Graduation Gifts with a Feminist Twist
The start of summer is also the start of graduation season, a time when college and university academic years come to a close, when exam stresses are lifted, dissertations are submitted, and celebrations abound.
Recent years have seen a record high number of university applications in the UK and it was also recently revealed that female students are now a third more likely to apply to university degree courses than their male peers.
Todays education trends for women are a far cry from when Emmeline Pankhurst attended a Parisian finishing school in 1873. A snapshot of societal values of her era is portrayed in her words: "My parents, especially my father, discussed the question of my brothers' education as a matter of real importance. My education and that of my sister were scarcely discussed at all."
But this didn't deter her from fighting for the rights of women. Each year on March 8th we celebrate International Women's day - a time to look back and reflect on the fruition of tireless and tenacious campaigning by Millicent Fawcett and the suffragist party and thereafter by the suffragette movement, led by Emmeline Pankhurst.
With their historic achievement in mind, it figures that an item of antique jewellery from Mrs Pankhurst's era, or inspired by it, would make a perfect and pertinent graduation gift for modern women. An item of suffragette jewellery is of particular significance evoking laudable personal qualities shown in abundance by the suffragettes; passion, fortitude, courage, resilience and a sense of justice.
Antique suffragette jewellery largely incorporates the three colours used by the suffragettes in their campaign banners and on their distinctive body sashes purple, green and white. The stones used in these pieces usually reflect these colours, namely amethyst, emerald or peridot, and pearls or diamonds a stunning and distinctive combination!
The colours represent the core mission statement of the suffragette movement - Green for Give, White for Women and Violet for Votes, or the three virtues they hoped to promote in those who gathered under their banner; Hope, Purity and Loyalty.
A statement piece set with such gorgeous gems is sure to be treasured by its recipient and can be a symbolic reminder of how strong attributes of character contribute to achieving personal and professional goals relevant on graduation day and beyond.
In many images of Emmeline Pankhurst and her activists, they can be seen wearing a suffragette brooch or suffragette necklace, so it's little wonder these have become iconic, sought-after styles and emblems of the battle for equality.
Laurelle Antique Jewellery is proud to offer a showcase of elegant suffragette jewellery featuring a range of unusual pieces including brooches, rings, pendants, bracelets, necklaces and bangles. Each piece is handpicked for our collection, chosen for its quality and beauty.
For those women graduating this year, be sure to create your own memorable graduation celebration and remember the battle the suffragettes and other feminists of that time fought, to pave the way for the rights of women today.
At Laurelle Antique Jewellery we have many years of experience in finding beautiful pieces of suffragette jewellery for our customers. You can view our full collection here.
If you have any questions about the pieces which we sell feel free to get in touch on England: 0333 700 4500 or send us an email via enquiries@antiquejewellerygroup.com. Our team is always happy to help!