Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, looked as sleek as ever visiting the United Nations in New York City on Monday, July 18, pairing a black skirt and top with black heels and a purse that could probably kick my ass. But it’s her jewelry that’s making the loudest statement of all: For the event, a celebration of the life and work of Nelson Mandela, Markle wore a pinky ring with a special backstory and a unique design.
According to People, Markle wore two diamond rings—one is the 1972 Tennis Pinky Ring and the other is the Duet Pinky Ring, and both are from Shiffon Co., a jewelry company that founder Shilpa Yarlagadda started in 2017 out of her Harvard University dorm room.
Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, arrives to attend the 2020 UN Nelson Mandela Prize award ceremony at the United Nations in New York on July 18, 2022. – The Prize is being awarded to Marianna Vardinoyannis of Greece and Doctor Morissanda Kouyate of Guinea. (Photo by Kena Betancur / AFP) (Photo by KENA BETANCUR/AFP via Getty Images)KENA BETANCUR/Getty Images
The layers of meaning here are myriad. First, 1972 is the year Title IX, which guarantees equal federal funding for men’s and women’s collegiate sports, was passed, and accordingly, 19.72% of the proceeds from sales of the ring will be donated to the company’s Women in Sports Investment fund. The landmark legislation turns 50 this year!
NEW YORK, US – JULY 18: A screen grab taken from a video shows – Meghan Markle (L) and Prince Harry (R) attend UN General Assembly session to observe Nelson Mandela International Day in New York, United States on July 18, 2022. (Photo by Lokman Vural Elibol/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)Anadolu Agency/Getty Images
