Editors

See 10 Show-Stopping Jewelry Looks from the Met Gala

EditorsSep 15, 2021

See 10 Show-Stopping Jewelry Looks from the Met Gala

Lots of Lorraine Schwartz, mega diamonds, and a timepiece were among the most impactful baubles.

20210915_MetGala-header-NEW.jpg
The 2021 Met Gala’s most compelling jewelry and watch looks ranged from demure to bold. From left to right: Kate Hudson in Lorraine Schwartz diamond and pink sapphire jewels; Normani in Lorraine Schwartz diamond, black opal and Paraiba tourmaline jewels; and Kaia Gerber in an Omega watch.
After a pandemic hiatus last year, the annual Met Gala benefitting the Metropolitan Museum of New York’s Costume Institute reconvened in person Monday night to celebrate its new exhibition, “In America: A Lexicon of Fashion.”
 
As in most years, the theme was widely interpreted, with some celebrities scantily clad (Zoe Kravitz, Julia Gardner, Nia Dennis, Anja Rubik, and Kendall Jenner, to name a few) others showing not an inch of skin (Kim Kardashian West), and everything in between. 
 
Across the board, the fashion was bold, and so were plenty of the jewels. 
Embed from Getty Images
 One of the evening’s biggest stars was Rihanna who, along with boyfriend A$AP Rocky, sported Balenciaga Couture. 
 
The pop and fashion star wore lots of jewelry to balance her gown’s yards and yards of fabric, more than 267 carats of diamonds from Bulgari alone.
 
The no-last-name-needed icon wore a platinum and diamond high jewelry necklace weighing 56.93 carats, a Bulgari convertible heritage necklace circa 1959 in platinum with 81.9 carats of diamonds, two Bulgari heritage platinum and diamond bracelets circa 1955 (weighing 59.5 and 60 carats), and a single high jewelry earring in platinum with approximately 9.23 carats of diamonds.
 
Though not visible in these red carpet shots, a special ring Rihanna wore was particularly timely.
 
 
At the opposite end of the sartorial spectrum was model Kaia Gerber.
Embed from Getty Images
She also wore a voluminous black gown, this one from Oscar de la Renta and inspired by a Dior gown Bianca Jagger wore to the Met Gala in 1981, but stayed deliberately minimal with her accessories.
 
The Omega ambassador wore an Omega De Ville Prestige Dewdrop timepiece with in steel with diamonds on the bezel and marking the hours on the black dial, with a black leather strap ($8,500).
 
The dainty timepiece was all the more noticeable for Gerber’s bare neckline and absence of necklaces or bracelets. She paired the timepiece with an Omega “Dewdrop” ring featuring a pear-shaped diamond solitaire ($14,700), and diamond Omega “Aqua Swing” earrings ($2,810).
Embed from Getty Images
All hail Normani. 
 
My favorite jewelry look of the night was this pop star’s abundance of Lorraine Schwartz. 
 
One could be forgiven for neglecting to notice Normani’s Valentino gown, eyes beelining for Schwartz’s exquisite black 25-carat Australian opal and 10-carat diamond drop necklace with an additional 45 carats of diamonds, plus Paraiba tourmaline, on the settings and chain. 

The blinding bling was topped off with pear-shaped diamond studs, and Paraiba tourmaline and diamond rings. 
 
Of all the celebs in Tiffany & Co.—and there were lots, such as Hailey Bieber, Tracee Ellis Ross, Laura Harrier, and Emma Raducanu fresh off her U.S. Open win—one was by far the most colorful and the most eye-catching.
Embed from Getty Images
“Gossip Girl” actress Jordan Alexander amplified her colorful Christopher John Rogers gown with Tiffany colored gemstones.
 
The centerpiece was a Tiffany & Co. Schlumberger “Daisy” necklace in platinum and 18-karat yellow gold with sapphire, peridot, tourmaline, and diamonds, and matching peridot and diamond earrings.
 
Alexander also wore a bracelet in platinum and 18-karat yellow gold with an orange sapphire and diamonds, and a Tiffany & Co. Schlumberger “Ailsa” ring in 18-karat yellow gold and platinum with diamonds. 
 
Tiffany’s diamonds made an impact as well, especially on Eileen Gu.  
 Embed from Getty Images
The freestyle skier, model and Tiffany & Co. ambassador accessorized with a jaw-dropping diamond pendant. Set in platinum, the center stone weighed more than 12 carats. 
 
Gu also wore platinum and 18-karat white gold rings with diamonds to top off her look. 
Embed from Getty Images
Speaking of long, glamorous pendants, in Lorraine Schwartz’s world, two are better than one.
 
Kate Hudson was the beneficiary of this high jewelry fairy godmother’s guidance, in a layered look comprising a 20-carat pear-shaped diamond pendant with 20 additional carats of diamonds on the chain and 49-carat natural pink sapphire pendant with 20 carats of diamonds on the chain. 

She also wore diamond drop earrings totaling 23 carats.
 
Oscars 2022, take note. This is how you do glamour. 
Embed from Getty Images 
Dramatic pendants are one way to don diamonds for maximum impact. Another is a high-wattage choker.
 
Brazilian singer Anitta chose the latter. Her simple black Dundas gown was the perfect backdrop for a showstopping Lorraine Schwartz multi-row diamond choker with a large pear-shaped diamond drop. 
 
She also sported an unexpected and super-sexy diamond hand chain that perfectly pulled together her night-out vibe. 
Embed from Getty Images
Gigi Hadid had some diamonds of her own to get excited about, which were on full display with the model’s Mid-century-esque Prada Barbie look. 
 
She wore a platinum and diamond necklace by Jaocb & Co. featuring multiple round diamonds in collet-style settings, with a 54-carat round diamond drop. 
 
The one-of-a-kind masterpiece is valued at $12 million. Hadid wore matching stud earrings. 
Embed from Getty Images
Sartorial gender standards have relaxed in recent years, and men seemed to enjoy pushing the fashion envelope at this year’s Met Gala.
 
One would be hard pressed to find a man or woman better dressed than Met Gala Co-Chair and red carpet darling Timothée Chalamet, who more a mix of designers to achieve his dapper suiting-meets-streetwear look, replete with a pair of tried-and-true Converse.
 
His jewels weren’t the flashiest, but they were the coolest. 
 
On his trousers he pinned a vintage Cartier “New York Cliquet” pin in platinum with diamonds, and a vintage Cartier “New York Star” brooch in platinum with diamonds, both circa 1929. 
Embed from Getty Images
Poet Amanda Gorman catapulted into the national spotlight after performing her original work at the presidential inauguration last January. 

Nine months later she was a Met Gala co-host. A tiara was the perfect accessory to top off a whirlwind fairy tale of a year. Gorman's was from Chaumet. 
 
“In America: A Lexicon of Fashion” opens to the public Sept. 17. 
Ashley Davisis the senior editor, fashion at National Jeweler, covering all things related to design, style and trends.

The Latest

20251124_MNQ social media etiquette header.jpg
Recorded WebinarsNov 24, 2025
Watch: Top Tips for Social Media Etiquette

Social media experts spoke about protecting brand reputation through behaving mindfully online.

Breitling house of brands
WatchesNov 24, 2025
Breitling Reveals Plans for Gallet, Universal Genève

In 2026, the three will come together as “House of Brands,” with Gallet sold in Breitling stores and Universal Genève sold separately.

Cynthia Erivo in Muse’s Have a Heart x Cynthia Erivo Collection
CollectionsNov 24, 2025
Muse Debuts a Wicked 'Have a Heart x Cynthia Erivo' Sequel

The second drop, which includes more Elphaba-inspired pieces from additional designers, will continue to benefit nonprofit Dreams of Hope.

Recipients Collage 2025 - NJ (1872 x 1050 px) (1872 x 1052 px).png
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow Today

How Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.

J.R. Dunn Jewelers employees
IndependentsNov 24, 2025
J.R. Dunn Jewelers Names New President

Second-generation jeweler Sean Dunn has taken on the role.

Weekly QuizNov 20, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Amber Pepper
MajorsNov 21, 2025
Natural Diamond Council Names New CEO

Amber Pepper’s main focus will be on digital innovation and engaging younger consumers.

Origin De Beers Group logo
SourcingNov 21, 2025
De Beers’ Branded, Traceable Diamonds Roll Out to 19 Retailers

Called “Origin by De Beers Group,” the loose, polished diamonds are being sold in a total of 30 stores in the United States and Canada.

roseco-catalog.png
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line Catalog

Roseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.

Melissa Kaye Rocky Infinity Emerald Necklace
CollectionsNov 21, 2025
Piece of the Week: Melissa Kaye’s ‘Rocky Infinity’ Necklace

The lariat necklace features a 4.88-carat oval-cut Zambian emerald in 18-karat yellow gold.

Phillips auction of The Vanderbilt Sapphire brooch
AuctionsNov 20, 2025
Vanderbilt Jewels Shine at Phillips Sale, Pink Diamond Withdrawn

A 43-carat sapphire brooch from the Vanderbilt collection was the top lot of the Geneva sale.

Rebecca Rau Jewels Green Flame Necklace
CollectionsNov 20, 2025
Rebecca Rau Jewels Debuts With ‘Then & Now’ Collection

Rau is a fourth-generation art and antique dealer from M.S. Rau gallery whose first jewelry collection merges artifacts with modern design.

Purvi Shah
Policies & IssuesNov 20, 2025
RJC Names New Executive Director

Former De Beers sustainability leader Purvi Shah will take over the role in February 2026.

La Joux-Perret manufacturing facility in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland
WatchesNov 20, 2025
LVMH Takes Minority Stake in Citizen Group-Owned Movement Maker

La Joux-Perret is based in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, and makes solar quartz as well as mechanical watch movements.

Julia Griffith
GradingNov 20, 2025
Julia Griffith Joins SSEF as Head of Education

She previously taught at Gem-A and is the founder of The Gem Academy.

Helena Bonham Carter in Larkspur & Hawk Once Upon a Time Campaign
CollectionsNov 19, 2025
Larkspur & Hawk Celebrates 25 Years With Helena Bonham Carter Campaign

The British actress and her daughter modeled pieces from the brand’s new “Palette” capsule for its “Once Upon a Time” holiday campaign.

Google reviews on a phone screen and a laptop
TechnologyNov 19, 2025
Google Has a New Form for Reporting ‘Review Bombing’ Attacks

Plus, the tech giant shares the steps retailers should take if they believe they’re a victim of a review extortion scam.

Shaftel Diamonds logo and jeweler’s bench
IndependentsNov 19, 2025
Houston Jeweler Keith Shaftel Retires, Next Generation Steps In

Danny and Gaby Shaftel are now Shaftel Diamonds’ CEO and chief operating officer, respectively.

Midas chain mini studs
TrendsNov 19, 2025
Midas Chain Releases 2025 Holiday Style Guide

The jewelry manufacturer’s seasonal offering features its new “Melodie” bangles, as well as mini stud earrings and layering pieces.

Jewelry from NYC Jewelry Week 2024
Events & AwardsNov 18, 2025
NYC Jewelry Week 2025: 12 Must-See Events

With more than 140 activations taking place in New York City now through Nov. 23, these 12 events are can’t-miss moments.

Lugano Diamonds Greenwich Connecticut store
MajorsNov 18, 2025
Lugano Diamonds Files for Bankruptcy, Looking for Buyer

The Chapter 11 filing follows the resignation of CEO Moti Ferder, who stepped down after an investigation into the company’s finances.

Kathleen Ryan Dreamhouse Bad Fruit sculpture
Events & AwardsNov 18, 2025
A Giant, Bejeweled Moldy Berry Is on Display in LA

The artwork is part of an exhibition featuring works by Kathleen Ryan, an artist known for her gemstone-studded rotting fruit sculptures.

Rough diamonds from the Gahcho Kué mine in Canada
SourcingNov 18, 2025
Another Diamond Company CEO Steps Down

Mark Wall, president and CEO of Canadian mining company Mountain Province Diamonds, will vacate his position next month.

Suspects in murder of father and son jewelers in Chicago
CrimeNov 17, 2025
Police Searching for 2 Suspects in Murder of Father, Son Jewelers

Faustino Alamo Dominguez and his son, 25-year-old Luis Angel Alamo, were gunned down following an armed robbery at their jewelry store.

Jeffrey Bennett
GradingNov 17, 2025
IGI Announces New President of North America

Tiffany & Co. veteran Jeffrey Bennett has stepped into the role.

Robbins Brothers Pasadena store exterior
MajorsNov 17, 2025
Look Inside Robbins Brothers Fine Jewelers’ New Pasadena Flagship

The showroom is located in a historic 1920s building in the Playhouse District.

Rolex Perpetual 1908 watch with 18-karat yellow gold bracelet
Policies & IssuesNov 14, 2025
U.S., Switzerland Reach Deal That Drops Tariff to 15%

The Swiss government announced the deal, which cuts the tax on Swiss imports by more than half, on social media Friday morning.

Napoleon Bonaparte diamond brooch
AuctionsNov 14, 2025
Napoleon’s Diamond Brooch Blows Away Auction Estimates

A buyer paid $4.4 million for the piece, which Napoleon wore on his hat for special occasions and left behind when he fled Waterloo.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy