Editors

They Came, They Shone, They Conquered: Jewels at The Met

EditorsMay 05, 2017

They Came, They Shone, They Conquered: Jewels at The Met

Here are the top jewelry looks of the night.

They Came, They Shone, They Conquered: Jewels at The Met
Cindy Chao earrings worn by Wendi Deng Murdoch

The Met Gala isn’t an awards show, but it should be.

Accolades could be given out for the array of over-the-top gowns and jewels that ascend the steps of New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art each first Monday in May to raise money for the museum’s Costume Institute (and I’m sure winners would be happy to accept an invitation to next year’s gala as their prize, rather than a statuette.)

Infinitely more fashion-centric and daring than the Oscars, Golden Globes or Grammy’s red carpets, the Met Gala itself could be in the running for most stylish event of the year, though I’m waiting to submit final judgment on that until this year’s Cannes Film Festival.

Until real awards are given out, I’ve come up with my own categories for the jewelry that managed to compete with the evening’s dresses, which is no easy feat when this year’s gala theme is designer eccentric Rei Kawakubo of Comme des Garcons.

Without further ado …

BEST REAL-LIFE WAY TO EMBRACE AVANT-GARDE: Daisy Ridley in Nirav Modi



In honor of the new Costume Institute exhibit, Rei Kawakubo/Comme des Garcons: Art of the In-Between, guests at the Met Gala were instructed to adhere to an “avant-garde” dress code.

Daisy Ridley translated cutting-edge to real-life with her mismatched pair of Nirav Modi earrings. She wore the brand’s Celestial Earring in her right ear and Luminance Long Earring in her right ear.

Both styles feature white diamonds set in 18-karat white gold, but the design differences and disparity in length make this look a mismatched earring trend must-try.

BEST HEADPIECE: Elle Fanning in Fred Leighton



The Met Gala is exactly the kind of event where one can get away with wearing a crown, so I don’t know why more attendees don’t embrace them.

Leave it to the always impeccably outfitted Elle Fanning to take the plunge and don a head piece.

This aquamarine and diamond Fred Leighton antique perfectly embodies Fanning’s angelic style.

BEST MAKE-THE-JEWELRY-SHOW-UP-IN-A-PICTURE LOOK: Cassie in Rinaldy A. Yunardi



No one could accuse singer Cassie of being a wallflower in this major custom “Starburst” ear piece from accessories designer Rinaldy A. Yunardi .

Lest any photographer not get her best side, she opted to wear a matching pair.

BEST EMERALDS: Serena Williams in XIV Karats



Though it’s typically the other way around, I’d like to think
that Serena Williams matched her emerald-color dress to these jaw-dropping emerald earrings from XIV karats, which I’d bet were custom-designed for the occasion.

But they weren’t the only jewelry magic the pregnant star was serving up…

BEST WATCH: Serena Williams in Audemars Piguet



Williams wore what, on first glance, appeared to be a diamond-encrusted spike bracelet. But it was actually the Audemars Piguet Diamond Outrage watch, valued at $1.25 million.

One of the design’s spikes opens up to reveal the watch face.

BEST RED-CARPET SURPRISE: Wendi Deng Murdoch in Cindy Chao



Continuing with the surprise theme, Wendi Deng Murdoch interpreted avant-garde through her jewelry, rather than her dress.

She wore Cindy Chao’s Emerald Foliage earrings. They feature oval-shape cabochon emeralds and yellow diamonds set in 18-karat white gold and yellow gold.

BEST IRENE NEUWIRTH MOMENT: Sarah Paulson in Irene Neuwirth



I expect at least one good Irene Neuwirth moment at any major red carpet event and I got it via these major sapphire earrings actress Sarah Paulson wore.

BEST BROOCH: Keri Russell in David Webb



Keri Russell sported this cabochon ruby, diamond, 18-karat gold and platinum David Webb brooch.

True to the night’s theme, her selection was out of the box--brooches were few and far between on the Met steps and I would have loved to see more.

For extra credit, check out Russell’s David Webb ring below.



BEST JEWELRY STYLING: Tie--Lauren Santo Domingo and Claire Daines in Fred Leighton



Moda Operandi founder and all-around fashion socialite powerhouse Lauren Santo Domingo is famous for her style and this is why.

She combined bold fine jewelry in the form of her diamond earrings and necklace with an equally bold costume piece, a large silver choker.

Stylists take note--this is how jewelry styling is done.



Claire Daines’ stylist needs no lesson. This Fred Leighton brooch that Danes wore in her hair was my second favorite brooch of the night. It’s an antique steel style from around 1850, paired with antique yellow gold and seed pearl earrings.

With a little creativity, antiques can look completely modern.

BEST JEWELS OVERSHADOWED BY COMMES DES GARCONS: Rihanna in Chopard



No matter how major the outfit, Rihanna would never skimp on the jewels.

The powerhouse singer is a major jewelry lover and often supports independent designers by buying their pieces.

At the gala she wore Chopard, a result of her collaboration with the brand, though clearly her Commes des Garcons captured the most visual attention.   

BEST JEWELRY LOOK OF THE NIGHT: Model Anna Cleveland in Ana Khouri





Cleveland was a vision in Ana Khouri.

She wore mismatched earrings and a head piece by the designer.

This is how any jewelry designer would love for their pieces to be worn: several pieces together that create a total design narrative.

It doesn’t get better than that.
Ashley Davisis the senior editor, fashion at National Jeweler, covering all things related to design, style and trends.

The Latest

Watch: How Is the Industry Doing When It Comes to Diversity?
Recorded WebinarsMar 31, 2023
Watch: How Is the Industry Doing When It Comes to Diversity?

Annie Doresca and Michelle Graff welcome Reggie Johnson and Sheryl Jones for a frank conversation on the state of DEI in fine jewelry.

Macy’s Longtime CEO to Retire Next Year
MajorsMar 31, 2023
Macy’s Longtime CEO to Retire Next Year

Jeff Gennette will step down in February 2024, passing the torch to the CEO of another notable retailer.

Piece of the Week: The Extraterrestrial Lunar Necklace
AuctionsMar 31, 2023
Piece of the Week: The Extraterrestrial Lunar Necklace

Artisan Martin Roberts fashioned lunar meteorites into 48 beads to create this out-of-this-world necklace.

Full Disclosure at Your Fingertips
Brought to you by
Full Disclosure at Your Fingertips

Distinguishing natural diamonds from laboratory-grown stones – now more available than ever – has been difficult for jewelers. Until now.

JBT Re-Elects Richard Katz as Board Chairman
MajorsMar 31, 2023
JBT Re-Elects Richard Katz as Board Chairman

As for new members, the organization welcomed Jewelers of America’s Annie Doresca and Parag Jain of Parag Diamonds.

Weekly QuizMar 31, 2023
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge with this short test.
Take the Quiz
At Watches & Wonders, a $20M Watch Makes Its Debut
WatchesMar 30, 2023
At Watches & Wonders, a $20M Watch Makes Its Debut

Jacob & Co.’s new “Billionaire” timepiece features more than 200 carats of yellow diamonds.

See the Jewelry Collection Expected to Top Elizabeth Taylor’s at Auction
AuctionsMar 30, 2023
See the Jewelry Collection Expected to Top Elizabeth Taylor’s at Auction

Heidi Horten, wife of department store magnate Helmut Horten, collected jewelry from Bulgari, Cartier, Harry Winston and Van Cleef & Arpels.

Bringing Over 130 Years of Diamond Expertise to Modern Grading
Brought to you by
Bringing Over 130 Years of Diamond Expertise to Modern Grading

De Beers Institute of Diamonds provides the very best in diamond verification, education and diamond services.

Jewelers Mutual Marks a Major Milestone
MajorsMar 30, 2023
Jewelers Mutual Marks a Major Milestone

The jewelry industry insurer and solutions provider is celebrating 110 years in business this month.

NRF Says Brick-and-Mortar Stores Remain ‘Primary Point of Purchase’
SurveysMar 30, 2023
NRF Says Brick-and-Mortar Stores Remain ‘Primary Point of Purchase’

The statement came as the National Retail Federation released its retail sales forecast for 2023.

10.57-Carat Purplish Pink Diamond Expected to Sell for $35M+
AuctionsMar 29, 2023
10.57-Carat Purplish Pink Diamond Expected to Sell for $35M+

Sotheby’s will auction the diamond, which it says is “arguably the most significant pink diamond to ever appear at auction,” in June.

Blue Nile to Close Fulfillment Center, Lay Off Workers
MajorsMar 29, 2023
Blue Nile to Close Fulfillment Center, Lay Off Workers

The retailer, recently acquired by Signet Jewelers, will lay off 119 employees in July.

See All the New Patek Philippe Watches for 2023
WatchesMar 29, 2023
See All the New Patek Philippe Watches for 2023

The Swiss watchmaker introduced 17 new models at Watches & Wonders Geneva.

Mark Henry Jewelry Offering Complimentary ‘Masterclass’ on Sales from Peter Smith
MajorsMar 29, 2023
Mark Henry Jewelry Offering Complimentary ‘Masterclass’ on Sales from Peter Smith

As part of the promotion, Smith will share his sales expertise during a 90-minute training session.

Helzberg’s New Lab-Grown Diamond Collection Earns SCS Certification
CollectionsMar 28, 2023
Helzberg’s New Lab-Grown Diamond Collection Earns SCS Certification

The “rêve” collection’s engagement rings and wedding bands are geared toward “sustainability minded customers.”

D.C. Jeweler That Honored 50-Year-Old Gift Certificate Closes
IndependentsMar 28, 2023
D.C. Jeweler That Honored 50-Year-Old Gift Certificate Closes

Bensons Jewelers closed for good Feb. 24, impacted in part by the decline in foot traffic downtown since the onset of the pandemic.

Swarovski Names New GM of North America
MajorsMar 28, 2023
Swarovski Names New GM of North America

Kolja Kiofsky has been with the crystal and jewelry company since 2010.

Jewels to Shine in Upcoming ‘Golden Age’ of Hollywood Auction
AuctionsMar 27, 2023
Jewels to Shine in Upcoming ‘Golden Age’ of Hollywood Auction

The Kruse GWS Auctions sale will include the replica “Taj Mahal” necklace Elizabeth Taylor made with Avon as well as a costume piece Marilyn Monroe wore.

Pandora Promotes GM to Chief of Retail Operations
MajorsMar 27, 2023
Pandora Promotes GM to Chief of Retail Operations

Massimo Basei is moving up, while Chief Commercial Officer Martino Pessina is stepping down.

Registration Is Open for the HardRock Summit
Events & AwardsMar 27, 2023
Registration Is Open for the HardRock Summit

AGTA GemFair and the Denver Gem & Mineral Show also will have a presence on the show floor.

Piece of the Week: The $5.8M Patek Philippe ‘Sky Moon Tourbillon’
AuctionsMar 24, 2023
Piece of the Week: The $5.8M Patek Philippe ‘Sky Moon Tourbillon’

Sold by Christie’s Hong Kong, this masterwork of complications now holds the record for most expensive watch ever auctioned online.

Movado Predicts Declining Sales Amid ‘Volatile’ Retail Environment
FinancialsMar 24, 2023
Movado Predicts Declining Sales Amid ‘Volatile’ Retail Environment

The watch company expects first-quarter sales to fall as much as 15 percent due to inflation and tough comps.

Lightbox Promotes General Manager to COO
Lab-GrownMar 24, 2023
Lightbox Promotes General Manager to COO

Adam O’Grady, general manager of the Lightbox Lab, has taken on the new role and will report directly to Lightbox CEO Antoine Borde.

Which Brands Do Watch Enthusiasts Love Most? Chrono24 Takes a Look
WatchesMar 23, 2023
Which Brands Do Watch Enthusiasts Love Most? Chrono24 Takes a Look

The watch marketplace gathered data from 1.3 million collectors, highlighting the most popular timepieces and exploring value appreciation.

Burgundy Diamond Backing Out of Ellendale Mine Deal
SourcingMar 23, 2023
Burgundy Diamond Backing Out of Ellendale Mine Deal

Burgundy has opted not to exercise its option to buy the mining claims Gibb River Diamonds currently owns.

GCAL Introduces 8X Cut Grade for Proprietary Cuts
GradingMar 23, 2023
GCAL Introduces 8X Cut Grade for Proprietary Cuts

Patented and specialty cuts now can receive an 8X Proprietary Certificate, which can be customized to include a company’s brand and logo.

Diamonds Do Good Names 2023 Award Recipients
Events & AwardsMar 23, 2023
Diamonds Do Good Names 2023 Award Recipients

The organization said it will recognize those who exemplify the idea that doing good is good business.

×

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