A Late Victorian suffragette diamond ring from Adin Fine Antique Jewellery, circa 1900, set with an amethyst and emerald in 18-karat gold with silver. Together, the colors represent a historical secret message: “Give (green) Women (white) the Vote (violet).” The three hues also represented qualities that the suffragettes aspired to: hope, purity and nobility/dignity.
Women were encouraged to wear the colors to show their support for the suffragette movement and to promote public awareness of it, but it has also been suggested that these women used this secret color code out of fear of revealing their sympathies to their husbands and sons.
The Fancy yellow old mine-cut diamond underlines the international common cause of women fighting for their right to vote.
Adin Fine Antique Jewellery was one of the very first fine vintage jewelry online Shops on the Internet. They have been online since 1994 but they also have an impressive physical store in Antwerp which I had the pleasure of visiting. They have an extensive collection of Vintage Jewelry and antique jewelry from Georgian jewelry and Victorian jewelry to Edwardian jewelry, Art Nouveau jewelry, Art Deco jewelry and Retro jewellery. Most of the jewelry is of European origin.
This photo is from Adin Fine Antique Jewellery (AntiqueJewel.com) and is in the chapter on the Evolution of Diamond Jewelry in my new book “Diamonds, Their History, Sources, Qualities and Benefits” (www.reneenewman.com/diamonds.htm).
Guest articles by Renée Newman:
https://gem-spectrum.com/category/renee-newman
About the author:
Renée Newman is a gemologist (GG, GIA), lecturer, writer and author of 15 books on gems and jewelry. Her goal is to provide consumers and jewelry professionals with unbiased, affordable information on how to buy, evaluate and appreciate gems and jewelry. She can be reached through her website:
