 |
|
Home |
|
Antique c1910 Large Art Nouveau Suffragette Brooch browse these categories for related items... Directory: Archives: Estate Jewelry: Costume: Rhinestone: Pre 1920: Item # 537002 GlitzQueen History and Art to Wear 56 Calle Monte Aplanado, NW Albuquerque, NM 87120 Phone: 505.205.1404 Guest Book Sold; thank you! Free U.S. Priority Shipping (& Gift-Wrap if Desired) |
|
|
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. Dating of this spectacular brooch would have to be before the end of World War I, because Art Nouveau was out of fashion afterwards. Its graceful, asymmetrical curves and natural forms gave way to the symmetry and hard-edged geometry of Deco design. Because of the early safety clasp, as opposed to an open C, we can rule out the 19th century -- even though the brooch does have an older sort of hinge, which lets the pinstem wobble a bit from side to side, and originally it had an elongated pinstem (shortened at some point for safety). I believe we're on firm ground in saying it was made between 1905 and 1918 -- most likely circa 1910-1914, before guns began blazing across Europe. I say this because it looks so European in terms of the gorgeous glass, fine craftsmanship and overall opulence. Faux pearls, diamonds, amethysts and peridots are featured, along with exquisite art glass leaves that look like carved amethysts or purple jade. Even the back is beautifully detailed with the veining of leaves and the gilding is so heavy that it's still bright almost 100 years later. I expect this treasure was made for the export market in Bohemia (later Czechoslovakia, after World War I swept the Austro-Hungarian Empire off the map). About 2 1/2 inches wide and 1 1/2 inches tall, it's a jewel of impressive size. Its form is slightly domed and the stones add further dimension. Openwork keeps it from being overly weighty, but there's still a good bit of heft. Condition, as you see, is extraordinary. If some stones were replaced through the years, as is almost inevitable, they're all very good matches. Most importantly, all those art glass leaves are intact. You aren't likely to see another Suffragette jewel like this anytime soon. In fact, I've never before seen anything comparable. Please e-mail to confirm availability, order or requesst more photos. There's no charge for insured U.S. Priority shipping and gift-wrap is always free when desired. Thanks for looking! |
|
|
|||||||||
| Categories | Shops | Join | Terms | Critique | Map | Help | |||