Wilfredo Rosado, the Designer Behind Kamala Harris's Custom Pearl Necklace, Talks Engagement Rings

The Presidential Inauguration was almost a week ago, and the new administration is settling in and already making important changes.

We’re so excited to see what they do next, but we still can’t stop thinking about all the iconic fashion moments from last week. Each and every style choice had some sort of special meaning — from Dr. Jill Biden wearing custom Markarian to represent a new beginning and Gabriella Hearst embroidered with each state flower to Madam Vice President Kamala Harris wearing Black designer Christopher John Rogers. These powerful ladies just further proved something we already knew: fashion really does matter. 

And we keep uncovering more hidden fashion meanings. Madam V.P. Harris is the queen of pearls, so naturally, she wore an extra special strand on Inauguration day. And we got all the details on the gorgeous pearl necklace that was custom made for Vice President Harris by jewelry designer Wilfredo Rosado.

“When I was designing this necklace, I was very much inspired by Kamala Harris herself—the woman she is, and what she will represent as our first female Vice President and a person of color,” Rosado tells Brides. "She is an inspiration to so many and this is such an important moment.”

The striking piece features beautiful and large pearls (11.5mm to be exact!) suspended in delicate metal links, which was designed to embody all of her qualities.

“To capture her strength, I utilized a chain motif, which has always been a favorite of mine, but this time with an elliptical shape,” says Rosado. “I then floated a South Sea pearl within the links which gives the necklace movement and a beautiful softness.  A little glamour is important too, so I added small diamonds between the links which gives just a little sparkle.” 

And sparkle it did, much like Madam V.P. last Wednesday. And Rosado says the pearls were of “exceptional quality” and truly “luminous” up close.

Pearls became a staple of Vice President Harris’s campaign looks this past fall, a nod to Shirley Chisholm, the first Black woman elected in the U.S. Congress and the first woman to run for the Democratic presidential nomination.

But the history-making first female, first Black, and first South Asian Vice President isn’t the only one to make a case for pearls. Pearls have started showing up everywhere, from street wear to the (virtual) red carpet to engagement rings. Ariana Grande and Emma Stone are both sporting beautiful, unique engagement rings that feature a pearl stone.

Rosado tells Brides that pearls are the perfect accessory for a bride—or even members of the bridal party.

“We love the idea of pearls as a gift for bridesmaids or groomsmen,” says Rosado. “Imagine a sparkling diamond heart encased in a pearl pendant for your bridesmaids or a pair of pearl cufflinks or lapel pin for your groomsman. Pearls are symbolic of loyalty and integrity and sharing this sentiment with your wedding party is a beautiful gesture from the bride and groom.”

So what other reason do you need to jump on the pearl bandwagon? Your Madam V.P. approves and so do we. You can shop Wilfredo Rosado's pearl collection or custom design your engagement ring at wrosado.com.