FinancialsMay 19, 2025
Jewelry Sales a Standout for Richemont in 2024Sales for Richemont’s four jewelry brands increased 8 percent, while watch sales picked up toward the end of the year.
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
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
Events & AwardsMay 19, 2025
NAJA Opens Scholarship Applications for 2025Two scholarships are available, one for new and non-members and another for NAJA certified members.
IndependentsMay 19, 2025
Day’s Jewelers to Open Ninth LocationThe retailer’s new flagship is set to open in October at the Tuscan Village development in Salem, New Hampshire.
Brought to you by
Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show: Showcasing the Most Collectible Merchandise from Across the GlobeGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
SourcingMay 19, 2025
State of Colored Stones: The Big Three in the Modern WorldSapphires, emeralds, and rubies are finding their place in a U.S. market captivated by the gemstones once referred to as “semi-precious.”
Weekly QuizMay 15, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsMay 16, 2025
Saks Fifth Avenue, Amazon Partner on Luxury Online StorefrontPlus, parent company Saks Global announces plans to cut ties with up to 600 vendors.
Recorded WebinarsMay 16, 2025
Watch: Physical Retail Is Not DeadPeter Smith joined Michelle Graff to chat about the state of brick-and-mortar stores and share a few book and podcast recommendations.
Brought to you by
Watch: The Winston Red: GIA Examines the Smithsonian’s Newest AdditionSupplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA
CollectionsMay 16, 2025
Piece of the Week: Tejen’s ‘Candy Bowl’ Torque NecklaceThe necklace features a candy-colored Australian white opal in 18-karat Fairmined gold, as the brand was named a Fairmined ambassador.
Supplier BulletinMay 15, 2025
Treasure Hunting at the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry and Watch ShowSponsored by the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry and Watch Show
AuctionsMay 15, 2025
'The Mediterranean Blue' Diamond Sells for $21M at Sotheby’sA private American collector purchased the 10-carat fancy vivid blue diamond.
CollectionsMay 15, 2025
Jessica McCormack’s ‘Fruit Salad’ Collection Is Fresh for SummerThe designer has taken the appeal of freshly picked fruit and channeled it into a capsule collection of earrings, necklaces, and pendants.
SourcingMay 15, 2025
Tariffs Take Toll on India’s Gem and Jewelry Industry in April The country’s gem and jewelry exports fell 5 percent year-over-year last month, while imports declined 18 percent.
Policies & IssuesMay 15, 2025
State of Retail: How to Better Serve Customers With DisabilitiesAround 54 million Americans and counting live with a disability. Here’s how to make your jewelry store and website more accessible.
Events & AwardsMay 15, 2025
Poet Sekou Andrews to Give Closing Keynote at ConvergeThe event is also accepting poster submissions now through June 16.
Policies & IssuesMay 14, 2025
Here’s What Happened to Pope Francis’ RingBefore Pope Leo XIV was elected, a centuries-old procedure regarding the late pontiff’s ring was followed.
AuctionsMay 14, 2025
Custom Rolex Pulled From Sotheby’s SaleThe one-of-a-kind platinum Rolex Cosmograph Daytona was estimated to fetch up to $1.7 million.
Lab-GrownMay 14, 2025
State of Diamonds: What’s Next for Lab-Grown Diamonds?While the product has entrenched itself in the market, retailers and consultants are assessing the next phase of the category’s development.
CrimeMay 14, 2025
Seattle Detectives Seek Public’s Help in Tiffany & Co. Robberies The police are trying to identify the man suspected of robbing two Tiffany & Co. locations in the area.
MajorsMay 14, 2025
Jeff Corey Elected Chair of JBT Board The well-known Maine jeweler takes over for Brian Fleming and will serve a one-year term.
Policies & IssuesMay 14, 2025
Foundrae Donates $11K to Ethical MetalsmithsThe donation was the result of the brand’s annual Earth Day Ingot event.
IndependentsMay 13, 2025
Eiseman Jewels’ Renovated Dallas Store Is Bigger and BetterLocated in NorthPark Center, the revamped store is nearly 2,000 square feet larger and includes the first Tudor boutique in Dallas.
MajorsMay 13, 2025
DCA Announces New Learning Platform, Course UpdatesThe nonprofit has made updates to the content in its beginner and advanced jewelry sales courses.
MajorsMay 13, 2025
BIJC Launches New Education FundBIJC President Malyia McNaughton will shift roles to lead the new foundation, and Elyssa Jenkins-Pérez will succeed her as president.
TrendsMay 13, 2025
State of Jewelry Design: The Top 10 Jewelry Trends of the Past DecadeAs a nod to the theme of JCK Las Vegas 2025, “Decades,” National Jeweler took a look back at the top 10 jewelry trends of the past 10 years.
Lab-GrownMay 12, 2025
Lightbox to Go Dark by Summer, De Beers Says The company plans to halt all consumer-facing activity this summer, while Lightbox factory operations will cease by the end of the year.
Policies & IssuesMay 12, 2025
Tariffs on Chinese Imports Temporarily Slashed as U.S.-China Reach Deal Following weekend negotiations, the tax on Chinese goods imported into the United States will drop by 115 percent for the next 90 days.
