Michelle Obama’s ‘vote’ necklace to Nancy Pelosi’s ‘impeachment brooch’ – how women are using jewellery to send a message
From Queen Elizabeth’s deployment of an old brooch during Donald Trump’s UK state visit to Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg rocking a superhero-inspired necklace to the Supreme Court, these women on the world stage know that a well placed – and well timed – accessory can make a big political statement without having to say a word
In a recent video endorsement for presidential hopeful and former US vice-president Joe Biden, Michelle Obama opted to rock the vote with not only her words, but also her choice of jewellery.
Here we take a look at the literal style statement the former Flotus made and three other women in power who let their voices be heard through their choice of jewels.
Michelle Obama
At the Democratic National Convention speech in August, former first lady Michelle Obama showed her support for US presidential candidate Joe Biden with a moving 18-minute speech that called for the nation to stand united and to make their voices heard in November’s upcoming election.
Elegant and stylish as always, Obama made the now-viral speech wearing a simple chocolate-brown satin blouse, hoop earrings and a tiny charm necklace that spelt out the word “VOTE”.
To no one’s surprise, the bipartisan trinket became a popular search on Google; the design, created by African-American jeweller Chari Cuthbert became an instant hit.
The same 18-karat gold necklace Obama wore retails on Bychari’s website starting from US$295 depending on the size of the letters, type of gold and gem set. The design is spot on with the current demi-fine micro jewellery trend and its relatively affordable price point has hit the sweet spot among Obama’s millennial fan base.
The former first lady sent a clear message in the hope of driving voters to the polls in November; and while sending signals with jewellery isn’t new or unusual, few other women in power have done so in such an overt and literal manner.
Queen Elizabeth