Conspiracy theories abound after Tuesday night’s Presidential debate, mainly about Vice President Kamala Harris’ earrings. Social media users claimed, in a post on X started by conspiracy theorist and far-right activist Laura Loomer, that Harris was wearing Nova H1 audio earrings. The Nova H1 audio earrings are made with pearl earrings and are similar to what Harris was wearing. The story went viral, with Loomer’s post receiving over 1 million views by Wednesday morning.
The story is also false. A photo from an original review of the earrings show that they are clip-on and have a much thicker hoop. Whereas, Harris’ earrings have two thin loops and are for pierced ears. Harris appears to be wearing the Tiffany South Sea Pearl Earrings.
The journalist behind What Kamala Wore, Susan Kelley, has also confirmed that Harris has already been spotted wearing the earrings multiple times before. In fact, Nova’s Kickstarter page has a fair number of photos that quickly make it obvious: the earrings Harris had on and those from Nova are definitely not the same.
Icebach Sound Solutions, the makers of the audio earrings, posted a statement on their website following the viral interest in their earrings. They wrote, “Please refrain from any interview requests if you are not Jimmy Fallon. Thank you!” They also shared in the statement, “The Nova HI Audio Earrings are the first wireless earphones embedded in earrings.”
The earrings look at first glance like normal, elegant earrings. The unique aspect of these earrings is that technology has been drilled inside the pearl to produce sound. Unlike wireless earbuds, the sound travels from the earlobe directly into the ear canal.
The Nova H1 audio earrings are made to be worn all day. The active listening battery can last between three-six hours and is in ultra-sleep mode when not in use. The earrings also come with a portable USB-C charging case that looks similar to a jewelry box. The portable charging case allows for up to three charges. Customers are able to use the earrings for multiple days-think international travel-before needing to charge the case.
Amassing over $100,000 in their Kickstarter campaign last year, the earrings do not appear to be for sale yet. It is hard to confirm if anyone has actually received the earrings and the company’s website and social media platform appear rather quiet.
There are rumors that the original Kickstarter campaign was perhaps a scam or that the original makers went bankrupt and the product was picked up by Icebach. There are, however, reviews from journalists trying out the audio earrings at CES in 2024. Following such reports, Icebach appeared to take a more serious tone regarding the attention. They released a press release on Friday, specifically addressing rumors. In the press release, they confirm the earrings Harris were wearing in the debate were not their audio earrings.
They also shared, ” We would also like to respond to rumours that our H1 Audio Ear Rings are just an idea and do not exist as a finished product. The H1 Audio Ear Rings were demonstrated by us at CES in Las Vegas in 2024. A large number of visitors and journalists tested our product live. However, as a small start-up we had to chose between ramping up production and developing and securing our intellectual property and we have so far chosen the latter.”
Due to high interest, the company uploaded Thursday a few earrings onto Ebay. Each earring costs $1,898 in silver and $1,995 in gold.
Managing Director Malte Iverson appeared to respond to Tom’s Guide’s request for comment. He claimed that the Nova H1 earrings are currently out of stock. They are allegedly preparing a lawsuit against an unnamed Chinese company for breach of patents. They are hoping to ramp up production following an outcome of the lawsuit. Perhaps more will become clear if they ever do get a call from Jimmy Fallon.
edited on September 13th, 2024 to update with Icebach press release.