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Pearls had many meanings on Inauguration Day in 2021. Not only have they historically been a feminine accessory, but also one purported to symbolize purity, wisdom and new beginnings. It was an accessory worn by late boundary-breaking Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm and, more recently, has been associated with Vice President Kamala Harris, who has sported a strand of pearls at milestone moments during her life. That was once again the case on Wednesday as she was sworn in as the first female Vice President while wearing a pearl necklace by Wilfredo Rosado. Pearls are also a symbol of solidarity for Harris' Howard University sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha, which gives its members a badge embellished with pearls. As women around the country proudly donned their own strands in honor of Harris' historic day, so did notable public figures including Speaker Nancy Pelosi, First Lady Jill Biden and former First Lady Laura Bush. "Pearls represent refinement and wisdom," Glenda Glover, international president of Alpha Kappa Alpha, told Vanity Fair. "We train young ladies to be leaders and to make sure they have the wisdom to lead."