NW Albuquerque, NM 87120 Phone: 505.205.1404 Guest Book $175 (Free U.S. Priority Shipping & Gift-Wrap if Desired) |
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This spectacular necklace makes a powerful feminist statement, while also being ultra-feminine. Its provenance is a Kentucky estate and most likely dating is circa 1900. It could be earlier, but a later Edwardian necklace would be daintier. Fashioned in lavaliere form, the necklace has a gracefully domed openwork surmount above the bold central element: a large (1 1/2" x 1") and highly dimensional pendant with Art Nouveau flourishes that cage a jadelike stone of early plastic, set in an ornate frame jeweled with four faux pearls and four faceted amethyst pastes. All the stones most likely came from Bohemia, which became Czechoslovakia after World War I and for centuries produced the best simulated gemstones. These appear original and are in fine condition, as are the richly textured gilt setting and long-link chain. Even the chain is edged with lovely Art Nouveau scrollwork. It measures 7" on each side, the fancy clasp adds another 1/2" and the lavalier adds 2 1/2", so total hanging length is 17". As you know if you collect Suffragette jewels, the unusual combination of green, purple and white typically signifies that a jewel was first owned by a member of the 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. The wealthiest suffragettes mixed amethysts and pearls or diamonds with green stones such as emeralds or peridots, but pretend gems were naturally favored by gals of lesser means and they could look just as opulent, as this necklace proves. It was certainly a jewel prized by its first owner and has been equally cherished by her heirs. Time has patinated the gilt metalwork (heavy brass or possibly bronze)and there's age-appropriate surface wear, but no damage. 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). 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 to confirm availability, order or request more photos. Thanks for looking! |
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