The singing was faked, but the rocks were real. The emerald Lorraine Schwartz earrings America’s First Beyonce wore when she—sigh—lip-synched “The Star-Spangled Banner” at Barack Obama’s inauguration were worth $1.8 million, the Daily Mail reports.
“These earrings were perfect for Beyonce because they are modern and classic just like she is,” a rep for the jewellery company fan-girl-ed to the Mail. Although when earrings have a price tag ending in “million,” you don’t need to be “modern and classic” so much as “conscious and not in your pyjamas” to project elegance.
It just so happened Lorraine Schwartz had the perfect stone for the occasion, as she is constantly designing things in the hopes that Beyonce might wear them, kind of like the House of Dereon. “Lorraine designs a lot of jewellery with Beyonce in mind and she knew that this was a significant moment so she would want something special for the occasion,” the rep said.
Beyonce’s bling, along with her surprisingly zippy orange manicure, made for a hot pop of colour in a look that was appropriately subdued for the occasion. In a sharp contrast to her recent appearance on a certain magazine cover, her black Emilio Pucci gown didn’t show a glimpse of skin, save the hint visible through the sheer arms.
Photos: Getty Images
This isn’t the first time Beyonce’s lobes have been conscripted for her country’s service. A pair of over-sized hoop earrings that spelled “Obama” (the hoop was the “O,” the “bama” dangled off a chain) was one of the hottest fashion moments of the 2012 campaign. Sorry Stacey Dash!
Lorraine Schwartz is taking orders for the inaugural emeralds, which are available in a range of carats at varied price points—you know, just in case you didn’t budget seven figures for Beyonce-blessed earrings.
