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

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.

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.

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.

Weekly QuizMay 15, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Exterior of Tanishq Santa Clara Storefront
MajorsMay 20, 2025
Tanishq Opens Seventh U.S. Store

Tanishq is expanding its presence in the United States with a new store in Santa Clara, California, which is its largest in the country.

New Cartier store at Los Angeles airport
FinancialsMay 19, 2025
Jewelry Sales a Standout for Richemont in 2024

Sales for Richemont’s four jewelry brands increased 8 percent, while watch sales picked up toward the end of the year.

Supplier Spotlight -Recorded-Webinar.png
Brought to you by
Watch: The Winston Red: GIA Examines the Smithsonian’s Newest Addition

Supplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA

Instappraise and NAJA logos
Events & AwardsMay 19, 2025
NAJA Opens Scholarship Applications for 2025

Two scholarships are available, one for new and non-members and another for NAJA certified members.

Day’s Jeweler’s Tuscan Village Location Painting
IndependentsMay 19, 2025
Day’s Jewelers to Open Ninth Location

The retailer’s new flagship is set to open in October at the Tuscan Village development in Salem, New Hampshire.

Gemfields emeralds, rubies, sapphires
SourcingMay 19, 2025
State of Colored Stones: The Big Three in the Modern World

Sapphires, emeralds, and rubies are finding their place in a U.S. market captivated by the gemstones once referred to as “semi-precious.”

Saks on Amazon flagship window
MajorsMay 16, 2025
Saks Fifth Avenue, Amazon Partner on Luxury Online Storefront

Plus, parent company Saks Global announces plans to cut ties with up to 600 vendors.

Graphic for My Next Question webinar with guest Peter Smith
Recorded WebinarsMay 16, 2025
Watch: Physical Retail Is Not Dead

Peter Smith joined Michelle Graff to chat about the state of brick-and-mortar stores and share a few book and podcast recommendations.

Tejen Candy Bowl Torque Necklace
CollectionsMay 16, 2025
Piece of the Week: Tejen’s ‘Candy Bowl’ Torque Necklace

The necklace features a candy-colored Australian white opal in 18-karat Fairmined gold, as the brand was named a Fairmined ambassador.

1 Camilla Dietz Bergeron.jpg
Supplier BulletinMay 15, 2025
Treasure Hunting at the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry and Watch Show

Sponsored by the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry and Watch Show

The Mediterranean Blue diamond
AuctionsMay 15, 2025
'The Mediterranean Blue' Diamond Sells for $21M at Sotheby’s

A private American collector purchased the 10-carat fancy vivid blue diamond.

Jessica McCormack Fruit Salad Campaign Imagery
CollectionsMay 15, 2025
Jessica McCormack’s ‘Fruit Salad’ Collection Is Fresh for Summer

The designer has taken the appeal of freshly picked fruit and channeled it into a capsule collection of earrings, necklaces, and pendants.

Stock image of diamonds
SourcingMay 15, 2025
Tariffs Take Toll on India’s Gem and Jewelry Industry in April

The country’s gem and jewelry exports fell 5 percent year-over-year last month, while imports declined 18 percent.

Disability advocate Catarina Rivera, JVC ADA compliance guide, circle of hands wearing jewelry
Policies & IssuesMay 15, 2025
State of Retail: How to Better Serve Customers With Disabilities

Around 54 million Americans and counting live with a disability. Here’s how to make your jewelry store and website more accessible.

Sekou Andrews
Events & AwardsMay 15, 2025
Poet Sekou Andrews to Give Closing Keynote at Converge

The event is also accepting poster submissions now through June 16.

Pope Francis
Policies & IssuesMay 14, 2025
Here’s What Happened to Pope Francis’ Ring

Before Pope Leo XIV was elected, a centuries-old procedure regarding the late pontiff’s ring was followed.

1998 Cosmograph Daytona, Ref.16516 Rolex
AuctionsMay 14, 2025
Custom Rolex Pulled From Sotheby’s Sale

The one-of-a-kind platinum Rolex Cosmograph Daytona was estimated to fetch up to $1.7 million.

Jeweler Constance Polamalu at Bloomstone, a store that specializes in lab-grown diamonds
Lab-GrownMay 14, 2025
State of Diamonds: What’s Next for Lab-Grown Diamonds?

While the product has entrenched itself in the market, retailers and consultants are assessing the next phase of the category’s development.

Surveillance footage Tiffany & Co. Seattle robbery
CrimeMay 14, 2025
Seattle Detectives Seek Public’s Help in Tiffany & Co. Robberies

The police are trying to identify the man suspected of robbing two Tiffany & Co. locations in the area.

Jeff Corey, new chairperson of the board for the Jewelers Board of Trade
MajorsMay 14, 2025
Jeff Corey Elected Chair of JBT Board

The well-known Maine jeweler takes over for Brian Fleming and will serve a one-year term.

Foundrae Ingot Pendant
Policies & IssuesMay 14, 2025
Foundrae Donates $11K to Ethical Metalsmiths

The donation was the result of the brand’s annual Earth Day Ingot event.

Eiseman Jewels ribbon cutting ceremony
IndependentsMay 13, 2025
Eiseman Jewels’ Renovated Dallas Store Is Bigger and Better

Located in NorthPark Center, the revamped store is nearly 2,000 square feet larger and includes the first Tudor boutique in Dallas.

×

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