Pearls: A Symbol of Female Empowerment

For centuries, pearls have been worn by powerful women to show class and sophistication. Pearls, also known as, “The Queen of Gems” are seen as traditional accessories for first ladies, female politicians, royalty, and celebrities.

The 2021 Presidential Inauguration was a day of female fashion statements. Vice President Kamala Harris wore an elegant pearl necklace designed by Puerto Rican jewelry designer, Wilfredo Rosado. Her pearls symbolize her college sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha at Howard University. A Facebook group called "Wear Pearls on Jan 20th, 2021" was created by Hope Aloaye, whose purpose was to invite young girls and women across the world to join Harris by wearing pearls in solidarity. Aloaye declared, "I equated the pearls to women (because) we go through a lot of things, but we still come out shining...Pearls are every color, shape, size. It doesn't matter ... I just thought that was a beautiful thing." The group went viral with over 450,000 members.

Image Courtesy: Strike FSU

The youngest poet ever to read at a U.S. Presidential Inauguration, 22-year old Amanda Gorman paid tribute to Maya Angelou by wearing a pearl ring that was gifted to her by Oprah Winfrey. The ring featured a bird in a pearl-embellished cage to reference Angelou’s poem “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings”, which she recited at Bill Clinton’s presidential inauguration in 1993. California Representative Barbara Lee wore a historic pearl necklace that used to belong to Shirley Chisholm, the first Black woman to be elected to Congress and run for the Democratic presidential election. Jennifer Lopez, who sang at the inauguration, dressed up in a stunning white pantsuit complemented with a pair of statement pearl earrings from Chanel. During Obama’s term, the former first lady of the United States, Michelle Obama wore pearls with her signature cardigans and dresses.

Coco Chanel was always seen with a pile of pearls around her neck. She created a jewelry line in 1932 that sold pieces consisting of fake pearls and sparkling stones. Chanel set a trend of women wearing affordable pearls with casual sportswear. During the 1960s, first lady Jackie Kennedy was seen as a style icon who wore bright-colored clothing with white pearls. One of her most famous quotes was “Pearls are always appropriate”. This set the notion for women across the country to start wearing more pearls. She inherited a triple strand necklace with 158 faux pearls from her mother, which she claims is her favorite piece of jewelry. Actress Audrey Hepburn starred in Breakfast at Tiffany’s, where she played Holly Golightly. Her character resulted in one of Hollywood’s most recognizable stills from any film as she wore a long black dress, elbow-length gloves, a tiara, and four strands of large pearls. She became a fashion influence in the early 1960s as elegant pearls became a common accessory for all women.

Princess Diana’s style combined causal and regal elegance with added pearls that lit up her complexion and short blonde hair. As a child, Princess Diana wore pearls with her schoolgirl outfits. When she became royalty, she gained access to the Royal Family’s state jewels. Her favorite item was The Cambridge Tiara that featured 19 teardrop pearls with diamonds. The crown has also been worn by Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge. After divorcing her husband, Prince Charles, Princess Diana wore a beautiful multi-row pearl choker with a sapphire brooch. She wore it with an iconic black cocktail dress that later was considered “The Revenge Dress” by the press. Pearls became more than just a symbol of sophistication, but a way for women to show their power and confidence to society.

Strike Out,

Writer: Veronica Polanco

Editor: Cali Robins

Graphics: Cesarae Jensen

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