This story is part of 2020 elections, CNET's coverage of the November vote preparations.
Michelle Obama spoke at Monday night virtual democratic national conventionand her necklace spoke to many onlookers. Obama was the last speaker on DNC's first night, discussing the importance of voting in the fall presidential election while wearing a gold necklace that said VOTE. She encouraged the audience to register to vote and "vote for Joe Biden and Kamala Harris as our lives depend on it".
If we are to end the chaos and division - and to keep alive the possibility of advancement on issues that matter to us - we must vote for it @Joe Biden and @ KamalaHarris how our life depends on it. Register today by sending VOTE to 30330. Https://t.co/xPu5o0SYLJ
- Michelle Obama (@MichelleObama) August 18, 2020
While Obama never mentioned the jewelry and the chain was subtle, many viewers not only noticed but wanted their own. Once their speech was over, social media users started posting and asking where to buy the necklace.
"Psst, Biden Team: Sell the election chain that Michelle Obama wears and you will be funding ads for the next 77 days," Christina Reynolds tweeted.
Psst, Biden team: sell this voting chain @Michelle Obama and you will be funding ads for the next 77 days.
- Christina Reynolds (@creynoldsnc) August 18, 2020
Representatives from the Democratic National Convention and Michelle Obama did not immediately respond to a request for comment. However, CNN White House correspondent Kate Bennett was quick to report that the necklace was made to measure by jewelry company By Chari.
"The small boutique jewelry store is owned by Chari Cuthbert, whose business is based in Los Angeles," Bennett tweeted. "A similar necklace costs between $ 300 and $ 400."
The small boutique jewelry store is owned by Chari Cuthbert, whose business is based in Los Angeles. A similar necklace costs anywhere from $ 300 to $ 400.
- Kate Bennett (@KateBennett_DC) August 18, 2020
A representative from Cuthbert did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
"Michelle Obama has always been very aware that everything she wears was likely to sell out, so she often advocates for smaller, lesser-known labels and brands, many of which have culturally diverse owners / designers," Bennett tweeted.
@Michelle Obama has always been very aware that everything she wears is likely to be sold out, so often advocates for smaller, lesser-known labels and brands, many with culturally diverse owners / designers.
- Kate Bennett (@KateBennett_DC) August 18, 2020
Just a week ago, 36-year-old Cuthbert spoke to Time Magazine about moving her small business to a work-at-home business during the Coronavirus outbreak. Her company has a special focus on mothers, she told Time, and the compatibility of work and family is very important to her.
"We really pushed this message of self-love forward," said Cuthbert. "Just take some time for yourself, even though we know there are screaming kids in the background, it's kind of impossible."
If the VOTE chain turns out to be as popular as it seemed after Obama's speech, Cuthbert's employees may soon have a little less time to themselves. "She is about to be very busy," wrote a Twitter user.
