CollectionsMay 01, 2026
A ‘Hidden Garden’ Emerges in Tiffany & Co.’s 2026 Blue BookTrendsMay 08, 2026
Rihanna Chooses ‘Desert Diamonds’ for 2026 Met Gala
She wore our Piece of the Week, Glenn Spiro’s “Old Moghul Golconda” earrings, featuring fancy brown-yellow diamonds totaling 51.90 carats.
Rihanna has been a highlight of the Met Gala for years, showcasing artful looks on the red carpet as she arrives fashionably late, and this year was no different.
Tasked with the dress code “Fashion Is Art,” she wore a Maison Margiela gown by Glenn Martens which was inspired by medieval architecture and the paintings of Flemish Primitives in Flanders, northern Belgium.
While her gown was constructed with recycled computer wire as threads, the corseted bodice used more than 115,000 crystal beads, antique jewels, and chains.
However, the standout feature of Rihanna’s look was her Glenn Spiro earrings.
Tasked with the dress code “Fashion Is Art,” she wore a Maison Margiela gown by Glenn Martens which was inspired by medieval architecture and the paintings of Flemish Primitives in Flanders, northern Belgium.
While her gown was constructed with recycled computer wire as threads, the corseted bodice used more than 115,000 crystal beads, antique jewels, and chains.
However, the standout feature of Rihanna’s look was her Glenn Spiro earrings.
Embed from Getty Images
The “Old Moghul Golconda” earrings, our Piece of the Week, feature two fancy brown-yellow diamonds totaling 51.90 carats.
Set in 18-karat rose gold and titanium, each pear-cut diamond is surrounded by reverse-set white diamonds totaling 29.32 carats.
“Our focus has always been on discovering the gems first, and then creating designs that follow their lead,” said Glenn Spiro, founder and master jeweler of his eponymous brand.
“The ultimate goal is to find the perfect woman to bring these creations to life. Seeing the two stunning old mine cognac diamonds worn by Rihanna at the Met Gala was a truly perfect match.”
The selection of a piece using “Desert Diamonds” has been trending since De Beers launched its “beacon” program last fall. It expanded it into the bridal category last month with a campaign and industry-wide umbrella program.
Bad Bunny also wore a Desert Diamond for his Super Bowl Halftime performance in February and Rose Byrne selected a Desert Diamond suite by Taffin for her look at the Oscars in March.
While the largest diamonds worn by Rihanna were the Desert Diamonds, she also wore pieces centering white diamonds.
She completed her ear story with a collection of ear cuffs from Briony Raymond and Dyne.
Rihanna also wore (from left to right) Briony Raymond’s “Sloan” 14-karat white gold ear cuff in pavé, a slim 14-karat white gold version in pavé, and a version in 18-karat yellow gold as well as Dyne’s “Elixia” ear cuff in 18-karat yellow gold
On her right ear, she wore a stack of three Briony Raymond ear cuffs—the “Sloane” ear cuff in 18-karat white gold with pavé diamonds, the slim version of the “Sloane” ear cuff in 18-karat white gold and pavé, and a simpler version in 18-karat yellow gold.
Her left ear showcased Dyne’s “Elixia” ear cuff that wraps twice over the ear in 18-karat white gold with reverse-set diamonds.
Rihanna also wore a handful of rings and multiple bangles that perfectly matched her antique-adorned gown.
Rihanna’s bracelets included (top row, left to right) Munnu Gem Palace’s torque bangle and Joseph Saidian and Sons’ Victorian bangle as well as a “Flower” bangle (bottom row) from Munnu Gem Palace on each wrist.
The Victorian bangle, circa 1900, was sourced from Joseph Saidian and Sons. It’s seen on her left wrist and showcases rose-cut diamonds in silver and 14-karat yellow gold, while the other bracelets were from Munnu Gem Palace.
She wore a “Flower” bangle featuring rose- and round-cut diamonds in 14-karat yellow gold and silver on each wrist as well as a rose-cut diamond torque bangle totaling 13 carats in 18-karat white gold and silver on her right wrist.
Rihanna also styled three rings with her Met Gala look, two of which are from Munnu Gem Palace—a “Munnu” ring (left) and an “Indo-Russian” ring (right)
Munnu Gem Palace also provided two of her three rings.
Continuing the rose-cut diamond theme was a “Munnu” ring in 14-karat gold and silver that totaled 28.52 carats of diamonds on Rihanna’s left hand. On her right hand, she wore an “Indo-Russian” ring in 14-karat yellow gold with a 3.20 carat diamond at its center.
On her right ring finger was a ring designed by Suzanne Belperron in the 1930s, sourced by Fred Leighton.
Of course, we can’t forget to mention the vintage-inspired nail appliqué that dripped with shimmering crystals like a piece of Victorian jewelry.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Trends
The Latest
MajorsJun 08, 2026
Stuller Expands Selection of Lab-Grown Diamonds, Demi-Fine JewelryThe jewelry manufacturer has added Taylor Swift-esque diamond shapes, and more silver, gold vermeil, and gold-plated jewelry.
SourcingJun 08, 2026
Sally Morrison to Depart De Beers This Summer Morrison has been marketing diamonds on and off since the early 2000s and said she is leaving to “pursue new projects.”
TechnologyJun 08, 2026
Overnight Mountings Launches Ring Builder PlatformThe platform allows retailers to guide clients through a customizable engagement ring buying experience in a branded interface.
Brought to you by
All Eyes on Gold Prices. Alternatives to Look For. And What to BEWARE of in VegasAs gold prices rise, today’s retailers are looking for alternatives at prices that will appeal to wider audiences.
IndependentsJun 05, 2026
Pennsylvania Jewelry Store To Close After 79 YearsJim Springer, owner of Dunkelberger’s Fine Jewelry, is heading into retirement.
Weekly QuizJun 05, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SurveysJun 05, 2026
Consumers to Cut Back on Spending Amid Rising Prices, Survey Shows When conducting its May consumer confidence survey, The Conference Board asked extra questions about consumers’ budgeting strategies.
CollectionsJun 05, 2026
Rebel Jewelry’s Charm Symbolizes Perseverance for Pride MonthThe “Tunnel” charm, our Piece of the Week, celebrates Pride Month with its design inspired by hope and the light at the end of the tunnel.
Brought to you by
How Modern Training Is Becoming a Competitive Advantage for Jewelry RetailersWith the trade and customer trust in mind, GIA® developed NextGem™ – on-demand training designed specifically for retail.
SourcingJun 05, 2026
State of Diamonds: The Way Forward for Natural DiamondsThe jewelry industry is reassessing its positioning as Gen Z reshapes the retail landscape and lab grown continues to gain market share.
AuctionsJun 04, 2026
Treasures from Maurice Tempelsman’s ‘Marvelous’ Life Head to AuctionUp for auction at Sotheby’s, the collection of Tempelsman’s personal effects includes a Cartier Tank watch Jackie O. gifted him.
CollectionsJun 04, 2026
Buddha Mama to Spend the Summer in AspenThe Miami-based fine jewelry brand will host its first summer residency in the Colorado mountain town from June 5 to Aug. 23.
MajorsJun 04, 2026
AGS Honors Late Peter Yantzer, Holds Time Capsule CeremonyThe organization also announced its international board of directors for the 2026-2027 term.
MajorsJun 04, 2026
Neiman Marcus’ Downtown Dallas Store to Close in SeptemberSaks Global confirmed the closure this week, spelling the end for a store that’s been part of downtown Dallas for more than 100 years.
ColumnistsJun 03, 2026
Peter Smith: When Top Talent Leaves and What It Says About YouSmith discusses how managers should handle a top performer's exit, warning that a poor response could have a lasting impact.
GradingJun 03, 2026
GIA’s Tracr Investment Is First Step Toward Industry-Owned PlatformThe Gemological Institute of America is now a 30 percent stakeholder in Tracr, the De Beers-backed blockchain for diamonds.
WatchesJun 03, 2026
The 1916 Company Taking Pre-Owned Rolexes on the Road, AgainThe retailer is bringing Rolex Certified Pre-Owned watches to five U.S. cities in 2026 for collectors to see, try on, and purchase.
IndependentsJun 03, 2026
Jessica Alba Is the New Face of Gabriel & Co.The actress and entrepreneur stars in the jeweler’s new campaign that celebrates life’s quiet moments.
FinancialsJun 02, 2026
Signet Jewelers’ Q1 Sales Up 2% As It Focuses on ‘Core Four’ The jewelry retailer is zeroing in on Zales, Jared, Kay Jewelers, and Blue Nile as it looks to create unique brand identities for each.
SourcingJun 02, 2026
Leader Appointed for Botswana’s Diamonds for Development Fund Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, a development economist, will head the fund created to help Botswana diversify its economy.
WatchesJun 02, 2026
Watch Industry Veteran James Marks Joins Sotheby’sSotheby’s has appointed the former Phillips executive as its global head of private sales and retail in its watches division.
AuctionsJun 02, 2026
Sotheby’s to Auction 10-Carat Blue Diamond, 1960s Harry Winston Necklace A private collection of five Paraíba tourmalines also will be up for sale at Sotheby’s High Jewelry auction in New York, scheduled for June 16.
IndependentsJun 02, 2026
State of Retail: 6 Things Retailers Should Know About Consumers TodayFrom Gen Z’s view of luxury to “doom spending,” these are the six consumer trends to note this year.
Events & AwardsJun 01, 2026
Design Atelier Brands Have a Big Night at Emotional Couture Design AwardsThe show started by honoring Mildred Marcano, ended with a tearful Beth Anne Bonanno, and recognized a dozen-plus designers in between.
SourcingJun 01, 2026
RapNet Rebranding as Rapaport TradeThe revamped online diamond marketplace will feature pricing intelligence and data-driven tools for more efficient buying and selling.
SourcingJun 01, 2026
Gemfields’ Higher-Quality Emerald Auction Achieves $26.8MThe miner said demand for higher-quality emeralds is stable, but there is notable caution in the market.
CollectionsMay 29, 2026
Cultus Artem’s Necklace Is the Oasis in Las Vegas’ DesertThe “River of Heaven” necklace, our Piece of the Week debuting at Couture, combines 26 salt and pepper diamonds spaced by Tahitian pearls.
IndependentsMay 29, 2026
Meet the 2026 Retailer Hall of Fame InducteesThis year’s inductees include second-, third-, and fourth-generation jewelers.
