The

Jamaican-born designer of Michelle Obama’s now iconic “vote” necklace is

threatening legal action against knockoff makers.

Chari

Cuthbert of BY CHARI has threatened action against Mint & Lily, an

ecommerce jewellery company, which is selling an identical design with the

former First Lady’s image used to market it.

The

silver necklace became a hit online Obama worse it during her Democratic

National Convention speech on August 17.

While

Cuthbert’s design retails for between US$300 and US$1,000 depending on the

length and size of the letters, the knockoff sells for US$30 to US$40,

discounted from an initial US$80.

Cuthbert told Forbes, “As it is for many artists, there is an unfortunate and constant concern of having designs taken by others.”

She

continued, “Most consumers have been enthusiastically supporting my small

business and the quality for which it stands.

“Unfortunately,

nefarious and opportunistic actors will likely continue to steal intellectual

property and those that choose to do so from me will be hearing from my

attorney.”