AuctionsMay 06, 2025
Harwell Godfrey Reimagines 10-Carat Blue Diamond for Met Gala-Ready BroochEditorsMay 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.
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.
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.
Priyanka Chopra Jonas in the “Magnus” emerald necklace in platinum with an octagonal emerald weighing more than 240 carats, carré diamonds, buff-top emeralds, round diamonds, and pavé-set diamonds
Anne Hathaway in Bulgari’s “Cosmic Vault” necklace in white gold featuring a 123-carat royal blue sugarloaf sapphire, 331 buff-top sapphires, and more than 85 total carats of diamonds
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.
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.
A shot of Jeremy O. Harris on the red carpet posted to Balmain’s Instagram story
Jeremy O. Harris’ ring features a portrait depicting him in in 19th-century attire
The ring references the stand used to hold the Order of St. George egg, jeweler Benjamin Hawkins said.
“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?
“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 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.
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.
More on Editors
The Latest
CollectionsSep 11, 2026
A Sapphire ‘Stardust’ Ring From Greenwich St. Jewelers The Latine-owned New York jeweler is marking two milestones this year: its 50th anniversary and the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.
ColumnistsSep 11, 2026
Sherry Smith: Stop Waiting for December to Save Your ChristmasThe stores that have a great December are the ones that made good decisions in August, September, and October, Sherry Smith writes.
MajorsSep 11, 2026
The Wishing Place by JTV OpensThe jewelry retail broadcast network has sponsored a new space for Make-A-Wish East Tennessee on its campus in Knoxville.
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk AboutSubmit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.
Events & AwardsSep 11, 2026
The Edge Awards Scholarships to 2 Young Jewelry ProfessionalsThe recipients were recognized at the 24 Karat Club of the Southeastern United States’ annual banquet.
Weekly QuizSep 10, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsSep 10, 2026
Lagos Founder Steven Lagos Steps Down as CEO Keith Rolfe, CFO and COO of Lagos, is now at the jewelry brand’s helm while Steven takes on the role of executive chairman.
CrimeSep 10, 2026
FBI Offers $50K Reward for ‘Most Wanted’ Fugitive in $1M Jewelry HeistAlberto Perez-Elias is one of four men charged in the armed robbery of a Cape Coral, Florida, jewelry store and remains at large.
Brought to you by
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying EventsRetailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.
AuctionsSep 10, 2026
Massive Matched Pair of Paraíba Tourmalines Head to Sotheby’sThe “Kat Florence Luminas” will be offered together as one lot and could fetch up to $637,000.
SourcingSep 10, 2026
AGTA Announces 4 Newly Elected DirectorsFour directors were elected to the AGTA board and will serve three-year terms beginning in February.
AuctionsSep 10, 2026
Former Sotheby’s, Christie’s Exec Appointed CEO of Julien’s Auctions Ken Citron joins the celebrity memorabilia-focused auction house ahead of its first week-long series of events in Abu Dhabi.
FinancialsSep 09, 2026
Signet Jewelers to ‘Double Down’ on Blue Nile Amid Strong SalesThe jewelry retailer said it sees opportunity at higher price points, particularly in natural diamonds for bridal and fashion.
IndependentsSep 09, 2026
Sarah Leonard Fine Jewelers Closes After Nearly 80 YearsThe Los Angeles-based, family-owned jeweler was founded by Lenny and Sunny Friedman in 1946.
SourcingSep 09, 2026
Fura Gems Notes ‘Remarkable’ Interest in Larger Rubies at Latest SaleThe auction, held in Bangkok, was 96 percent sold by lot, with nearly 411,000 carats of Mozambiquan rubies sold.
MajorsSep 09, 2026
Stuller’s Latest Catalog Includes Its New Demi-Fine CollectionFine Jewelry 2027-2028 has more than 900 new styles, including silver, gold-filled, gold-plated sterling silver, and vermeil jewelry.
Policies & IssuesSep 09, 2026
8 Key Changes the FTC Made to the Jewelry Guides: A Refresher Learn more about the new terms for lab-grown diamonds and composite gemstones, and the major changes in store for precious metals jewelry.
IndependentsSep 08, 2026
Ricky Bromberg, Longtime President of Bromberg & Co., Dies at 67 Bromberg is remembered as a Southern gentleman who always wore a suit and tie and treated others with kindness.
TrendsSep 08, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: A Hot Take on September’s Birthstone With high durability and a wide range of colors to choose from, sapphires may be the ultimate birthstone, Gizzi claims.
ColumnistsSep 08, 2026
Peter Smith: Humor Is No Laughing MatterLaughter is often considered a distraction in the workplace, but it has benefits for both staff and management, Peter Smith writes.
MajorsSep 08, 2026
Former Tiffany & Co. Exec Joins Exemplar Luxury GroupGretchen Koback Pursel is the new chief people officer at the company formerly known as Saks Global.
IndependentsSep 04, 2026
Orloff Jewelers Will Soon Unveil a Bigger, Better LocationThe California jeweler is renovating its store in Fresno, with plans to show off the new space in December.
CollectionsSep 04, 2026
Chelsea Gabrielle Transforms Pilates Reformer Springs Into Ring A lifelong practitioner of Pilates, Gabrielle looked to the springs’ tension and suspension when creating this ring, our Piece of the Week.
Events & AwardsSep 04, 2026
JCK Industry Fund Accepting 2027 ApplicationsThe deadline to apply is Nov. 13.
AuctionsSep 04, 2026
Christie's Names New Global Head of WatchesThe auction house has promoted Remi Guillemin, formerly its head of watches for the Americas and EMEA, to the role.
Events & AwardsSep 03, 2026
Here Are the First Recipients of Nina Pugliese Memorial Scholarship Jewelers of America also revealed the recipients of the Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship and its own scholarship programs.
WatchesSep 03, 2026
Robert Pattinson Joins Jaeger-LeCoultre as Brand AmbassadorThe British actor, known for his roles in “Twilight” and “The Odyssey,” will star in a campaign for the Master Control Chronometre.
CollectionsSep 03, 2026
Sydney Evan Celebrates 25 Years With 4 New CollectionsThe “Confetti Disco,” “Champagne Cheers,” “Tuxedo,” and “Classic Punk” jewelry collections each capture a distinct spirit of celebration.
