Trends

See 9 of the Met Gala 2023’s Most Memorable Jewelry Moments

TrendsMay 03, 2023

See 9 of the Met Gala 2023’s Most Memorable Jewelry Moments

Lots of layers, pearls, and even lab-grown diamonds made an appearance at the annual fundraising bash.

20230503_MetGala-header.jpg
Stars turned out in elaborate jewelry for the 2023 Met Gala. From left to right: Emily Ratajkowski in Ana Khouri, Rihanna in Bulgari and other jewels, and Lily Collins in Cartier.
New York—The stars wore pearls, diamonds, and more pearls to celebrate Karl Lagerfeld at the 2023 Met Gala.
 
The annual fundraising bash and coveted see-and-be-seen event is a fundraiser for the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute. The night’s theme matches the Institute’s annual spring exhibition, and this year it is “Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty.”
 
One of fashion’s most significant voices, throughout his career Lagerfeld designed for houses like Chloe and Fendi, and eventually his eponymous line. His most influential role, however, was that of Chanel creative director, a position he held from 1983 to his death in 2019.
 
Accordingly, pearls were the gala’s jewel of choice, being synonymous with the French fashion house. 
 
In addition to loads of white pearls, there were also some exquisite diamond pieces (click here for our senior editor’s favorite look of the night, Dua Lipa in Tiffany & Co.). 
 
In no particular order, here are nine jewelry moments from the Met Gala not to be missed.
 
Embed from Getty Images
 
Cardi B’s Bhansali Cross
An oversized cross necklace comprised of diamond slices, each surrounded by diamond pavé borders, was an unexpected addition to rapper Cardi B’s pearl layers that served as the evening’s de facto dress code.
 
Strung on a simple black cord, the Bhansali design seemed to effortlessly coordinate with her pink and black tweed Chanel dress, the third of four looks she wore throughout the night. 
 
Embed from Getty Images
 
Rihanna’s Mix and Match
Reportedly, Rihanna and boyfriend A$AP Rocky were the very last guests to arrive to the Met Museum, not that anyone would mind a late entrance from the fashion darlings. 
 
Complementing the pregnant signer’s trailing white gown with floral appliques was a Bulgari high jewelry necklace in platinum with alternating rows of Akoya pearls and white diamonds. 
 
Being the jewelry maximalist she is, Rihanna piled on another diamond and pearl double-strand necklace atop the Bulgari and wore a mix of floral and pearl earrings.

 Related stories will be right here … 
 
Embed from Getty Images
 
Michelle Yeoh’s Glamorous Cartier
Alongside a watch from her go-to Richard Mille, Michelle Yeoh donned a mix of jewels from Cartier that were befitting the newly minted Best Actress Oscar winner. 
 
Most impressive was the high jewelry transformable necklace Yeoh wore with matching earrings, both in platinum and diamonds.
 
She also wore a Cartier high jewelry ring in 18-karat white gold with diamonds and onyx.
 
Embed from Getty Images
 
Amanda Seyfried’s Flapper-Meets-Disco Look
It was impossible to tell where Amanda Seyfried’s jewelry ended and her dress began. 
 
The actress’ beaded Oscar de la Renta dress looked made to resemble her Cartier “Agrafe” jewelry suite.
 
At center stage was the multi-layer necklace, which she paired with earrings and a single ring. All were in 18-karat rose gold with diamonds.
 
Embed from Getty Images
 
Anne Hathaway’s Bulgari Choker
Anne Hathaway’s tweed Versace cut-out gown held together with gold and pearl safety pins was a sexy take on the Karl Lagerfeld-for-Chanel aesthetic. 
 
Continuing the Italian interpretation, Hathaway opted to forgo classic strands of pearls or diamonds in favor of an unexpected Bulgari high jewelry “Monete” choker with a silver coin circa 400-350 B.C. and 34.85 total carats of pavé-set diamonds in yellow gold.
 
Hathaway wore the matching “Monete” bracelet with silver coin from the Macedonia Kingdom, circa 336-323 B.C. and depicting Alexander III, set in yellow gold with 44 fancy step-cut diamonds weighing a total 3.79 carats and pavé-set diamonds weighing a total 3.77 carats. 
 
Finishing the look was a pair of 18-karat rose gold and diamond “Divas’ Dream” earrings; high jewelry ring in platinum 3.15-carat yellow diamond and white diamonds; a high jewelry “Serpenti” ring, “Monete” ring,” and two “Serpenti Viper” rings.
 
The Oscar-winning actress joined Bulgari as a brand ambassador last May.

Embed from Getty Images
 
Ana Khouri’s Time to Shine, Part 1
It’s not easy to rival the likes of Bulgari, Tiffany, and Cartier as an independent designer. 
 
Ana Khouri is one of the few to consistently play among the heavyweights on the world’s most-watched red carpets. 
 
Model Irina Shayk represented the design talent in a custom necklace comprised of two chains set with custom-cut baguette diamonds, followed by a diamond riviere-style necklace, and culminating in five pear-shaped diamond drops.
 
Embed from Getty Images
 
Ana Khouri’s Time to Shine, Part 2
Several celebs wore Khouri’s designs to the Met Gala. Sporting a rendition of the Brazilian designer’s iconic asymmetric earrings was Emily Ratajkowski.
 
She wore a “Philippa” diamond ear piece, “Philippa” diamond ear cuff, and a custom diamond drop earring. 
 
Embed from Getty Images
 
Gigi Hadid’s Lab-Grown Diamonds
A romantic sheer Givenchy gown called for equally romantic jewels for Gigi Hadid.
 
The model sported the look of the night—pearl and diamond layers. The pearls were from Lagos and the diamonds were from lab-grown diamond company Smiling Rocks. 
 
Embed from Getty Images
 
Lily Collins’ Old-School Glamour 
Lily Collins seemed of another era with her Midcentury-inspired hair and makeup, but the real transporting factor was a suite of white diamond and platinum jewelry from Cartier.
 
The actress wore the “Claustra Voyage Claustra Voyage Recommencé” high jewelry necklace and earrings in platinum with onyx and diamonds. 
 
She also wore a “Reflection de Cartier” ring in 18-karat white gold with diamonds and a “Cartier Les Oiseaux Libérés” ring in 18-karat white gold with sapphire, emerald, onyx, black ceramic, and diamonds.
 

The Latest

Gemfields Faberge
SourcingAug 12, 2025
Gemfields Sells Fabergé for $50M

Acquired by a tech investor, the historic brand will continue to focus on jewelry, accessories, and timepieces.

Shipping containers on a ship
Policies & IssuesAug 12, 2025
Higher Tariff on Chinese Imports Paused for 90 Days, Trump Says

President Donald Trump issued an executive order extending the pause on higher tariffs to November as negotiations with China continue.

Jacquie Aiche Thunderbird Slab Collection Campaign
CollectionsAug 12, 2025
Jacquie Aiche’s New Collection Harnesses the Energy of the Thunderbird

The “Thunderbird Slab” collection features a thunderbird motif as a symbol of power, protection, and boundless possibility.

rio-article photo-diamond.jpg
Brought to you by
Taking the Moment Head On: How Rio Grande Champions the Present & Future of Fine Jewelry

As a leading global jewelry supplier, Rio Grande is rapidly expanding and developing new solutions to meet the needs of jewelers worldwide.

Duvall O’Steen and Jen Cullen Williams
ColumnistsAug 12, 2025
Creative Connecting: How to Take a Better Headshot

Columnists Jen Cullen Williams and Duvall O’Steen share tips on how to elevate your professional image.

Weekly QuizAug 08, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Vigil for slain Wheat Ridge, Colorado jeweler Peter Damian Arguello
CrimeAug 11, 2025
Man Convicted of First-Degree Murder in Death of Colorado Jeweler

Peter Damian Arguello, a jeweler in the Denver suburb of Wheat Ridge, was found dead inside his store in November 2023.

Lisa Bridge
IndependentsAug 11, 2025
Lisa Bridge to Depart Ben Bridge Jeweler

The retailer, owned by Berkshire Hathaway, is becoming part of the Berkshire Hathaway Jewelry Group with Helzberg.

an instructor and a student in a bench jewelry classroom
Brought to you by
Investing in the Next Generation of Bench Jewelers

The Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.

Bethenny Frankel
Events & AwardsAug 11, 2025
Bethenny Frankel to Give Keynote at CBG’s Experience Show

The Continental Buying Group’s 2025 Tampa Experience Show is slated for Sept. 8-10.

Nora Kühner fashion design consulting trend forecast colors 2027
EditorsAug 11, 2025
The Colors Expected to Be On-Trend in a Couple Years

Associate Editor Lauren McLemore recently attended a fabrics trade show where a trend forecaster shared her predictions for summer 2027.

Brilliant Earth Jolie Mosaics engagement ring
FinancialsAug 08, 2025
Brilliant Earth’s Q2 Sales Up 3% as Engagement Ring Sales Rise

The company raised its full-year sales guidance while noting it has not yet assessed the potential impact of the latest tariff news.

Jewellers for Hope charity event
Events & AwardsAug 08, 2025
GJEPC’s Jewellers for Hope Celebrates 10 Years of Fundraising

The organization has raised more than $1.3 million for charity since its inception.

Black and white photo of Tony Bennett near a microphone
WatchesAug 07, 2025
Bulova’s New Collection Honors Tony Bennett

The first watch in the series commemorates his participation in the Civil Rights movement, marching from Selma to Montgomery in 1965.

Sapphire page in Chatham’s “Ultimate Lab-Grown Catalog”
Lab-GrownAug 07, 2025
Chatham Releases Catalog for Loose Lab-Grown Gemstones

The catalog contains a complete listing of all the loose gemstones in stock, as well as information about the properties of each stone.

Rembrandt Blue Jay, Hummingbird, Cardinal Bird Charms
TechnologyAug 07, 2025
Rembrandt Charms Debuts New Website, Bird Charms

The company added a retailer dashboard to its site and three new birds to its charm collection, the cardinal, blue jay, and hummingbird.

Shipping containers on a ship
Policies & IssuesAug 06, 2025
Tariff on India to Rise to 50%, Trump Says

An additional 25 percent tariff has been added to the previously announced 25 percent.

Claire’s storefront
MajorsAug 06, 2025
Claire’s Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Again

The jewelry and accessories retailer plans to close 18 stores as part of the proceedings.

Smith & Son Jewelers storefront Springfield Massachusetts
IndependentsAug 06, 2025
Smith & Son Jewelers to Close 107-Year-Old Location

Its Springfield, Massachusetts, store is set to close as owner Andrew Smith heads into retirement.

Zahn-Z Beluga Spout Grey Spinel Ring and Beluga Spout Mandarin Garnet Ring
CollectionsAug 06, 2025
Zahn-Z Swims With Whales in ‘Beluga’ Collection

Designer Hiba Husayni looked to the whale’s melon shaped-head, blowhole, and fluke for her new chunky gold offerings.

Omar Roy mugshot
CrimeAug 05, 2025
Report: Suspect Arrested in 1992 Murder of Miami Jeweler

Omar Roy, 72, was arrested in connection with the murder of jeweler Dionisio Carlos Valladares.

Mignon Faget Beyond Katrina Pendant and Beyond Katrina Pin
CollectionsAug 05, 2025
Mignon Faget Commemorates 20th Anniversary of Hurricane Katrina

The New Orleans-based brand’s “Beyond Katrina” jewels honor the communities affected by the storm.

National Jeweler columnist Lilian Raji
ColumnistsAug 05, 2025
The PR Adviser: Affiliate Marketing Is the Cost of Coverage

Lilian Raji explains why joining an affiliate network is essential for brands seeking placements in U.S. consumer publications.

Jewelers of America Logo
Events & AwardsAug 05, 2025
JA Announces Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship Winners

The organization has awarded a total of $42,000 through its scholarship programs this year.

2026 Gem Awards logo
Events & AwardsAug 04, 2025
Gem Awards, David Yurman Introduce $50K Grant for Emerging Designers

The winner of the inaugural David Yurman Gem Awards Grant will be announced live at the 2026 Gem Awards gala.

Marlo Laz peridot and diamond Alexandra earrings
TrendsAug 04, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: August’s Bright Baubles

As summer winds down, celebrate the sunny disposition of the month’s birthstones: peridot and spinel.

Surveillance image of Watch King robbery suspect
CrimeAug 04, 2025
‘The Watch King’ Assaulted, Robbed in Queens

Moshe Haimoff, a social media personality and 47th Street retailer, was robbed of $559,000 worth of jewelry by men in construction outfits.

Xavier Dibbrell
MajorsAug 04, 2025
Borsheims Welcomes New Assistant Facilities Manager

Xavier Dibbrell brings more than a decade of experience to the role.

×

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