CrimeAug 25, 2026
Florida Woman Scammed Out of $1.5M in Jewelry, Precious MetalsTwo suspects have been arrested in connection with the complex phone scam.
EditorsJan 21, 2021
Everything You Need to Know About Jewelry at the Inauguration
The vice president’s pearls, J. Lo’s ode to France, and more.
Vice President Kamala Harris wore this W.Rosado Australian South Sea pearl, 18-karat gold and diamond necklace to her inauguration.
On Wednesday, a new man took office as the president of the United States, and for the first time, a woman entered the vice presidential office.
At a pared-down inauguration ceremony at the U.S. Capitol, Joseph R. Biden Jr. and Kamala Devi Harris were sworn into their respective offices.
At a pared-down inauguration ceremony at the U.S. Capitol, Joseph R. Biden Jr. and Kamala Devi Harris were sworn into their respective offices.
Harris’ election marked a number of firsts that you’ve now heard innumerable times but are so unprecedented, they bear repeating until the novelty has worn off: In addition to being the first female vice president, Harris is also the first black vice president and first South Asian vice president.
What politicians and their spouses wear on historic occasions is rife with symbolism; the bigger the occasion, the greater the symbolism, and there’s no bigger occasion than starting one’s tenure in the White House.
Harris was born to a Jamaican immigrant father and Indian immigrant mother, so she fittingly wore a jewel designed by another child of immigrants to mark her historic swearing in.
Embed from Getty Images
She donned a necklace from W.Rosado, the new line of pearl jewelry from Wilfredo Rosado.
Rosado was born in the U.S. to Puerto Rican parents.
He made his mark in the fashion industry prior to launching his eponymous high jewelry line in 2011.
This year, he branched out into a more attainable, but no less exciting, array of pearl jewelry under the moniker W.Rosado.
“It is truly an honor and a dream come true for me to be able to create jewelry for Kamala Harris and for such an important moment in history,” he said. “She embodies the diversity and spirit of this country and I am so proud of her progress.”
The necklace Rosado crafted for the inauguration features Australian South Sea pearls suspended in 18-karat yellow gold links, interspersed with diminutive diamonds.
Embed from Getty Images
Female political figures are known to sport a classic strand of pearls, and Harris has worn them plenty in the past, so much so that it spawned a Facebook group with half a million members vowing to wear pearls on Inauguration Day.
It also inspired a day of pearl-wearing among members of Harris’ sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha, the oldest Black sorority in the U.S.
It also inspired a day of pearl-wearing among members of Harris’ sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha, the oldest Black sorority in the U.S.
Wearing W.Rosado was an excellent way to honor the tradition while showcasing her unique flair.
On a day that’s entirely about symbolism, the necklace, with its uplifting and subverting-the-traditional attitude, made the perfect statement piece and political metaphor.
And the message wasn’t lost on the designer.
“With this collection we are defining a new language for pearls, bringing a perennial favorite into the future and shattering the norms of jewelry for both women and men,” Rosado added. “Pearls are an obsession for me and I’m always striving to find new ways of working with them.”
Harris complemented the W.Rosado necklace with pearl button earrings not from Rosado (there’s very little intel about them, meaning they’re likely from her personal jewelry collection and may hold personal significance in the vein of an heirloom), while the American flag pin she wore on her lapel was from David Yurman.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
Also front and center at the ceremony were its entertainers—Lady Gaga, Jennifer Lopez and National Youth Poet Laureate Amanda Gorman.
Lady Gaga can’t resist a major jewelry moment, and she rose to the occasion.
Her entire look was by Schiaparelli, including her enormous gold brooch, shaped as a dove holding an olive branch in its beak.
Embed from Getty Images
The overt symbolism, communicating a message of peace and reconciliation, was perfectly in line with the message of the day without sacrificing the songstress’ signature boldness; you could have spotted her gold bird from the other end of the National Mall.
And while the design house responsible may be Italian, the brand is currently helmed by American designer Daniel Roseberry, so Gaga narrowly skirted dismissing the “Wear American” tradition.
Her inaugural successor, Lopez, missed the symbolism mark, however.
The singer’s outfit itself got several things right.
Dressed in all white, symbolic for the color of suffragettes, Lopez sported layers of pearl bracelets as well as pearl earrings, clearly in line with political tradition.
Embed from Getty Images
But just as she incorporated a refrain from one of her own songs into a medley of songs in tribute to America, Lopez appeared to be focused foremost on her own look rather than promoting American designers, wearing head-to-toe Chanel.
Displaying a very recognizable French logo while singing American tunes at the American presidential and vice presidential inauguration? A definite faux pas, as they say in Paris.
The new First Lady, Dr. Jill Biden, was attuned to the mood of the day.
Monique Péan repurposed white hexagonal step cut diamond earrings with white diamond pavé and recycled platinum
She had on the above earrings from American jewelry designer Monique Péan, who happens to be a woman of color and is devoted to crafting pieces that are environmentally and socially sustainable.
They were difficult to see, but overwhelmingly appropriate.
Embed from Getty Images
Now, for poet Amanda Gorman, who at a mere 22 years old is the youngest poet to ever perform at an inauguration, we can bend some of the “Made in America” decorum, and for good reason.
As journalist Gayle King, also well known as Oprah’s BFF, explained on the CBS broadcast, it was Oprah Winfrey who gave Gorman the hoop earrings and ring she wore.
Embed from Getty Images
Winfrey gave the late Maya Angelou the coat she wore to recite a poem at President Obama’s 2012 inauguration.
She contacted Gorman and offered to do the same for the Biden inauguration, but Gorman already had her coat picked out—it was bright yellow, her favorite color.
Winfrey came up with an alternative, and far superior, gift—the below pair of 18-karat gold Nikos Koulis hoop earrings with a dangling gold and diamond drop. She also gave Gorman a ring from costume jewelry brand Of Rare Origin.
Nikos Koulis 18-karat yellow gold earrings with baguette- and trillion-cut diamonds set in 18-karat white gold
The company’s signature “Aviary Classic Ring” features a caged bird in 18-karat gold vermeil. For Winfrey, it was an allusion to Angelou’s autobiography, “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings.”
Of Rare Origin is an American company based in New York, and Nikos Koulis is … well, simply fabulous.
Because the earrings were a gift from an American icon we’ll say the nod to Greece was an appropriate deviation from protocol, and a treat for jewelry lovers.
After all, Greece is the birthplace of this tumultuous and beloved thing we call democracy.
More on Editors
The Latest
ColumnistsAug 25, 2026
Proof Before Purchase: The Gen Z Way to BuyIn her first column for National Jeweler, Jennifer Shaheen asks jewelers if they know how to connect with the next generation of consumers.
Events & AwardsAug 25, 2026
SSEF Opens 2026 Applications for Gemology Education ScholarshipsThe annual awards cover tuition for an on-site educational course at the Swiss lab, as well as flights and lodging.
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk AboutSubmit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.
TrendsAug 25, 2026
Brent Neale Celebrates Blackberry Farms’ Anniversary With JewelryThe jeweler partnered with the Tennessee resort to honor its 50th anniversary with limited-edition blackberry pendants and earrings.
Weekly QuizAug 20, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsAug 24, 2026
Rio Grande, MetalWerx Host Argentium Silver WorkshopThe class, led by renowned metalsmith Cynthia Eid, highlighted Argentium silver as an alternative to gold amid high prices.
Events & AwardsAug 24, 2026
JIS Miami Opens Fall 2026 RegistrationThe show is slated for Oct. 16-19 at the Miami Beach Convention Center.
Brought to you by
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying EventsRetailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.
CollectionsAug 24, 2026
Francesca Villa Honors Napoleon, His Empresses In New CapsuleThe “Empresses” capsule uses 19th-century medals depicting Napoleon, Joséphine, and Marie-Louise across five one-of-a-kind pieces.
SurveysAug 21, 2026
These Are 2026’s Hottest Retailers, Says NRFThe retailers at the top of the list offer affordable products and fun, discovery-fueled experiences.
WatchesAug 21, 2026
Bremont Names Former Vacheron Constantin Exec CMODaniel Bing was formerly the marketing director for the Americas at Vacheron Constantin.
CollectionsAug 21, 2026
Bijules, Kamyen Serve Up ‘Topspin’ Tennis Bracelet Ahead of US OpenIn our Piece of the Week, the designers reimagine the tennis bracelet with green enamel wrapped around a strand of “Desert Diamonds.”
PodcastsAug 20, 2026
Episode 8: Diamond Industry Update With David Bonaparte & Ronnie VanderLindenThe industry veterans join the podcast to discuss diamond marketing, the FTC Jewelry Guides, and lobbying for lower tariffs.
TechnologyAug 20, 2026
A New AI-Powered Gemstone Identification App Is HereFounder Vik Westermann said the app is a “starting point” to inspire people to work with appraisers and gem labs, not replace them.
AuctionsAug 20, 2026
Storied Unicorn Brooch Up for Auction Gallops to New Home The Verdura brooch, which belonged to the late Virginia Fortune Ryan Ogilvy, was sold to a private collector in Asia.
Events & AwardsAug 20, 2026
MJSA Education Foundation Names 5 Scholarship WinnersThe five students were awarded a total of $10,000 through the nonprofit’s 2026 “Future of Jewelry Making” scholarship.
MajorsAug 20, 2026
Plumb Club Elects 2026-2027 BoardSteven Lerche is now beginning his term as the youngest member to become president of The Plumb Club’s elected executive committee.
MajorsAug 19, 2026
Mike Alexander To Succeed Scott Murphy as Jewelers Mutual CEO Murphy will retire at the end of the year and Alexander, currently the company’s president, will take over at the start of 2027.
Policies & IssuesAug 19, 2026
Spinelli Kilcollin Embraces Dupes With Trade-In ProgramThe jeweler is encouraging customers who own lookalike rings to come into the store and trade them for credit towards an authentic piece.
MajorsAug 19, 2026
Zales Wants You to Wear Fine Jewelry Every DayThe new campaign, “You Are The Occasion,” discourages shoppers from saving their fine jewelry for special occasions only.
SourcingAug 19, 2026
Vasant Mehta, a Dedicated Diamond Industry Leader, Dies at 81Mehta led India’s GJEPC through the 2008 financial crisis and was respected worldwide for his wisdom, integrity, and knowledge.
CrimeAug 18, 2026
2 California Men Arrested in Fatal Vehicle Smash RobberyOne is the driver who allegedly crashed a car into a Sacramento jewelry store in April, striking a 71-year-old employee who later died.
ColumnistsAug 18, 2026
Peter Smith: The IKEA Effect and Bridal Branding In a new column, Peter Smith posits that people actually enjoy putting together IKEA furniture, and the same is true for engagement rings.
CrimeAug 18, 2026
Thieves Snatch $1M in Jewelry From New Jersey Jeweler9lakha Jewelers in Iselin, New Jersey, was the target of a smash-and-grab robbery on Aug. 8.
Lab-GrownAug 18, 2026
Ring Concierge, Kendall Jenner’s Tequila Brand Collab on GiveawayThe jeweler has partnered with 818 Tequila to gift lab-grown diamond studs to a bride-to-be and their bridal party.
Events & AwardsAug 17, 2026
Exhibition on Louis Comfort Tiffany’s Studios to Open at The MetThe exhibition will feature more than 100 drawings of stained-glass lampshades, windows, and more, many created by women and émigrés.
CollectionsAug 17, 2026
Marquise Diamonds Dance in Spinelli Kilcollin’s ‘Wren’ CollectionMarquise-cut diamonds in drop charms are the center of the new collection, reflecting the movement of a dancer in modular styles.
