Happy Women’s Month, #TrumpetTribe!
If you watched any award shows this season, you know there’s been no shortage of political activism via statement pins and jewelry on the red carpet. But did you know that the history of women’s suffragette jewelry actually dates back to the First World War?
As leader of the British Suffragette Movement, Emmeline Pankhurst (played by Meryl Streep in the film Suffragette) often wore jewelry to reflect her passionate belief that women deserve the right to vote.
The Women’s Social & Political Union (WSPU), active in Britain from 1903 to 1917, was led by Pankhurst with the help of her daughters Christabel and Sylvia. Although these women were known for "un-ladylike" political demonstrations - think arson and hunger strikes - they took great pride in dressing with elegant style to respect the cause they fought so fervently for. They made sure to procure the latest styles and, of course, jewelry that resonated with their beliefs.
The official colors of the WSPU, purple, white, & green, were chosen to represent nobility, purity, & hope. Suffragettes felt an obligation to wear these colors and illustrate the movement, whether it be through tricolor fabric badges or jewelry featuring peridot, diamonds, & amethyst.
Today, women (& men!) are rocking Time’s Up pins & even some vintage “Votes for Women” enamel badges, giving you no shortage of options to represent the fight. But, if you have your heart set on the tried & true jewelry from the early 20th century, it may be difficult to find authentic vintage Suffragette jewelry existing today. Give this timeless message of equality a new look with other vintage jewelry featuring gemstones of the official movement colors & some gorgeous peridot or emerald, diamond or opal, & amethyst.
We love seeing the evolution of feminism represented through fashion and jewelry, whether it’s authentic vintage Suffragette jewelry or a Time’s Up pin on a ‘Future is Female’ tee. Knowing the history of Suffragette jewelry will empower your political accessorizing, regardless of the way you choose to represent the fight for equality.
Although iconic images from this historical time in history may only be in black & white, you can be sure that the brilliant hues of the Women’s Suffrage movement, like its leaders, sparkled in full color.
