Art Nouveau designs flourished in the early 20th century, coinciding with the right-to-vote for women campaigns at the time.

The platinum and gold, green plique-à-jour enamel, amethyst and diamond dragonfly brooch was created in the early 1900s, and it can also be worn as a pendant.

The item features ruby cabochon eyes, and has an estimated total old-cut diamond weight of 0.40cts. With a length of 9.5cms and weighing 22.2gms, the brooch included a fitted S.J. Phillips case with the purchase.

Fellows auctioneers has recorded a sale of an early 20th Century Art Nouveau dragonfly brooch which sports The green and purple suffragette colours for £15,950 in its first auction of 2021.

The piece had an estimate of £8,000 – £12,000, and received a high level of attention in the sale.

Alex Duffy, jewellery specialist at Fellows, said: “Auction was a great success and fantastic way for Fellows to kick off the New Year.

“The dragonfly is seen in some cultures as a symbol of transformation, joy and new beginnings, so it seems fitting that this fabulous creature would steal the show in our first Fine Jewellery sale of the year. Hopefully it is a good sign of things to come.”