Editors

This Ohio Designer’s Jewelry Made It to the Met Gala

EditorsMay 05, 2026

This Ohio Designer’s Jewelry Made It to the Met Gala

Megan Piccione dressed Lauren Wasser in layers of diamond jewelry, making her stand out in a crowd that included celebrities like Beyoncé.

Met Gala 2026 Beyonce, Lisa Manobal, Hailey Bieber
For the 2026 Met Gala, attendees like (left to right) Beyoncé, Lisa Manobal, and Hailey Bieber were asked to express the concept of fashion as an art form and celebrate depictions of the dressed body throughout history. (Images courtesy of Chopard, Bulgari, and Suzanne Belperron/Images Credit: Getty Images)
The Met Gala has returned once again with outstanding looks worn by celebrities that attempt to answer the age-old question, Is fashion art?

The theme invited attendees to express their own relationship to fashion as an art form and celebrate depictions of the dressed body throughout art history, The Met said.

While their clothing told a story evoking the theme, it wouldn’t have been complete without jewelry.

Pieces from many of the usual brands, like Tiffany & Co., Bulgari, and Chopard, were spotted on the red carpet while Cleveland, Ohio-based independent jeweler Megan Piccione made her Met Gala debut, crafting a layered look that stood out.

Here are the jewelry looks I think best embodied the 2026 Met Gala theme, “Fashion Is Art.”


Lauren Wasser
Lauren Wasser 2026 Met Gala
Images courtesy of Megan Piccione High Jewelry/Images Credit: Getty Images

Model and activist Lauren Wasser stunned at the Met Gala in layers of one-of-a-kind Megan Piccione High Jewelry.

The Cleveland, Ohio-based father-daughter atelier crafted her look, marking not only Wasser’s first time at the event, but also the jeweler’s first time bringing its couture-level jewels to one of the most globally recognized red-carpet events.

“This moment represents years of quiet work,” said Megan Piccione, owner and president of her namesake brand.

“Everything we create begins from nothing and is built by hand, in-house. To see that process culminate on the Met carpet—on a woman like Lauren, whose presence carries both strength and meaning—is incredibly significant for us.”

Piccione was named one of Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 in 2024.

Affectionately nicknamed “the girl with the golden legs,” Wasser had to have both her legs amputated following a severe bout of toxic shock syndrome.

She served on the Met Gala committee this year as the museum’s soon-to-open “Costume Art” exhibition explores the dressed body in all forms. 

Wasser’s diamond jewels flowed, from her layered necklaces to her hands filled with a ring on almost every finger.

A standout piece was a diamond necklace featuring an 8.09-carat fancy yellow diamond with a diamond halo totaling 2.20 carats.

It was styled alongside an 18-karat yellow gold necklace with a stunning 12.72-carat step-cut marquise diamond and another necklace with 31 carats of fancy yellow and white diamonds.

The 18-karat yellow gold “Twist” ring featuring a 4.02-carat emerald-cut diamond trailed up one of Wasser’s fingers, while another finger was wrapped in an 18-karat white and rose gold ring set with pavé diamonds.

Wasser also wore a three-stone ring centering on a 6.01-carat radiant-cut fancy vivid yellow diamond flanked by emerald-cut diamond side stones.

She completed her look with a 5.25-carat diamond cathedral ring in 18-karat white gold and a 4.52 carat oval-cut diamond eternity band.


Venus Williams
Embed from Getty Images
Venus Williams, who co-chaired the Met Gala alongside Beyoncé, wore a Swarovski look nodding to her 2022 portrait by Robert Pruitt for the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery.

Her black gown was accented by a sculptural chest piece crafted after the Wimbledon plate-inspired necklace she is depicted wearing in her Smithsonian portrait.

Both the chest piece and her portrait feature images of her parents, sports achievements, and references her roots in Compton, California.

It was crafted in sterling silver and features 3,800 Swarovski crystals.

“For Venus, we wanted to create something powerful and regal, rooted in her own story. The dress is built with couture construction to sculpt the body and carry both strength and symbolism,” said Giovanna Engelbert, global creative director of Swarovski.

She finished the look with an ear story complete with studs and ear cuffs.


Lisa Manobal
Lisa Manobal 2026 Met Gala
Images courtesy of Bulgari/Images Credit: Getty Images

As a Bulgari brand ambassador, everybody expected Lisa Manobal, an actress and member of the K-pop group Blackpink, would walk the Met Gala’s cobblestone carpet wearing the brand’s pieces.

Nobody expected she would wear a pair of 3D-printed arms and put jewelry on them.

Manobal wore a stunning necklace from Bulgari’s “Eclettica” collection featuring a 50.19-carat cabochon sapphire set in a platinum and 18-karat white gold accented by buff-top sapphires and marquise, step-cut, and pavé-set diamonds.

She also wore a coordinating pair of high jewelry earrings showcasing pear-cut sapphires as well as marquise, round brilliant, fancy step-cut, and pavé diamonds and buff-top sapphires.

The actress’s 3D-printed arms held a veil of fabric over her head and were adorned with a high jewelry “Serpenti” necklace and bracelet.

The arms also wore a “Serpenti Spiga” high jewelry double-spiral watch with a diamond-set case and a “Serpenti” 18-karat white gold ring set with emerald eyes.


Sabrina Carpenter
Embed from Getty Images
Sabrina Carpenter selected two Chopard necklaces to pair with her custom Christian Dior dress constructed of film from Audrey Hepburn’s 1954 film “Sabrina,” according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Two 18-karat white gold necklaces from Chopard’s “Haute Joaillerie” collection hung from her dress, one featuring 54.84 carats of diamonds and the other with 48.15 carats of diamonds.

The “House Tour” singer continued her focus on diamond pieces in 18-karat white gold with a pair of earrings set with 9.59 carats of diamonds, a ring with 2.46 carats of diamonds, and a ring from the “Ice Cube” collection.

She also wore a headpiece by Dior that was dripping in (non-precious) gems with a center stone inscribed with her name.


Stevie Nicks
Embed from Getty Images
“Fleetwood Mac” frontwoman Stevie Nicks attended the Met Gala for the first time, walking the red carpet and performing a duet with Carpender on the song “Landslide,” all in Tiffany & Co. jewelry.

The standout piece was a platinum and 18-karat yellow gold necklace from the brand’s 2024 Blue Book, centering on a more than 14-carat crystal opal accented by diamonds.

The legendary singer continued the cool-toned look with a pair of platinum line earrings set with more than 5 carats of diamonds and a pair of diamond stud earrings.

She also wore two 18-karat yellow gold and platinum rings, both featuring on a diamond weighing more than 5 carats.


Chase Infiniti
Embed from Getty Images
Actress Chase Infiniti delivered another conversation-starting look on the red carpet. 

Stepping away from the De Beers London jewelry that she wore throughout awards season, the Oscar nominee selected jewels by Marli to complement her colorful gown.

Infiniti wore a pair of “Lady Liberty” earrings set with diamonds, green tourmaline, white opal, and tsavorite, which brought out the color in her painting-like Thom Browne gown. 

She also selected a bracelet from Marli’s “Cleo” collection and two rings from its “Twilight” collection. 


Beyoncé
Beyonce 2026 Met Gala
Image courtesy of Chopard/Image Credit: Getty Images

Of course, Beyoncé stole the show as soon as she was spotted at the Met Gala for the first time in a decade wearing a sparkling skeleton gown by Olivier Rousteing.

She chose Chopard jewels to continue the shine, with an 18-karat Fairmined white gold necklace and a bracelet from “The Garden of Kalahari” collection.

The necklace features a 6.41 carat brilliant-cut diamond accented by 140 carats of diamonds while the bracelet has two emerald-cut diamonds totaling 21 carats.

A 50.99-carat cabochon emerald cuff from Chopard’s 2026 “Red Carpet” collection brought a pop of color to the sparkling skeleton.

On the superstar singer’s ears were two pairs of 18-karat white gold earrings from the “Precious Lace” collection, one with 13.45 carats of diamonds and the other with 3.77 carats.


Hailey Bieber
Hailey Bieber 2026 Met Gala
Image courtesy of Belperron/Image Credit: Getty Images

Hailey Bieber looked to this year’s theme to not only embody fashion as an art form but also celebrate dressing throughout art history with a Greek-inspired Saint Laurent gown.

Her Suzanne Belperron jewelry echoed her golden bodice through the sculptural texture of the gold, reminiscent of ancient gold treasures.

She chose the “Leaf” earclips, “Et Moi” ring, and two “Boureelet” rings—one in sapphire and one in emerald—from Belperron’s “The Virgin Gold” collection.

These pieces use a proprietary technique where 22-karat yellow gold is reinforced with an 18-karat backing for structural integrity as each piece is hand-hammered, chiseled, and brushed for a soft glow with antiqued patina.


Isha M. Ambani
Embed from Getty Images
Indian billionaire Isha M. Ambani’s jewels were the true star of the red carpet as they took over the bodice of her custom Gaurav Gupta sari crafted from pure gold threads.

Vogue India reported in an exclusive story that Ambani’s bodice was said to have emeralds and more than 200 old mine-cut diamonds from her mother Nita Ambani’s private collection.

Ambani stunned with two graduated diamond necklaces totaling more than 250 carats of diamonds, while her custom Lorraine Schwartz choker features a 50-carat Colombian emerald.

She also told Vogue during a red-carpet interview that some of the pieces she was seen wearing are sentimental gifts she received when her children were born.

To add to her already incomparable look, she carried a Subodh Gupta mango sculpture.


Zoë Kravitz
Embed from Getty Images
Zoë Kravitz walked the Met Gala’s cobblestone carpet in jewels by Jessica McCormack, a designer with whom she frequently collaborates.

Her earrings echoed the floral lace of her Saint Laurent gown as diamonds dripped from the yellow roses.

Kravitz was seen wearing a matching floral ring. However, the actress kept her right hand in her pocket. Could it have been to hide her rumored engagement ring from Harry Styles? 

 Related stories will be right here …
 

The Latest

Stock image of crime scene tape and police cars
CrimeOct 22, 2026
Jeweler Shot and Killed in His Suburban Cincinnati Store

Tara Sinchuri was the owner of Everest Jewels in Fairfield, Ohio, and a father of three. He was found dead in his store on Tuesday.

Verdura cuffs
MajorsOct 22, 2026
Neiman Marcus Has Gifts for the Jewelry Lover Who Has Everything

Bespoke experiences from Buccellati and Verdura are on the retailer’s 2026 “Fantasy Gifts” list.

JIS Fall 2026 jewelry
Events & AwardsOct 22, 2026
JIS Fall 2026 Reports Record-Breaking Attendance

The number of participants at the fall show was up 12 percent.

DeBeersICONS_TITLE1_CUSTOMCONTENT_1872x1052 (1).jpg
Brought to you by
A Diamond Is Forever Launches 2026 Holiday Campaign Championing Natural Diamonds

A Diamond Is Forever's holiday campaign reimagines natural diamond icons for a new generation celebrating individuality.

John Hardy Billie Eilish & Finneas Collection Campaign Imagery
CollectionsOct 22, 2026
Billie Eilish, Finneas Co-Design Collection for John Hardy

The Academy and Grammy award-winning siblings have collaborated with John Hardy on a new jewelry line inspired by their personal style.

Weekly QuizOct 15, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Graphic for episode 10 of the My Next Question podcast
PodcastsOct 21, 2026
Episode 10: This Episode Is Haunted 

Diana Singer shared the stories of two “cursed” diamonds on this month’s podcast, which was inexplicably riddled with technical issues.

Gardner Collier Jewelry store in Kirksville Missouri
IndependentsOct 21, 2026
Gardner-Collier Jewelry to Close After 9 Decades in Business

The family-owned jeweler has three locations across Missouri and Iowa.

lab channel btyb 0926.png
Brought to you by
Open an Account, Get $50 Off Your First Order. No Code Needed.

Built on Relationships. Refined by Craft.

Underground shaft at the Venetia diamond mine
SourcingOct 21, 2026
Venetia Mines Final Carats Ahead of 2-Year Shutdown

The De Beers-owned diamond mine in South Africa is being put on ice as part of a round of previously announced cost-cutting measures.

Off-White Jewelry Collection Imagery
CollectionsOct 21, 2026
Helzberg, Nordstrom Carrying New Jewelry Collection From Off-White

The collection centers designs with clean geometric lines, chunky sculptural pieces, and recognizable details from the luxury fashion brand.

Gemfields rubies
SourcingOct 21, 2026
Gemfields’ Mixed-Quality Ruby Auction Earns $52M

The miner said it saw particularly strong prices for larger, fine-quality rubies at the sale.

Stock image of police cars with lights on
CrimeOct 20, 2026
Security Guard Charged With Murder in Shooting at Texas Mall

The guard opened fire on a man who was smashing a jewelry display case at La Gran Plaza in Fort Worth last week, police said.

David Gardner’s Jewelers interior
IndependentsOct 20, 2026
David Gardner’s Jewelers Unveils Newly Expanded, Revamped Showroom

The Texas jeweler added 2,000 square feet to its reimagined showroom, complete with a new design studio and an event space.

Kylie Jenner Fantasy Bra Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show
SourcingOct 20, 2026
The $50M Victoria’s Secret ‘Fantasy Bra’ By The Numbers

Jacob & Co.'s diamond masterpiece is the most expensive Fantasy Bra ever worn on the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show runway.

Mignon Faget Atelier Collection Campaign Imagery
CollectionsOct 20, 2026
Mignon Faget’s Collection Chooses Handmade Over AI

The “Atelier” collection was inspired by the tools, rituals, and objects in an artist’s studio as a quiet rebuttal to an automated world.

 Rio Grande engagement ring and band
MajorsOct 19, 2026
The Knot to Acquire Rival Wedding Planning Platform Zola

The pending acquisition is an “exciting opportunity” for wedding vendors to grow their business, said The Knot Worldwide’s CEO.

The Secret Gems Thailand
SourcingOct 19, 2026
Jewelry Design Competition Show Airs in Thailand

"The Secret Gems" features eight Thai jewelry brands paired with a team of young craftspeople who create jewelry together to win challenges.

John Hardy Modern Talisman Collection Campaign Imagery
CollectionsOct 19, 2026
John Hardy Enters the Medallion Chat With Talisman Collection

The brand’s “Modern Talisman” capsule collection introduces pendants inspired by the mythology, natural world, and spiritual ethos of Bali.

Collage of independent jewelers celebrating their 100th anniversary in 2026
IndependentsOct 19, 2026
The Stories of 5 Jewelers Celebrating Their Centennials in 2026

Independent jewelers from New Mexico to New Jersey answer the question: What has kept your store in business for 100 years?

Hand holding shopping bags
SurveysOct 16, 2026
How Inflation, Gas Prices Will Affect Holiday Sales

The NRF is expecting holiday sales to increase this year, but consumers and retailers alike are facing Grinch-like headwinds.

Christina Puchi Gemstone Earrings
CollectionsOct 16, 2026
Christina Puchi’s Earrings Hold the Universe

Our Piece of the Week gathers the planets, represented by a variety of colored gemstones, in a pair of 14-karat yellow gold earrings.

Reeds Jewelers Fayetteville
IndependentsOct 16, 2026
Reeds Jewelers Expands, Relocates Flagship

The New York-based jeweler is moving its Amherst flagship store to a larger location in nearby Snyder.

Graff USA Executive Vice President Katy Chen
MajorsOct 16, 2026
Katy Chen Appointed Executive Vice President of Graff USA

Chen, who worked at Cartier and Tiffany & Co., will lead retail sales and operations for the luxury jeweler’s 11 U.S. stores.

Elise & Amy Greenberg
IndependentsOct 15, 2026
Retailer Hall of Fame 2026: Amy and Elise Greenberg

For 40 years, sisters Amy and Elise Greenberg have helmed their 126-year-old family business, leading with appreciation and integrity.

The Retail Smiths Principal Partner Peter Smith
ColumnistsOct 15, 2026
Peter Smith: What Is the Culture REP?

It’s a term Smith coined and felt compelled to share following a bad experience with an aborted flight and an unfeeling flight attendant.

Stephanie Gottlieb Movado watches
WatchesOct 15, 2026
Stephanie Gottlieb’s New Movado Watches Are Made for Your Wrist Stack

Movado teamed up with the New York-based fine jewelry designer on a new collection of Movado Museum Velura watches.

Polished diamond in tweezers
SourcingOct 15, 2026
Signet Jewelers, Richemont May Join Bidder for De Beers, Report Says

The two companies are reportedly in talks to join the Global Diamond Consortium, led by former De Beers CEO Gareth Penny, as per Bloomberg.

×

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