Art Nouveau Amethyst, Peridot and Natural Pearl Necklace

In this alluring Art Nouveau jewel, a lively, motion-filled confection of gold swag chains, amethyst briolettes, and bright apple-green peridots culminates in a stunning focal piece: a 6.00-carat scissor-cut purple glass stone surrounded by a wreath of leaves colored with green and yellow enamel. A sprinkling of pearls adds spots of luster, while a peridot-topped amethyst briolette dances below. The color palette used in this necklace was chosen by the Women’s Social and Political Union for use on their badges, banners, and other paraphernalia. According to its treasurer, Mrs. Pethick Lawrence, "Purple is the royal colour. It stands for the royal blood that flows in the veins of every suffragette, the instinct of freedom and dignity… white stands for purity in private and public life… green is the colour of hope." We do not know if the jeweler for this piece intentionally chose these colors in support of the suffragist movement. We do know that the combination was a favorite of Queen Alexandra, and that her husband, King Edward VII, had a particular fondness for peridot. Total gemstone weight, 20.5 carats. Hand fabricated in 18K yellow gold (the swag section is 14K yellow gold), it measures 16 1/2 inches. Condition note: Enamel leaves show some wear. Center amethyst has small nicks.