The Independent's journalism is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commission. Why trust us?

Michelle Obama's vote necklace: Where to buy it and four other similar styles

During her speech, fans on Twitter found the female-led brand that made the piece

Louise Whitbread
Tuesday 18 August 2020 11:04 BST
Say what you see: Speaking via video link, the former first lady gave a passionate speech on the first day of the Democratic National Convention
Say what you see: Speaking via video link, the former first lady gave a passionate speech on the first day of the Democratic National Convention (Getty)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

The former first lady, known and loved for her style which often champions small brands, delivered a speech on August 17 for the first night of the Democratic National Convention, wearing a custom-made necklace that spelled out the word “vote”.

During the broadcast she said: “We have got to vote like we did in 2008 and 2012. We've got to show up with the same level of passion and hope for Joe Biden. We've got to vote early, in person if we can."

Along with her speech, in which she spoke about the importance of the upcoming election, calling Donald Trump “the wrong president for our country”, viewers were drawn to her jewellery which made a simple, yet powerful statement, and many took to Twitter to share their adoration of it.

It’s a custom-made piece made by a Black-owned, Los Angeles-based jewellery brand ByChari, that was founded by designer Chari Cuthbert and launched in 2012.

The female-run company makes handmade pieces in minimal, stylish designs that can be worn every day, and can also be shipped to the UK.

The original spaced letter necklace Obama wore is made in two sizes, small and large, and comes in 14k yellow, rose, or white gold and you can customise your own style using up to 10 letters. According to the ByChari website, production for a custom made necklace will take three to four weeks.

You can trust our independent round-ups. We may earn commission from some of the retailers, but we never allow this to influence selections. This revenue helps us to fund journalism across The Independent.

Spelling out the word 'vote', Michelle Obama's necklace was a call to action
Spelling out the word 'vote', Michelle Obama's necklace was a call to action (ByChari)

The large necklace costs £295 and the small style is £220, but if you want to make even more of a statement, you can also get the diamond version for £665, which has encrusted letters that can be mixed and matched with a gold necklace.

If you wanted to get your hands on your own letter necklace, we’ve picked four similar styles to shop now.

Suetables

This Katelyn custom letter necklace (Suetables, £220.27) is a Canadian-based brand that also makes delicate pieces that are easy to wear. It also ships to the UK too.

Decorate your décolletage with this dainty letter necklace
Decorate your décolletage with this dainty letter necklace (Suetables)

Even Meghan Markle is a fan, having worn two zodiac charm necklaces from the brand, representing her son Archie’s zodiac symbol, Taurus and husband Harry’s, Virgo, for an appearance on "Good Morning America" in April this year.

Its letter necklace style is made in white gold, yellow gold, rose gold and sterling silver, which can be decorated with up to seven letters of your choice.

Made in Toronto, we’d recommend snapping it up now as production also takes three to four weeks.

Etsy

Don’t worry if you don’t have the budget for either of the above necklaces, as Etsy has much more affordbale options, like this initial name necklace (Etsy, from £15.89).

You can also add in symbols as well as letters with this design
You can also add in symbols as well as letters with this design (Etsy)

Pick from gold, silver or rose gold for the chain and letters, and you can pick up to nine letters, and also include symbols such as a heart, hashtag, ampersand (&) or a cross.

Depending on how long you want it to hang, it’s available in a 14, 18, 18 or 20-inch chain.

If you want to play with fonts, this space letter necklace (Etsy, £16.99) offers a slightly different take on the popular style.

You don't need to break the bank to copy Michelle Obama's style
You don't need to break the bank to copy Michelle Obama's style (Etsy)

It also offers the option of up to nine letters to spell out your word of choice and is available in gold, silver and rose gold on a cable style chain.

Adina’s Jewels

Available in silver or gold, this block name necklace (Adina’s Jewels, £136) will allow you to emulate Obama’s style for around half the price, and the clear cubic zirconia stones in each letter emulates the look of diamonds without the hefty price tag.

Update your jewellery wardrobe with this cubic zirconia necklace
Update your jewellery wardrobe with this cubic zirconia necklace (Adina's Jewels)

The chain is made from sterling silver and coated with gold vermeil and is 16.5 inches in length.

You can pick a maximum of eight letters, all in uppercase block letters to decorate your chain with, whether you want it to feature your name, or take inspiration from the former first lady and create a call to action on yours.

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in