Meghan Markle Wore an Adjustable Ring With a Unique Message to the U.N.—See Pics | Glamour

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.

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!

This ring, and others from the company like it, is adjustable in size, an idea that came to Yarlagadda when she, well, wanted a ring but didn't know her size! Since it’s adjustable, it can probably be worn on any finger, but it’s called a pinky ring because, as Yarlagadda said, “It represent[s] this pinky promise to pay it forward and support women.”

Meghan Markle was first spotted in the Duet Ring on the cover of Time in September 2021, no big deal, and is far from the only activist-celeb to embrace the line. Michelle Obama is a fan. Listen, if it’s good enough for Malala, it’s good enough for me!

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The company also makes hoops that say “Vote”:

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While he wasn’t wearing any rings, Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, did take the opportunity, on Nelson Mandela Day, to speak about, among other things, women’s rights. In his remarks at the event, he called out the “rolling back of constitutional rights here in the United States,” a reference to the overturn of Roe v. Wade, and encouraged others to, as Mandela did, find “meaning and purpose in the struggle.” Another good pinky promise!