Fashion

Kamala Harris' Pearls Have Become A Symbol Of Solidarity

So many inauguration attendees wore them.

by Shea Simmons
Women are wearing pearls to show support of Vice President Kamala Harris on Inauguration Day.
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As Kamala Harris got sworn in as vice president, she donned a pearl necklace designed by Puerto Rican jeweler Wilfredo Rosado. The opalescent gemstone is the politician's signature accessory, and it's grown to become a symbol of support for the nation's first female vice president — which is why women are wearing pearls to celebrate Harris on Inauguration Day.

Harris' pearls first appeared at her graduation from Howard University as a symbol of her sorority Alpha Kappa Alpha. She has continued wearing them, even in different iterations — for example, Harris donned black pearls during her congressional swearing in ceremony. And women have taken notice. An entire Facebook group called "Wear Pearls on Jan 20th, 2021" — which currently has over 456 thousand members — was created to encourage supporters to accessorize in solidarity of Harris' historical ascension to the vice presidency on Inauguration Day, and the movement has been on full display during the momentous occasion.

Today, social media feeds are filled with people wearing their own strands (as well as donning the vice president's other fashion staple, Chuck Taylors). But it isn't just citizens across the country: These five politicians and celebrities also wore pearls on Jan. 20 to support Vice President Harris.

1Kamala Harris

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Harris' necklace features pearls set within a golden chain, and she paired it with large stud earrings.

2Jill Biden

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First Lady Dr. Jill Biden also opted for pearls, though her set was sewn in clusters along the neckline of her blue dress.

3Jennifer Lopez

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Like Harris, Lopez also rocked pearl stud earrings. Her pieces feature sizable pearls in the center that are surrounded by diamonds.

4Laura Bush

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Former First Lady Laura Bush opted for a single strand of pearls around her neck at the inauguration ceremony.

5Rep. Barbara Lee

Congresswoman Barbara Lee wore pearls on Inauguration Day that belonged to Shirley Chisholm, the first Black woman elected to Congress and to run for the Democratic presidential nomination.

6Jamie Lee Curtis

Actor Curtis celebrated the inauguration by "getting dressed for the first time in nine months," and wore pearls to support Harris and all women.