Watch: The History Behind … Suffragist Jewelry

Oct 09, 2020

Watch: The History Behind … Suffragist Jewelry

In honor of the 100th anniversary of women’s suffrage, Lang Antiques’ Emily Friedricks and jeweler Cathy Calhoun delve into the myths and truths surrounding the movement’s jewelry.

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One of the pieces discussed on the suffragist jewelry episode of “My Next Question” was the Holloway brooch, designed by Sylvia Pankhurst to honor the suffragists imprisoned for fighting for the right for women to vote.
New York—The year 2020 marked 100 years since the passage of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which gave women—albeit mostly white women—the right to vote. 

Jewelry, from celluloid buttons, ribbons and medals to Art Nouveau-style pieces set with precious gemstones, was part of the movement, as women donned necklaces and pins to express themselves politically and show support for other women imprisoned for their beliefs. 

Suffragist jewelry is a sought-after category of antique jewelry, and in the latest episode of “My Next Question,” guests Cathy Calhoun of Calhoun Jewelers and Emily Friedricks of Lang Antiques discuss the symbolism behind the pieces, as well as how to recognize and where to find them. 

Please tune in next Tuesday, Oct. 13 at 2 p.m. EDT when Associate Editor Lenore and jewelry designer Alexandra Lozier explore the stories—from curses to promises of protection—attached to certain stones.

Register for “(Un)lucky Charms: Gemstone Legends and Curses,” a special pre-Halloween episode of “My Next Question,” here.
Michelle Graffis the editor-in-chief at National Jeweler, directing the publication’s coverage both online and in print.

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