Suffragette jewelry is one of the most intriguing and meaningful styles in history. More than just beautiful accessories, these pieces were a secret way for women to show their support for the fight to gain the right to vote. With its distinctive green, white, and violet color scheme, suffragette jewelry carried a powerful message of female empowerment during the early 20th century.
What Is Suffragette Jewelry?
Suffragette jewelry refers to rings, brooches, necklaces, and bracelets worn by women who supported the suffrage movement. The movement, which sought voting rights for women, gained momentum in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly in Britain and the United States.
The jewelry often featured a combination of green, white, and violet gemstones, carefully chosen to spell out a secret message: “Give Women the Vote.” Some historians believe this color symbolism was promoted by the Women’s Social and Political Union (WSPU), the leading suffragette organization in Britain. However, there is debate about whether all suffragette jewelry was officially linked to the movement or if some pieces were simply fashionable at the time.
The Meaning Behind the Colors
Each color in suffragette jewelry had a symbolic meaning:
Green (often peridot, emerald, or demantoid garnet) stood for hope and new beginnings.
White (pearls, diamonds, or white enamel) represented purity and the righteousness of the cause.
Violet (amethyst, purple enamel, or purple stones) symbolized dignity and loyalty to the movement.
Women who wore these colors—whether in clothing, ribbons, or jewelry—were signaling their allegiance to the suffrage cause. It was a bold and stylish way to show support, especially in an era when openly advocating for women’s rights could lead to criticism or even arrest.
Why Suffragette Jewelry Was Important
During the early 20th century, women faced immense opposition when fighting for the right to vote. Many suffragettes were arrested, imprisoned, or even force-fed during hunger strikes. Wearing suffragette jewelry was a way to silently protest and recognize fellow supporters.
Jewelry was also a form of fundraising for the movement. Some pieces were sold to raise money for campaigns, protests, and legal fees. Owning a suffragette brooch or ring wasn’t just a fashion statement—it was a political act.
Is All Green, White, and Violet Jewelry "Suffragette"?
While many antique jewelry pieces featuring green, white, and violet stones are labeled as "suffragette jewelry" today, not all of them were necessarily worn for the cause. Some jewelers simply followed popular color trends of the time. However, pieces that specifically reference suffrage, feature slogans, or were linked to known suffragette designers are considered authentic.
The Legacy of Suffragette Jewelry
Today, suffragette jewelry is highly collectible. Antique dealers and historians continue to uncover stunning rings, bracelets, and brooches that once belonged to fearless women fighting for their rights. These pieces serve as reminders of the struggle for equality and the creative ways women have used fashion to express themselves. Wearing suffragette jewelry today is a tribute to the resilience and determination of the women who paved the way for future generations.
