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Stunning Antique Edwardian Suffragette Dangle Earrings
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Pre 1920 item# 830804
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GlitzQueen History and Art to Wear
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$145
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These are among the loveliest Suffragette earrings we've been privileged to offer. Besides being set with wonderful, large faux gems, they're exquisitely patterned on both sides. That the backs of these drops are as lavishly detailed as the fronts is a sure sign of very great age, not seen much after Victorian times. Screw fasteners existed in the 19th century, but gained wide popularity a little later, so we date these beauties circa 1905-1910.
To the Suffragettes' efforts through many decades, we modern women owe our right to vote, which was extended to all American women in 1920 and to all in Great Britain in 1928. As you know if you collect jewels from the Suffragette movement, the unusual combination of green, purple and white had deep meaning for early feminists. 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. The wealthiest suffragettes mixed amethysts and pearls or diamonds with green stones such as emeralds or peridots, but pretend gems were naturally favored by the majority.
In this case, we have beautifully marbled faux jade, plus sparkling, faceted amethyst pastes and softly glowing glass pearls. Everything remains in spectacular condition, including the gilding. It takes high magnification to notice age-appropriate surface wear. It isn't unusual for Suffragette jewels to survive a century in great shape, since they were worn only occasionally (to meetings and when marching for the vote) -- then tucked away and forgotten for decades. They're 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 to maintain a good selection, but demand keeps growing. If these strike your fancy, you'd better not delay. They reached us from a Florida estate. and could have been made by an East Coast firm in America. However, the extremely high quality suggests origin in Bohemia or France. You'll be surprised how solid these are -- not a bit flimsy. They're truly superb.
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 Jeweled Suffragette Earrings World War I Era
Catalogue:
Antiques:
Decorative Art:
Jewelry:
Continental:
Pre 1920 item# 814244
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GlitzQueen History and Art to Wear
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$135
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These wonderful antique earrings make a powerful feminist statement, while also being extremely elegant. We date the pair to Edwardian times, give or take a few years. A hint of Victorian Art Nouveau is evident in their curvaceous form, but they also have the refined delicacy we associate with Edwardian and transitional styles. As is appropriate for the period, size is restrained (about 3/4" round) and the settings are intricate and highly dimensional. Screw fasteners are present -- popular because piercing was then considered rather barbaric by modern women.
Each earring features a square-cut cabochon resembling emerald or imperial jade, held by tall talon-like prongs, plus two faux pearls and two faceted amethyst pastes. All stones appear original and are in lovely condition, as is the richly textured gilt metalwork. Suffragette jewels often survive in great shape, having been worn only occasionally (at meetings and when marching for the vote). To the Suffragettes' efforts through many decades in the U.K. and U.S., we modern women owe that right, which was finally extended to all American women in 1920 and to all in Great Britain in 1928.
Most likely the earrings were made for export in Bohemia, which for centuries produced the finest simulated gems, as well as ornate and rather fanciful mounts that were widely prized. The area became Czechoslovakia after World War I, but was previously part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
As you know if you collect Suffragette jewelry, the unusual combination of green, purple and white had deep meaning for early feminists. 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. The wealthiest suffragettes mixed amethysts and pearls or diamonds with green stones such as emeralds or peridots, but pretend gems were naturally favored by the majority.
Tucked away and forgotten for decades, Suffragette jewelry began rapidly gaining value when 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 maintain a good selection, but demand keeps growing. If these strike your fancy, you'd better not delay.
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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Lovely Czech Art Nouveau Faux Moonstone Brooch c1919
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Antiques:
Decorative Art:
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Continental:
Pre 1920 item# 723605
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GlitzQueen History and Art to Wear
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$125
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The "Czecho" signature on this ultra-feminine antique brooch lets us date it quite precisely to the first years of the Czech Republic (established in 1918). 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. These gorgeous old pink satin glass moonstones certainly live up to the area's reputation.
Although its dating is technically transitional, falling between the death of King Edward and the period dominated by Art Deco style, the brooch is wholly Victorian in spirit, so must have been crafted immediately after the war. There's not even a hint of Deco styling, so it would have been out of style by the early 1920s.
The lavish gilt setting, as you'll notice, has scrolling openwork at both ends, which would allow the brooch to be worn also as a pendant or even as a choker necklace, if threaded over a ribbon at each end. Its size is impressive -- 2.5 by 2 inches -- and it's in beautifully wearable condition. As you'd expect, there's age-appropriate surface wear to the gilding, especially on the reverse. The fastener is of the old open C type, right for the period. The pinstem would originally have extended beyond the edge of the brooch but, as is common, it was snipped and filed to a new point at some time in the interest of safety. One of the smaller cabochons has a teensy chip, hard to notice without extreme magnification. Provenance of this beauty is a Wisconsin estate.
Interestingly, we happen to have a fabulous pair of pink faux-moonstone earrings that are nearly a perfect match for this. If you're interested in both pieces, please e-mail and we'll work out special pricing.
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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Historically Important Czech Cameo Necklace c 1919
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Antiques:
Decorative Art:
Jewelry:
Continental:
Pre 1920 item# 721675
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GlitzQueen History and Art to Wear
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In terms of cameo history, here's the "missing link" between the type we think of as 19th century (despite including very early 20th century examples that continued the neoclassical or Art Nouveau style) and those that are decidedly 20th century, featuring the thoroughly modern, short-haired flapper girls of the 1920s and their successors.
Cameos of course mirror our changing standards of beauty and I've never before seen one that so perfectly illustrates the spirit of the transitional period between Edwardian and Art Deco design eras. We can date it quite precisely to that timeframe, because it's signed Czecho. This mark was used for just a few years after creation of the Czech Republic at the end of World War I. The region was previously known as Bohemia, part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
The young lady pictured here presents an entirely new vision of elegance. Her hair, while on the long side, is quite a lot shorter than was seen before the war, during which large numbers of women worked for the first time in roles other than domestic service. Hairstyles thus had to become more practical. Her attire also isn't idealized; it's no toga or fairy-like wisp, but quite easily recognizable as an evening gown, accented by an orchid corsage. And her face is that of a real person -- not just pretty, but strong and poised. There are no frou-frous in the background, either. Capping off the design breakthrough of the cameo is that it appears to be of carved coral, complete with natural color variations, but is actually celluloid -- the latest thing!
The frame is also truly exceptional: refined and elaborately worked in the Edwardian manner, but larger and significantly bolder in form -- obviously experimental in the best sense, reflecting openness to new influences and impulses.
Both the cameo and setting are in gorgeous condition. Since celluloid is a notably delicate material, it's clear the jewel has been treated with utmost care (as it well deserves). Gilding remains extremely brilliant, even on the reverse and outer edges. When a chain is separate, not integral, we can't establish firmly that it's original; however, I believe this one is, based on its graceful, intricate structure and the extent of patina present.
In every aspect, this jewel is an absolute WOW. The framed cameo measures about 2 inches by 1.5 inches and the chain is 17.5 inches long. Provenance is a West Coast estate.
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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1870s Austro-Hungarian Renaissance Revival Bracelet
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Continental:
Pre 1900 item# 721238
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GlitzQueen History and Art to Wear
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$235
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As museums opened across Europe in the 19th century, people flocked to marvel at the treasures of the past -- and then they wanted the look. This led to a series of historical revivals, including Classical, Gothic, Baroque and Rococo, as well Renaissance. The Austrians (who became Austro-Hungarians after the early 1860s) did particularly lovely work in the Renaissance vein, aided by long experience in enamel painting, which was central to the style.
This splendid bracelet features a charming miniature hand-painted on a cabochon of porcelain. In the richly colored scene, an aristocratic couple are shown outdoors on an autumn day, the young lady playing a lute while her dashing beau sings along. Their attire clearly evokes the early Renaissance. Also true to that era are the wristband of finely formed and textured filigree and the painting's lovely frame, which is constructed architecturally in three layers, with intricate surface patterning and a fine dogtooth collet.
The band is an oval, as is characteristic of much early jewelry and really a better fit on the arm than round. It's on the petite side, suited to a smaller than average wrist (up to about 6 inches).
From a West Coast estate, the bracelet is in marvelous condition. The plaque shows no wear; the hinge and clasp work perfectly; and the rest of the metalwork reveals a few tiny dings only under high magnification. Even the gilding is virtually intact, so the bracelet can't have been worn much. Both its dating (1875-1880) and origin are established by the fact that a necklace featuring precisely the same painted motif is a book piece. (See "Popular Jewelry 1840-1940" by Roseann Ettinger.)
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 Gilt Bronze Suffragette Bracelet
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Antiques:
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French:
Pre 1920 item# 699147
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GlitzQueen History and Art to Wear
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$175
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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 conveyed by the 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 about 50 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 fold-over links that are typically 19th century (narrower than the classic bookchain, but basically the same idea). It's impossible to tell for certain whether it dates from the 1890s or a couple of decades later, during the first Victorian Revival period. Either way, it's antique by American 75-year standards. I see nothing that can be called damage -- only age-appropriate surface wear visible under high magnification and, on the reverse, some residue of old glue yellowed with time. Any good jeweler could remove that in a twinkling, if it bothers you, and could also safely polish up the metalwork if you want a brighter look.
From a Florida estate, this beauty measures about 7 inches long, 1.5 inches wide and more than .25 an inch thick. In addition to the 4 big cabochons of faux jade (very beautifully marbled), there are 8 faceted amethyst pastes and 8 faux pearls. 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 erinharris@comcast.net to confirm availability, order or request more photos. Thanks for looking!
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Antique Art Nouveau Suffragette Lavaliere Necklace
Catalogue:
Antiques:
Decorative Art:
Jewelry:
French:
Pre 1920 item# 696564
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GlitzQueen History and Art to Wear
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$185
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This antique Suffragette necklace is a charmer, styled with an elaborate, oversized surmount and a surprising drop, unexpectedly short, that whimsically suggests a watch fob.
The necklace is jeweled with pretend-jade of beautifully marbled early plastic (probably Galalith, invented in the 1890s) plus amethyst pastes and faux pearls, but the gilt metalwork is the real star here. It's highly dimensional with flower petals, some also suggesting shells. The airy openwork and gracefully articulated construction argue for an Edwardian dating, although it could have been crafted a little earlier or later. The surmount and drop measure about 2 3/8 inches, to which the chain and filigree clasp add about 15 inches. Even the chain is extraordinarily well detailed with bright-cut patterns and beaded edges. This is a very supple chain that's a joy to touch.
My best guess on origin is France, based on the sophisticated wit of the design, the quieter sparkle of the stones compared to those made in Bohemia and the heft of the metal. I expect there's bronze under this gilding, not brass, and the French have always known their way around gilt bronze. Condition, as you see, is superb, showing only slight surface wear on high points under extreme magnification, and provenance is a West Coast estate.
As you know if you collect Suffragette jewelry, the unusual combination of green, purple and white had deep meaning for early feminists. 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. The wealthiest suffragettes mixed amethysts and pearls or diamonds with green stones such as emeralds or peridots, but pretend gems were naturally favored by the majority.
Wearing Suffragette jewels is a great way to show our appreciation of those who won us the 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 steadily 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 jewel 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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Exquisite Victorian Gothic Jeweled Enamel Gilt Brooch
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Antiques:
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Continental:
Pre 1900 item# 691621
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GlitzQueen History and Art to Wear
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$220
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As colorful and crusted with ornamentation as a medieval reliquary, this exciting mid-Victorian brooch is obviously hand-made. Probable origin -- based on style, the exotic color scheme and fine Bohemian pastes -- is Austro-Hungarian. Its Byzantine design, which suggests a Maltese Cross, screams Gothic Revival and the details of construction support an 1860s dating. Note the open C clasp and elongated pinstem. The hinge is of a type that began replacing the old T type during the 1850s.
A great deal of work went into fashioning this treasure. Besides elaborate enamel work, it features 19 beautifully faceted stones, all prong set. The large central stone is open at the back, while the other amethyst pastes are foiled.
In superlative condition, this jewel has been treated like the treasure it is. High magnification is required to notice loss of gilding or enamel, except gilt wear on the reverse. Size is approximately 1" round and provenance is a Deep South estate.
I recently saw a new designer brooch similar to this but not half as nice, which was priced at $675, so this is a fantastic deal on an authentic investment-quality antique jewel.
There's no charge for insured U.S. Priority shipping and gift-wrap is also free when desired. Please e-mail to confirm availability, order or request more photos. Thanks for looking!
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Antique Victorian Art Nouveau Suffragette Necklace
Catalogue:
Antiques:
Decorative Art:
Jewelry:
Costume:
Pre 1900 item# 691014
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GlitzQueen History and Art to Wear
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$175
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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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2 Antique Victorian Gold Fox Head Pins for Her or Him
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Antiques:
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Jewelry:
French:
Pre 1900 item# 687178
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GlitzQueen History and Art to Wear
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$140
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This pair of circa 1900 antique hunting pins is truly remarkable, both because it's so rare to find a set still together and because they're in virtually pristine condition. Probably of French origin, they're from a gentleman's collection found in Paris and were no doubt used to secure a cravat. Besides using them as tie pins, they'd be beautiful on a scarf or lapels.
The highly detailed and dimensional fox heads measure about 5/8" by 1/2" and the pins are 2" long, crafted in the safety pin style popular in the late 18th century. The reverse of each head is marked ARO and ARO Double, referring to the maker and a double plating process that produced this rich golden finish that still gleams like new today. Hand-craftsmanship was obviously involved, in that one head is a bit more brightly burnished than the other and the end loops vary slightly in size from pin to pin. One pin looks a little more open in the photos, but I've since pinched it in. The underlying metal, whatever it may be, is somewhat malleable but quite sturdy.
The set would be an extraordinary gift -- or two gifts, if you can bear to separate them.
There's no charge for insured U.S. shipping (with an equivalent discount for international delivery). Giftwrap is always free, too, when desired. Please e-mail to confirm availability, order or request more photos. Thanks for looking!
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