Editors

5 ‘Superfine’ Met Gala Jewelry Moments

EditorsMay 08, 2025

5 ‘Superfine’ Met Gala Jewelry Moments

Associate Editor Lauren McLemore shares her favorite looks from a night of style inspired by Black dandyism.

2025 Met Gala jewelry
Opulent necklaces graced the necklines of celebrities on the 2025 Met Gala blue carpet, from event Co-Chair A$AP Rocky’s Bulgari 12-carat ruby and diamond necklace (left), to Kendall Jenner’s opulent Chopard diamond collar (center), and Coco Jones’ statement tanzanite and diamond necklace by India-based Manish Malhotra Jewellery (right).
Each year, the start of May signals the coming of several events I spend all year looking forward to—my birthday, the Kentucky Derby, peony season, and the Met Gala.

The annual event takes place at the Metropolitan Museum of Art as a fundraiser for its Costume Institute, and the theme of the evening is based on the institute’s upcoming exhibition.

This year’s spring exhibition, set to open Saturday, is “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style.”

Inspired by curator Monica Miller’s 2009 book, “Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity,” it’s the first Costume Institute exhibition dedicated to men’s style since 2003, when the museum opened “Bravehearts: Men in Skirts.”

The 2025 Met Gala dress code was Tailored for You, inviting guests to interpret menswear. 

So, naturally, brooches were everywhere, from a pin featuring a lab-grown diamond made from tequila to unique vintage curations.

Celebrities brought their most dapper looks to the blue carpet, opting for all types of suits and accessorizing with canes and top hats, as well as elaborate statement necklaces, elegant diamond pieces and sizeable colored gemstones.

Here are a few jewelry moments from the 2025 gala that I still haven’t gotten over.

Massive Gemstone Necklaces
Speaking of all the great things about May, the month’s birthstone had quite the moment at the Met Gala when Priyanka Chopra Jonas stepped out in a showstopping emerald necklace from Bulgari. 

The “Magnus” necklace features an emerald weighing more than 240 carats, the largest faceted stone ever set by the brand.  

It’s part of Bulgari’s new “Polychroma” high jewelry collection, set to be officially unveiled later this month. 


It’s not Chopra Jonas’ first time wearing a significant gemstone to the Met Gala. 

The actress and producer debuted the “Bulgari Laguna Blu” diamond at the 2023 Met Gala just weeks before it sold at Sotheby’s, becoming the most valuable gem set into a piece of Bulgari jewelry ever sold at auction.

Other Bulgari brand ambassadors and “friends of the house” also wore pieces from the Polychroma collection at the Met Gala, including Anne Hathaway, who wore the “Cosmic Vault” necklace featuring a blue sugarloaf sapphire weighing more than 120 carats.

A Jewelry House Debut
Another jewelry debut took place on the Met Gala carpet on Monday, this time launching an entirely new venture.

“F1” actor Damson Idris premiered his new fine jewelry company Didris, showing up to the event in pieces he designed.  


He paired his red Tommy Hilfiger suit with a brooch that featured, according to Vanity Fair, an 11-carat emerald with accenting tourmalines and tsavorites, as well as a pendant necklace in yellow and rose gold with green tourmaline. 

 Related stories will be right here … 

Thoughtful Portraiture
If there was one celebrity I knew would nail the theme, it was Jeremy O. Harris, and it’s safe to say he delivered.

The Tony-nominated playwright and screenwriter, who recently wrote an article for Vogue about what it means to be a modern dandy and penned an essay for the “Presence” section of the exhibition’s catalog, got serious about the details of his Met Gala look. 

The writer worked with jeweler Benjamin Hawkins on a custom one-of-a-kind ring featuring a 2.20-carat peach brown pear-shape diamond set in gold with a guilloche enamel base and a portrait of Harris in a diamond frame. 

“The portrait of Jeremy features him in 19th-century attire wearing a silver collar and a pearl earring and is enameled using the same techniques used in the portraits of the tsars in Carl Faberge’s 19th- century eggs,” explained Hawkins. 

“The crown on top of Jeremy is also in keeping with crowns used to top the enameled portraits of royals depicted on the original eggs.” 

The engraving under the enamel references Frederick Douglass’ cane, Hawkins added, using a mix of fonts in keeping with the style of engraving at the time. 

I also loved actress Adrienne Warren’s personal take on her jewels, opting for custom lockets by Maggie Simpkins featuring photos of her loved ones.

Pearly Whites
White was a trend at the Met Gala this year, with celebrities including Zendaya, Madonna, and Anna Sawai sporting all-white suits to the event. 

Speaking of sporting, remember when Olympic track and field champion Noah Lyles wore the coolest diamond chain-link necklace while competing at the 2024 Summer Games? 


It turns out, the star athlete’s style extends beyond the track. He hit the Met Gala blue carpet in a South Sea pearl necklace by Ana Khouri that, I have to say, is very dandy indeed.

Yvonne Orji Met Gala 2025
Yvonne Orji in Yoko London’s white gold South Sea pearl earrings


Another pearl look worth a mention—“Insecure” star Yvonne Orji’s pearl earrings by Yoko London, a perfect addition to her sewing supplies-studded blazer.

Diamonds Down The Back
Diamonds certainly took center stage at the gala this year and there was no holding back on big, flashy pieces. 

However, my personal favorite was one of the more understated pieces of the night. 

Kerry Washington wearing this Chopard necklace from the brand's Haute Joaillerie collection featuring 120.16-carats of diamonds, styled to drape down her back, was such a moment.

When done well, this style will never not be a classy look. Chef’s kiss. 


A close second favorite was Kendall Jenner, also in Chopard. Her elaborate necklace, seen in the header image, featuring more than 85 total carats of diamonds set in 18-karat white gold, made me pause the livestream twice for a closer view.

There’s always an experimental element to the looks at Met Gala, and watching attendees push the boundaries of the theme is what makes it so exciting. 

As was evident on the carpet, this year’s theme proved particularly powerful.

Ahead of the gala, Vogue published an explainer on Black dandyism that reads, in part, “The sharp suit, the polished shoes, the bow tie—these were not just fashion choices; they were ways of asserting one’s right to exist on their own terms.

“In a racially segregated America, the Black dandy’s outfit became a form of resistance, an elegant middle finger to a society that sought to define them by race, not character.”

As in most creative industries, we see rule-breaking in jewelry often, but the empowered self-expression on the Met Gala carpet this year was inspiring.

I loved this blurb from Nastya Ivlieva’s (@lostinjewels) take on three on-theme looks: “That dandy spirit of ‘I created myself.’ Every ruler, every tequila shard, every brushstroke in that tiny portrait all saying the same thing: You don’t get to define me.” 

I couldn’t have said it better myself. 

The Latest

Graff Fontainebleau Las Vegas
MajorsMay 28, 2025
Graff Unveils New Las Vegas Flagship

The 3,300-square foot location is the jeweler's largest store in North America.

Kim Kardashian
CrimeMay 28, 2025
8 Convicted in Kim Kardashian Jewelry Heist Trial

Aging and with myriad health issues, none will serve time for their roles in robbing the billionaire celebrity at gunpoint in 2016.

New York Liberty 2024 WNBA Championship Ring
CollectionsMay 28, 2025
NY Liberty’s 2024 Championship Rings Honor Historic Win

The WNBA team received rings imbued with meaning, from leaf motifs and its Liberty torch to the number of diamonds used.

Article Image 1.png
Brought to you by
Clienteling Isn’t a Buzzword. It’s an Essential Business Model.

More shoppers are walking out without buying. Here’s how smart jewelers can bring them back—and the tool they need to do it right.

Jewelers Board of Trade logo
MajorsMay 28, 2025
Andrew Rickard Named JBT President

A longtime executive at RDI Diamonds, Rickard has served on the JBT board for the past five years.

Weekly QuizMay 22, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Logos for Manufacturing Jewelers & Suppliers of America and Jewelers of America
MajorsMay 27, 2025
MJSA to Become Part of Jewelers of America

The two organizations have signed an affiliation agreement that’s expected to be finalized in the coming weeks.

Al Capone Pocket Watch
AuctionsMay 27, 2025
Al Capone’s Patek Philippe Pocket Watch Back Up for Auction

The platinum and diamond watch is part of Sotheby’s upcoming Important Watches sale.

antique_Vegas_2024_by_headshot_stories_9454.jpg
Brought to you by
Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show: Showcasing the Most Collectible Merchandise from Across the Globe

Gain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.

Kat Florence Lumina
AuctionsMay 27, 2025
182-Carat Paraíba-Type Tourmaline Sells for $487K

Recovered in Mozambique, “The Kat Florence Lumina” was part of Bonhams’ Hong Kong jewelry auction held last week.

Mark Henry Gumdrop Bypass Ring
TrendsMay 27, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Candy-Colored Gemstones

Get a taste of the delicious candy-like gemstones in this Amanda’s Style File.

Stock image of police cars with their lights on
CrimeMay 23, 2025
JSA Shares Holiday Weekend Security Tips Amid Spike in Burglaries

JSA’s Scott Guginsky provided a list of nine security measures jewelers should observe while locking up for the long weekend.

Bliss Lau Bright Ring
CollectionsMay 23, 2025
Piece of the Week: Bliss Lau’s ‘Bright’ Ring

From Lau’s “Love of a Kind” series, the engagement ring was inspired by the moon and holds a different meaning depending on how it is worn.

GIA pearl report
GradingMay 23, 2025
GIA Updates Pearl Classification System

The lab has adjusted the scale it uses for nacre grading.

GCALbySarine Diamond Journey Certificate_1872x1052.jpg
Supplier BulletinMay 22, 2025
How to Put Natural Diamonds Back in the Spotlight

Sponsored by GCAL by Sarine

The late West Virginia jeweler David Ettinger
CrimeMay 22, 2025
NY Jeweler Sentenced in Shoving Death of Colleague at IJO Show

David Walton will serve three years’ probation after an incident in a hotel bar led to the death of West Virginia jeweler David Ettinger.

Watches of Switzerland store in Mall of America
FinancialsMay 22, 2025
Watches of Switzerland’s Full-Year U.S. Sales Climb 14%

The retailer also provided an update on how the tariffs situation in the U.S. is affecting its business.

Jorge Adeler, Wendy Adeler, Valentina Adeler
IndependentsMay 22, 2025
Adeler Jewelers Celebrates 50 Years

The family-owned jeweler in Great Falls, Virginia, will be celebrating its golden jubilee with a year’s worth of events.

Jose Hess Design Awards 2025 Trophy
Events & AwardsMay 22, 2025
Jose Hess Design Awards Announce Judges

The nonprofit elected five judges who will decide the winners of its design competition.

MJSA 2025-2026 Buyer’s Guide
MajorsMay 22, 2025
MJSA Releases 2025-2026 Buyer’s Guide

This year’s edition includes articles on the favorite tools of notable designers, evaluating when to outsource production, and more.

Bulgari Invisible Violet Necklace and Rainbow Flow Necklace
CollectionsMay 21, 2025
Bulgari Highlights Its Colorful Past in Phenomenal ‘Polychroma’ Collection

The jeweler’s high jewelry collection features extraordinary gemstones, like a 241.06-carat emerald and the world’s fourth-largest spinel.

Industry analyst Edahn Golan
ColumnistsMay 21, 2025
Edahn’s Take: Analyzing the 2025 ‘$100 Million Supersellers’ List

In a special column for the State of the Majors, Edahn Golan breaks down what the top-performing fine jewelry sellers are doing right.

Beyoncé bolo tie necklace
MajorsMay 21, 2025
Beyoncé Dons Brilliant Earth Necklace During Cowboy Carter Tour

The bolo tie necklace is inspired by “Queen Bey” and set with a nearly 15-carat black diamond.

Gem Legacy logo
SourcingMay 21, 2025
Gem Legacy Expands Advisory Council

The nonprofit focused on mining communities in East Africa has added three new members to its advisory council.

Annie Doresca
MajorsMay 20, 2025
Annie Doresca to Lead DCA as New CEO, President

Current Diamond Council of America President and CEO Terry Chandler is set to retire in January 2026.

QVC Group logo
FinancialsMay 20, 2025
QVC Group to Voluntarily Delist from Nasdaq

The company's Series A shares will continue to trade following a reverse stock split while its Series B shares will be delisted.

National Jeweler columnist Peter Smith
ColumnistsMay 20, 2025
Peter Smith: Leading Through Change

Communicating clearly with your staff is key to navigating turbulent times, writes columnist Peter Smith.

Luis Morais Miami Beach Flagship Interior
IndependentsMay 20, 2025
Luis Morais Opens Flagship, Launches Collection Celebrating 25 Years

The “Inner Journey” collection debuted as the brand celebrated its 25th anniversary, with designs inspired by Morais’ journey.

×

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