The Suffragette ‘colours’ of purple, white, and green were devised in 1908 by Emmeline Pethick-Lawrence, a leader in the Women’s Social and Political Union (WSPU) in Britain. They represented royal blood/dignity (purple), purity (white), and hope (green). These colours aimed to unify the movement and provide instant visual branding. Retailers were quick to see the advantage of producing jewellery in the Suffragette colours as many members and supporters of the WSPU came from the moneyed classes. Jewellers such as Child & Child and Mappin & Webb, along with department stores such as Selfridge’s and Liberty, saw an opportunity to align with the cause that was sweeping the country. Mappin and Webb took advertisements in the Suffragette publication Votes for Women illustrating brooches and pendants in the Suffragette colours with prices ranging from £2 to £6 per item [up to roughly the equivalent of £600 today]. This large and impsoing pendant in the colours is 15 carat gold and set with an amethyst, a peridot and creamy natural pearls. The pendant bale is detachable so it can also be worn as a brooch. It measures 2 inches  by 1 and 2/3 of an inch. Very fine quality, immaculate.

sold
Item ref : MM4