Gems From Era Of Suffrage Are Jewels Of Denial March 10, 2002 – Posted in: Press

By SARA FIEDELHOLTZ
Published: March 10, 2002
Chicago Sun-Times

At the turn of the 20th century in Great Britain, many women showed secret support for the suffrage movement and the fight for women’s rights by incorporating the suffragette colors–green, white and violet–into their clothing and accessories.
They wore necklaces of green enamel, white enamel and violet amethysts to communicate their support.

One such necklace, owned by Emmeline Pankhurst, founder of the National Women’s Social and Political Union, is on display at a special exhibit, “Homage a la Femme,” on Thursday from 6 to 9 p.m. at the House of Kahn Estate Jewelers, at 60 E. Walton.
Pankhurst was no secret supporter. She founded the NWSPU out of frustration with Britain’s failure to grant women the right to vote. The NWSPU was responsible for such militant actions as window-breaking, hunger strikes and violent protests in support of their cause.

The suffragette necklace, priced at $30,000, is just one of the pieces of jewelry that will be on display. The special exhibit, created in conjunction with the Chicago-based Galeria Gaudi, examines the role of the female figure within art and jewelry in the 20th century.

All the jewelry and art is for sale and a portion of the proceeds will benefit the Y-Me National Breast Cancer Organization–Chicago Affiliate.
The “Suffragette Necklace” is on display Thursday. Tobina Kahn, owner of Kahn Estate Jewelers, wears the necklace.