Edwardian 15ct Gold & Platinum, Suffragette Brooch Pendant set with Diamonds, Amethysts & Green Garnets

A very striking and unusual 15ct gold and platinum Suffragette brooch that was made circa 1910-1915.

It is a very pretty star burst design and is composed of a diamond in the centre with six kite shaped amethysts around it.  Then there is a border of green garnets and an outside edge set with rose diamonds. There is millgrain detail throughout.

The meanings of the stones are, Green garnet (Green colour meaning “give”), Rose Diamonds ( White colour meaning “women”), and Amethysts (Violet colour meaning “votes”). This pendant would have been worn by sympathisers of the Suffrage movement as a sign to other women of their feelings.

Mrs Pethick-Lawrence, editor of the weekly newspaper Votes for Women, explained the symbolism of the colours in spring 1908: “Purple/red as everyone knows is the royal colour. It stands for the royal blood that flows in the veins of every suffragette, the instinct of freedom and dignity; white stands for purity in private and public life; green is the colour of hope and the emblem of spring.” In other words, she said, the colours stood for freedom and dignity, purity and hope.

A rare Suffragette brooch that can also be worn as a pendant.