Defining Movements: Suffragettes

One of the beauties of antique jewellery is that it can serve as a reminder of defining moments or movements in history that led to truly unique pieces.

Today, we’re taking a look at the jewellery that was inspired by and created for the suffragette movement in the UK. These political pieces are some of the most collectible antique jewellery you will come across and are an important reminder of the fight for women’s right to vote in the early 20th century. Matthew and Alyce take a look at the origin of the suffrage movement, including why jewellery became such an important part of their protest and honour the incredible women who gave up their lives to fight for the cause. 

THINGS WE SPOKE ABOUT

• The origin of the Suffragette movement 
• Colours and gemstones typical to suffragette pieces 
• Trade tips for collecting the incredibly rare suffragette jewellery 
• A badge of honour brooch for political prisoners of the movement 
• Iconic women of the suffragette movement and jewellery they created 

MORE INFORMATION

Sylvia Pankhurst Holloway Prison Brooch

https://artuk.org/discover/artworks/holloway-prison-brooch-279701 

Suffragette necklace available at Courtville Antiques 

https://www.instagram.com/p/C5QUUTZCM_J/

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QUOTES

The fact that they were willing to go to these extreme lengths to gain their rights is very inspiring, and of course, it inspired not only that movement, but a jewellery movement as well. - Alyce Ketcher

I think the key factor for a suffragette piece of jewellery comes down to the colors really. - Matthew Weldon 

My trade tip for you is if you're looking at a suffragette piece, it wants to be in the arts and crafts style, Art Nouveau style or Edwardian style and yellow gold or silver. - Alyce Ketcher 

Sylvia Pankhurst actually designs a brooch. Now referred to as the Holloway prison brooch, they were given to suffragettes who were incarcerated at Holloway prison as kind of like a badge of honor. - Alyce Ketcher 

KEYWORDS

#suffragette #women #jewellery #edwardian #suffrage #brooch