To reflect on the incredible women in our world and all they've done to further women's rights and equality, we have compiled a list of inspiring women. There have been many leading women before these such as Anne Frank, Maya Angelou, Rosa Parks, Jackie Kennedy, and the list goes on. It is necessary to celebrate the leading women of today so that there may continue to be women of change tomorrow. These are our Top 5 Inspiring Women and their Jewelry:
OPRAH WINFREY
Oprah Winfrey, an actress, producer, and philanthropist, is unquestionably one of today's most powerful women, with a classic style admired by millions around the world. She is a connoisseur of fine diamond jewelry as well. Her opulent diamond collection is estimated to be worth more than $100 million and includes a stunning diamond eternity ring, opulent diamond chandelier earrings, and the Riviera necklace.
It's hard to believe Oprah just had her ears pierced when she was 51 because she's rarely seen without a pair of stunning statement earrings. She also has a collection of fancy colored diamonds from Australia's Argyle Mines, including a beautiful necklace with seven diamonds, one of which is a rare natural pink diamond. Oprah's jewelry collection also includes cocktail rings and statement pearl necklaces.
Oprah is well known for her extremely charitable personality, and she enjoys giving away diamonds as well. Guests at Oprah Winfrey's Legends Ball in 2006 received one of two types of diamond earrings - drops or hoops - in honor of 25 African American women in the arts, culture, and civil rights.
Oprah wore a pink diamond bracelet on the final episode of "Oprah" and was photographed on the cover of O Magazine wearing yellow and white diamond earrings and a fancy yellow diamond ring.
OPRAH WINFREY'S JEWELRY COLLECTION
MICHELLE OBAMA
During her eight years in the White House, the former first lady of the United States earned the nickname "First Lady of Style" - and with good reason. In her modern yet elegant fashion sense, she has always carried herself with grace and style. Beautiful diamond jewels were some of her finest accessories, which she wore on special occasions.
Michelle wore white gold and diamond drop earrings to the Nobel Peace Prize Gala in 2009. The jewelry designer, who also produced the First Lady's Inaugural ball diamonds, claims that the concept was inspired by "celestial inspiration," with the meaning being to "reach for the moon, the stars, and galaxies."
The shoulder-duster earrings with natural amber, rubellite tourmaline, and rose-cut diamonds by Bochic designers David Joseph and Miriam Salat are among other statement jewelry worn by Michelle.
Michelle wore a beautiful multi-colored necklace by designer Tom Binns to the Kennedy Center Honors gathering, and it was a show-stopper.
During Oprah's Christmas at the White House special former president Barack Obama pointed out that the First Lady's diamond brooch was a surprise gift for their anniversary. "You get some nice stuff," he said to his wife, joking, "Here's the general rule-I give nicer stuff than I get!"
MICHELLE OBAMA JEWELRY COLLECTION
KAMALA HARRIS
Kamala Harris, the daughter of an Indian mother and Jamaican father, has risen higher in America's leadership than any woman ever before her. Let's not forget the inspiring words from her victory speech during the inauguration:
"While I may be the first woman in this office, I will not be the last, because every little girl watching tonight sees that this is a country of possibilities."
Kamala is a woman of class and virtue that is why you have seen her dressed in pearls at nearly every political event leading up to her position as Vice President of the United States. You will most likely continue to see her wear pearls for the next four years as pearls have always been part of the D.C. political uniform.
Expect to see a boom in innovative pearl jewelry designs influenced by Washington's most influential woman, ranging from strands of Irene Neuwirth pearls interspersed with chain links to black Tahitian pearls and classic white strands to today's contemporary styling.
KAMALA HARRIS' JEWELRY COLLECTION
AMAL CLOONEY
"The worst thing we can do as women is not stand up for each other. And this is something that we can practice everyday, no matter where we are or what we do - because if we are united, there is no limit to what we can do..."
Yes! Amal Clooney said that. Let's get one thing out of the way first, Amal Clooney is a lot more than George Clooney's wife. We're talking about the woman who, on her own, has single-handedly helped girls in Lebanon get the education they deserve, has handled high-profile cases with ease and has inspired people all over the world in the process. There's a reason she's one of Meghan Markle's best friends, after all.
Amal has been able to devote her career to advocating for women's right to education and battling the terrorist group ISIS. She is a qualified lawyer in both the United States and the United Kingdom.
Besides being one of the world's most inspiring women, Amal has an exquisite sense of taste in style and fashion. Her jewelry collection is just jaw-dropping from the 17-carat pear shape diamond drop earrings by Lorraine Schwartz worn at Meghan Markle's royal wedding to her 7-carat emerald-cut, triple-stone engagement ring.
Amal is undoubtedly a woman of class. That is why you will find her wearing pearls and gemstones too.
AMAL CLOONEY'S JEWELRY COLLECTION
17-carat pear shape diamond drop earrings by Lorraine Schwartz worn at Meghan Markle's royal wedding. ( Image Source: Getty Images)
Shop JewelryMEGHAN MARKLE
While having a family is admirable, Meghan Markle's professional accomplishments are what inspires us the most. In her early thirties, she ran The Tig, a famous lifestyle blog. She also pursued several fashion endeavors, spoke at the UN Women Conference, and took on other feminist responsibilities before she had access to royal resources.
Meghan talks about her struggle with mental illness during her recent interview with Oprah Winfrey. This had a powerful influence on breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health. Hopefully, her story can make others feel less nervous about opening up about their own mental struggles.
Meghan Markle had an incredible array of royal jewels even before she became a Duchess. From her Birk diamonds to the 'friendship' bracelet that seemed to start her relationship with Prince Harry, she has it all.
MEGHAN MARKLE'S JEWELRY COLLECTION
Shop BraceletsWe hope that you have left reading this blogpost feeling inspired. If you would like to see more of these blogposts, tell us which influential women we should feature next by clicking the comments button below.
Written by Bianca Mac Donald