IndependentsMar 06, 2025
Wixon Jewelers to Close After 37 YearsFirst-generation jewelers Dan and Hope Wixon are retiring and will close their Minneapolis-area jewelry store in May.
EditorsMay 05, 2017
They Came, They Shone, They Conquered: Jewels at The Met
Here are the top jewelry looks of the night.
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
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
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.
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.
More on Editors
The Latest
CollectionsMar 06, 2025
Guzema, 3.1 Phillip Lim Collab on New ‘Snake’ DesignsThe limited-edition collection, a nod to the Year of the Snake, is Ukrainian brand Guzema’s first partnership with a U.S. brand.
IndependentsMar 06, 2025
Stephen Barnes Is the New Owner of IJOAfter more than 50 years, Jeff Roberts is handing over ownership of the organization to IJO President Stephen Barnes.
Brought to you by
Have a Plan for EmergenciesEmergencies can happen anytime, anywhere , and Jewelers of America has what you need to be prepared for it all.
Events & AwardsMar 06, 2025
Borsheims’ ‘Ike-It’ Award Goes to JewelerSenior Jeweler Jay Wolff was named employee of the year.
Weekly QuizMar 06, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsMar 05, 2025
Neiman Marcus’ Dallas Flagship Store to Close, Confirms Saks GlobalThe 111-year-old store will close following a dispute among Saks Global, a landlord, and the City of Dallas over a small piece of land.
AuctionsMar 05, 2025
Sotheby's To Auction 51 ‘Alien’ WatchesThe upcoming “Area_51” watch sale is a collaboration with heist-out, featuring vintage and modern timepieces with futuristic designs.
Brought to you by
A Diamond ETF is the Way to Reinvigorate Natural Diamond SalesThe jewelry industry faces challenges from lab-grown diamonds. A diamond ETF can restore natural diamonds' value and drive investor demand.
MajorsMar 05, 2025
Jewelers of America Unveils 3-Year Strategic Plan The trade organization, which will mark 120 years of service next year, has a refined focus and a new mission statement.
Events & AwardsMar 05, 2025
92NY Accepting 2025 Jewelry Artist Residency ApplicationsThe application period is now open for established and emerging jewelers and metalsmiths to apply to the month-long residency program.
CrimeMar 04, 2025
4 Suspects Arrested in Fatal Armed Robbery of California Jewelry Store Uc Thí Vo, who co-owned Kim Tin Jewelry in Sacramento with her husband of 40 years, was killed during the November 2024 robbery.
CrimeMar 04, 2025
NYC Diamond Dealer Pleads Guilty to Lab-Grown Diamond SwapsManashe Sezanayev pleaded guilty to grand larceny and is expected to receive five years’ probation when he’s sentenced in May.
TrendsMar 04, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Peaceful and Powerful AquamarineThe March birthstone pairs perfectly with hues of Mocha Mousse, Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2025.
ColumnistsMar 04, 2025
The Smart Lab: Using Online Events to Supercharge Sales Emmanuel Raheb shares strategies to prepare for, publicize, and engage the audience during events on platforms like TikTok and Zoom.
Policies & IssuesMar 03, 2025
Customs Indefinitely Postpones Requirement to Disclose Country of MiningOriginally slated to take effect in April, official U.S. Customs and Border Protection documents now show the implementation date as “TBD.”
SurveysMar 03, 2025
Consumer Confidence Fell in February Amid Concerns About the FutureThe recent jump in the prices of household staples, like eggs, and the potential impact of tariffs worried consumers.
Events & AwardsMar 03, 2025
AGA Now Accepting Applications for Its Gemological Education Scholarship The application period for the program is now open for aspiring gemologists around the world.
CollectionsFeb 28, 2025
Piece of the Week: Ironhorse Quillwork EarringsThe work of Indigenous designer Joe Big Mountain, these earrings are similar to the pair Lily Gladstone just wore to the SAG Awards.
AuctionsFeb 28, 2025
300-Year-Old Ring With Ties to Witch Trial Judge Up for Auction A metal detectorist uncovered the ring created in memory of Sir Richard Rainsford, who presided over some of England’s last witch trials.
Recorded WebinarsFeb 28, 2025
Watch: 2025 Jewelry Trends ForecastFine jewelry consultant and publicist Francesca Simons joins Amanda Gizzi and Natalie Francisco to discuss the trends set to rise this year.
TrendsFeb 27, 2025
Model Winnie Harlow Says ‘Yes’ to 3-Stone Engagement RingHarlow’s partner, NBA player Kyle Kuzma, worked with Vobara to design the ring, which features oval and pear-shaped diamonds.
MajorsFeb 27, 2025
Winona Ryder, Iman Star in New Pandora CampaignThe Danish jeweler released the next chapter of its “Be Love” campaign, which celebrates love in all its forms.
SourcingFeb 27, 2025
Gemfields Holds Mini Auction for Higher-Quality EmeraldsThe 13 lots on offer were comprised of material that previously went unsold at the miner’s November auction.
Events & AwardsFeb 27, 2025
JA to Host Workshop During Alabama Jewelers Association ConventionThe learning workshop and the convention are both scheduled to take place April 26 and 27 in Montgomery, Alabama.
Policies & IssuesFeb 26, 2025
EU Once Again Pushes Back Deadline on Diamond Traceability The EU, like the U.S., also now will require diamond importers to provide information about where exactly the diamonds were mined.
SourcingFeb 26, 2025
De Beers, Botswana Make New Diamond Sales Deal OfficialThe formal signing of the agreement comes nearly two years after De Beers and Botswana initially announced they had reached a new deal.
Events & AwardsFeb 26, 2025
JFC Names 2025 ‘Facets’ HonoreesThe charity will celebrate Pandora CEO Alexander Lacik and Brilliant Earth CEO Beth Gerstein at its annual event in Las Vegas.
