EditorsMay 02, 2023
At the Met Gala, Dua Lipa’s 200+ Carats of Diamonds Stole the Show 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.
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.
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.
More on Trends
The Latest
Events & AwardsApr 18, 2025
Daymond John to Give Keynote at JCK Las VegasThe entrepreneur and “Shark Tank” star will share his top tips for success.
CollectionsApr 18, 2025
Piece of the Week: Dukachi’s ‘Easter Bread’ PendantThe Ukrainian brand’s new pendant is modeled after a traditional paska, a pastry often baked for Easter in Eastern European cultures.
IndependentsApr 18, 2025
Bremer Jewelry to Reveal Renovated StoreThe jeweler has announced a grand reopening for its recently remodeled location in Peoria, Illinois.
MajorsApr 18, 2025
Tiffany & Co. Employees Star in Mother’s Day CampaignThe “Strong Like Mom” campaign features moms who work at Tiffany & Co. and their children.
Weekly QuizApr 18, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsApr 17, 2025
John Hardy, Athena Calderone Partner on Art Deco Decor-Inspired CollectionInterior designer Athena Calderone looked to decor from the 1920s and 1930s when crafting her first fine jewelry collection.
FinancialsApr 17, 2025
Movado Group to Increase Prices to Offset Tariffs ImpactDuring a call about its full-year results, CEO Efraim Grinberg discussed how the company is approaching the uncertainty surrounding tariffs.
Brought to you by
The Heart of the Industry: Giving Bench Jewelers the Recognition They DeserveBench jewelers spend years honing their skills, Jewelers of America’s Certification validates their talents.
Lab-GrownApr 17, 2025
NDC Launches Its Diamond Learning CenterThe free program provides educational content for jewelry salespeople and enthusiasts to learn or refresh their diamond knowledge.
Policies & IssuesApr 17, 2025
Jewelers of America Requests Tariffs Testimonials from MembersThe feedback will be used to prepare other jewelers for the challenges ahead, the organization said.
TechnologyApr 17, 2025
Technology Therapy Group Expands AI Training for Jewelry RetailersThe online sessions are designed to teach jewelers to use AI tools like ChatGPT and Claude to grow their business.
IndependentsApr 16, 2025
Catbird Expands to ChicagoThe opening marks the jewelry retailer’s first location in the Midwest.
CollectionsApr 16, 2025
Foundrae’s First Commitment Jewelry Collection Unites Through LoveThe “United in Love” collection offers tangible mementos of hearts entwined with traditional and non-traditional commitment heirlooms.
IndependentsApr 16, 2025
Indiana Jeweler to Host Black Jewelry Designer Pop-UpRobert Goodman Jewelers will hold a “Black Jewelry Designers and Makers” event on April 27.
MajorsApr 16, 2025
WJA Announces Board Members, New Chicago Chapter PresidentThe announcements follow a tumultuous start to 2025 for WJA, which saw a wave of resignations following controversial statements about DEI.
EditorsApr 15, 2025
Tariffs: What We Know Right Now Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff answers questions about how the new taxes levied on countries like India and China will impact the industry.
EditorsApr 15, 2025
Q&A: Bogolo Joy Kenewendo on Making Deals, Marketing DiamondsKenewendo, Botswana’s minster of minerals and energy, discusses closing the deal with De Beers and the work that was missed along the way.
AuctionsApr 15, 2025
23-Carat ‘Golconda Blue’ Heads to AuctionThe historic fancy vivid blue diamond set to headline Christie’s Geneva sale next month could sell for up to $50 million.
FinancialsApr 15, 2025
LVMH’s Q1 Sales Slip 2 PercentLVMH CFO Cécile Cabanis also discussed the effects of tariffs so far.
CrimeApr 15, 2025
Jon Hamm Plays a Jewel Thief on Apple TV+The “Mad Men” and “The Morning Show” star steals jewelry, art, and handbags from his wealthy neighbors in “Your Friends & Neighbors.”
SourcingApr 15, 2025
Diamond Club West Coast Names 2025 BoardThe organization has reelected Kalpesh Jhaveri as president.
FinancialsApr 14, 2025
Movado to Restate Years of Financials Due to ‘Misconduct’ in Dubai An investigation found that the former managing director of Movado’s Dubai branch overstated and prematurely recorded sales.
CollectionsApr 14, 2025
Sauer Embraces Emptiness Through ‘Ma’ CollectionThe collection pays tribute to the Japanese philosophy of Ma, studying balance, stillness, and the interplay between presence and absence.
IndependentsApr 14, 2025
Illinois Jeweler Closing After 45 YearsMari Lou’s Fine Jewelry in Orland Park, a suburb of Chicago, is closing its doors.
GradingApr 14, 2025
GIA Expands Overseas Services as Tariffs Kick InGIA’s labs in Dubai and Hong Kong are now accepting larger diamonds in light of the “logistical challenges” presented by the new tariffs.
AuctionsApr 11, 2025
Piece of the Week: A Replica of Princess Grace’s Wedding EarringsThese earrings by Van Cleef & Arpels, featuring the same design as a pair worn by Princess Grace, are up for auction at Woolley & Wallis.
Recorded WebinarsApr 11, 2025
Watch: Top Tips for Saving Time With AITwo experts share how artificial intelligence tools can help retailers run a more efficient business.
