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Spectacular Antique Suffragette Bracelet browse these categories for related items... Directory: Archives: Estate Jewelry: Costume: Rhinestone: Pre 1920: Item # 696685 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) |
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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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