Be it for their regal beauty or their symbolism of virtuosity, pearls have been a celebrated choice among women in politics. Renowned personalities including Nancy Pelosi, Ayanna Pressley, and Hillary Clinton have often been spotted flaunting this piece of jewellery.
So it’s no surprise that the Vice President and the Democratic nominee for the Presidential Election, 2024 is fond of ‘teardrops from the moon’. Be it a double-stranded, Tahitian or a layered pearl necklace, Harris has been seen on multiple occasions embracing this gemstone. She has chosen pearls for milestone events like her University graduation and vowing in as the nation’s first-ever female Vice President.
Have you ever wondered where her fascination for pearls takes birth Beyond the mere fashion choices of a politician, there lies a deep-rooted story of historical significance. In her 1986 graduation photo from Howard University, Harris is seen gracing a vibrant smile and wearing a single-stranded pearl necklace with drop earrings. While in university, she was a member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha group of sisters. The AKA was the first-ever Black Greek letter sorority, which connects the VP to a rich history of tradition.
The founding members and the sponsors of the sorority are reverently titled “Twenty Pearls”. Each new individual who joins the sorority is honoured with a special badge decorated with 20 pearls. Although many other sororities have their exclusive symbols, like the anchor for Delta Gamma and the kite for Kappa Alpha Theta, pearls are considered the most wearable due to their elegance and profound symbolism.
Dr. Glenda Glover, International President of Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority and the President of Tennessee State University, said, “Pearls represent refinement and wisdom. We train young ladies to be leaders and to make sure they have the wisdom to lead…and that goes hand in hand with the true meaning of what Alpha Kappa Alpha is all about.”
Harris’s love for pearls is eminent in her huge collection which includes statements by designer and fellow Californian Irene Neuwirth, whose creations she has worn at eventful occasions like the Democratic National Convention last summer, and in her official portrait. Harris’ styling of pearls keeps on switching much like Michelle Obama, who preferred voguish pearl designs with layered necklaces and sculptural, yet minimalistic earrings. Harris came adorned with a Tahitian pearl necklace- known for their dark colour- to her Congressional swearing-in. Harris accompanied her white pantsuit with a mighty pair of pearl earrings during her first speech as the Vice President.
When Harris was sworn in as the district attorney of San Francisco, she chose to don a classic, single-stranded pearl necklace, which reminds one of a typical suburban housewife’s collection. During the confirmation hearing and intense questioning of Brett Kavanaugh, Harris wore a double-stranded pearl necklace that was akin to what First Lady Barbara Bush and Lady Bird Jonson would frequently wear.
To celebrate Harris’ first 100 days in office, Oakland McMullen Boutique’s owner- Sherri McMullen, collaborated with four premium jewellery designers to design a special collection of pearl jewellery. McMullen, who is also a member of the AKA sorority, got together with Elizabeth and Kathryn Fortunato of the Lizzie Foundation, Jristin and Kofi Essel of Third Crown, Jameel Mohammed of Khiry, and Lauren Harwell of Harwell Godfrey, to craft a capsule collection that would pay tribute to the sorority and celebrate the significant milestone, mentioned McMullen.
Harris’ pearls carry profound significance for her AKA sorority sisters. Glover noted, “The pearl strand represents solidarity among the members.” Harris, being a member of the sorority, was elected as the Vice President, and this is seen as a great achievement not only among the sisters but for African Americans and women in general. “It’s a great moment for AKA. For African Americans. For women. Whether she wears pearls or not, it’s an inspiration”, Glover further added.