About this lot

Description

An Arts and Crafts amethyst, moonstone and chrysoprase brooch, formerly with the Tadema Gallery, the oval cabochon amethyst in a spaced border of alternating round cabochon chrysoprases and moonstones, with the two extreme moonstones being larger ovals; set in a white metal base with rose metal elongated decorative claws and brooch fitting, tests for silver and 9+ct gold, clasp with safety catch, length 4.7cm; in period fitted case with Tadema Gallery satin lining, and with original paperwork, description and photo from the Tadema Gallery
Other Notes: As the Tadema Gallery points out in the notes to this piece, the colours of the stones are those of the Suffragettes - purple for loyalty and dignity, white for purity, and green for hope. Women were encouraged to show support for the Women's Suffrage Movement by wearing clothes, ribbons or jewellery in these colours. This brooch is likely to date from the first decade of the 20th century, but it is easy to see how this type of jewel, with the selection of 'semi-precious' stones, mixture of colour, and cabochon cuts influenced later Arts and Crafts jewellers like Sibyl Dunlop and Dorrie Nossiter.

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