Antique Edwardian suffragette tourmaline pearl lavaliere pendant 15 carat gold

Era: Edwardian 1901-1910
Metal: 15 carat gold marked 15ct
Gemstones: Violet pink tourmaline 6x4mm Natural seed pearls 32x.5-1.5mm. Green tourmaline 7x5mm. 1.6 carats
Weight: 5.2 grams
Width: 33mm
Drop: 33mm
 
A lovely green and violet pink tourmaline and pearl statement pendant brooch. This has a vibrant green gem, surrounded by tiny pearls, with a foliate whiplash Art Nouveau design and a further lavaliere drop.
 
Known as Suffragette jewellery, original pieces such as this are rare and very hard to find.
 
These pieces date from the turn of the 20th century when Emmeline Pankhurst founded the movement in 1903. The stones were picked to represent their colours of violet, white and green, violet meaning freedom and dignity, white represented purity and green meant hope. They were also said to stand for Give Women Votes.
 
It can be worn as a pendant or a brooch and closes with a round hinge and C clasp.