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

Francesca Villa On the Road Collection Race On Brooch and Long Road Necklace
CollectionsJun 23, 2026
Francesca Villa Goes ‘On the Road’

The capsule collection looks to vintage trunk pins that echo the spirit of speed, freedom, and the mythology of the American road trip.

A group of Paraiba tourmalines, two of which are possibly from Ethiopia
SourcingJun 23, 2026
New Paraíba Tourmaline Source Reportedly Discovered in Ethiopia

SSEF issued a notice about the potential new source of the sought-after gemstone, citing “credible reports” from trade sources.

Etsy Shop Other Jeffs campaign on a truck
MajorsJun 23, 2026
Etsy Says ‘Shop Other Jeffs’ This Prime Day

As Amazon Prime Day kicks off, Etsy is encouraging shoppers to support small businesses.

Brought-To-By-Article-Top-Image.jpg
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center Stage

Colored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.

Cole Winward
Events & AwardsJun 23, 2026
AGA Announces 2026 Scholarship Winner

Cole Winward is the recipient of 2026 AGA Gemological Scholarship.

Weekly QuizJun 17, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Picture from press conference in Basel for new trade show, Basilia
Events & AwardsJun 22, 2026
Plans Announced for New Trade Show in Basel

Scheduled for April 2027, Basilia will be the first watch and jewelry trade show held in Basel since the collapse of Baselworld in 2020.

Gem Awards 2027 Logo
Events & AwardsJun 22, 2026
Gem Awards Opens 2027 Nomination Period

Submissions for the milestone 25th annual Gem Awards will be accepted across three categories from now through July 31.

DCA-NJ-article-1872x1052-060826.jpg
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce Solutions

DCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.

Engineer Master II Snoopy Flying Ace Ball watch
WatchesJun 22, 2026
Snoopy Inspires New ‘Flying Ace’ Ball Watch

The beloved beagle dons his aviator outfit for the new Engineer Master II Snoopy Flying Ace timepiece.

Sotheby’s Paraiba tourmaline 7.70 carats
AuctionsJun 18, 2026
Paraíba Tourmalines Sell for $3.4M at Sotheby's

The recent high jewelry auction, which also featured the sale of a 10-carat blue diamond, was “a celebration of color.”

Almasika Le Cauri Endiamanté Drop Earrings
CollectionsJun 18, 2026
Michelle Obama Wears Almasika Earrings Symbolizing Feminine Power

She wore the “Le Cauri Endiamanté” earrings, our Piece of the Week, in the Obamas’ first dual portrait for the Obama Presidential Center.

Graphic for Episode 6 of My Next Question featuring Michelle Orman
PodcastsJun 17, 2026
Episode 6: Las Vegas 2026-Trends, Traffic, Broken Bathrooms

Couture’s Michelle Orman joins Amanda Gizzi and Michelle Graff for this special post-Market Week episode of My Next Question.

SSEF emerald with filler
GradingJun 17, 2026
SSEF Issues Warning on Refilled Emeralds

The lab is seeing emeralds with filler added post-testing enter the market, accompanied by reports that indicate little to no treatment.

Former Patek Philippe President Philippe Stern
WatchesJun 17, 2026
Patek Philippe’s ‘Visionary’ Leader Philippe Stern Dies at 88

The third generation of the Stern family to head Patek Philippe, he navigated the “quartz crisis” and preserved the brand’s independence.

James Avery Schertz Texas storefront
MajorsJun 17, 2026
James Avery to Revamp In-Store Retail Experience

The Texas-based jeweler is gradually rolling out a new experience-forward layout in its stores.

Seattle Seahawks Championship Ring by Jason of Beverly Hills
MajorsJun 17, 2026
Seahawks’ Super Bowl Ring Blends Meaningful Design, Technical Craftsmanship

The Super Bowl LX champions were honored with diamond and blue sapphire rings by Jason of Beverly Hills.

Marianna Smirnova
Policies & IssuesJun 17, 2026
Community for Ethical Jewelry Names New Executive Director

Marianna Smirnova previously spent a decade working with the Responsible Minerals Initiative, in addition to other relevant roles.

NBA Larry O'Brien Trophy
MajorsJun 16, 2026
5 Things to Know About the 2026 NBA Championship Trophy

The New York Knicks took home the Larry O'Brien Trophy crafted by Tiffany & Co.

Lionheart Cactus Pendant
TrendsJun 16, 2026
Post-Vegas Jewelry Trend Report: Big Beads, Western Flair, White Metals

Associate Editor Natalie Francisco lists the trends she spotted during Jewelry Market Week that will dominate the second half of 2026.

Oscar Heyman ruby ring
SourcingJun 16, 2026
GemGuide Updates Ruby Prices

Its app now reflects increased prices for Mozambique ruby, as well as changes to its Burma ruby charts.

Alicia Arnold
MajorsJun 16, 2026
Sasha Primak Hires New Design Director

The manufacturer has tapped Alicia Arnold, the former director of custom design at Tiny Jewel Box.

Boulle family in hard hats
IndependentsJun 15, 2026
DeBoulle Diamond & Jewelry to Renovate Dallas Flagship

The revamped, elevated space will feature a two-story Patek Philippe atelier and a rooftop patio for parties.

G Shock Coca Cola
WatchesJun 15, 2026
G-Shock, Coca-Cola Partner on Bottle-Inspired Watch

The special-edition piece marks the 140th anniversary of the iconic beverage brand.

Buddha Mama earrings
TrendsJun 15, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Tiny Charms Are Trending

Here are 13 small charms to inspire your layered looks this summer.

16th century flower cluster hogback diamond ring
AuctionsJun 12, 2026
16th-Century ‘Hogback’ Diamond Ring Going Up for Auction in London

Found by a metal detectorist, the ring likely belonged to a wealthy, possibly royal, owner, said Noonans.

Chouette Designs Margaux Ring
CollectionsJun 12, 2026
Chouette Designs To Launch Collection Celebrating All Types of Love

Our Pride Month Piece of the Week, the “Margaux” ring, is part of the wife-and-wife team’s new “Lovestoned” collection.

CBG logo
Events & AwardsJun 12, 2026
CBG Announces Plans for Phoenix Show

The group has named the keynote speaker and announced a new pavilion for its next event, which is slated for September.

×

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