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 09, 2018
The Most ‘Heavenly’ Met Gala Jewels
Pieces from independent designers Marla Aaron and Nikos Koulis mixed alongside red carpet standards like Tiffany, Bulgari and Lorraine Schwartz.
Independent designers were represented on the Met Gala’s red carpet this year. Here, director Reed Morano wears a Marla Aaron custom cross lock as a head piece.
“Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination” was the subject of the world’s most glamorous theme party this year.
Held annually on the first Monday in May, the Met Gala is the night when fashion folk, celebrities and socialites collide, ostensibly to raise money for The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute but also to see who can outdo whom in a sort of sartorial Olympics.
Naturally, we’re giving out gold medals to the best jewels we spotted ascending the Met stairs. From literal interpretations of the evening’s theme to more classic looks, there was plenty to see.
Held annually on the first Monday in May, the Met Gala is the night when fashion folk, celebrities and socialites collide, ostensibly to raise money for The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute but also to see who can outdo whom in a sort of sartorial Olympics.
Naturally, we’re giving out gold medals to the best jewels we spotted ascending the Met stairs. From literal interpretations of the evening’s theme to more classic looks, there was plenty to see.
Unlike awards shows like the Oscars or Golden Globes, more creative events such as the Met Gala allow stylists some leeway to experiment. Director Reed Morano demonstrated as much with her mishmash of embellished Versace garb and fine jewels.
It was a treat to see the independent designers Morano was representing. Her fingers were full of Retrouvai rings and Marla Aaron made a custom cross lock just for the occasion. Created in 18-karat gold, the one-of-a-kind piece features more than 25 carats of champagne diamonds, and 7 carats of sapphires, rubies, emeralds and garnets mixed on the lock closure.
Morano ultimately wore the cross as a headpiece, for what we think was the coolest look of the night.
Embed from Getty Images
It’s hard to think of a time Blake Lively hasn’t worn Lorraine Schwartz on a red carpet—she’s a personal friend of the designer—and the actress’ jewel-toned Versace gown was a perfect complement to the jewelry, which included gold and emerald earrings and an armful of gold bracelets.
Embed from Getty Images
Lively also donned a gold headpiece that wrapped around her hair to create the illusion of a halo.
Embed from Getty Images
Sienna Miller opted for an elegant and chic Louis Vuitton ensemble that let the jewels do all the talking.
She layered two 19th century diamond star tiaras from Fred Leighton and wore a stack of antique hammered gold bands.
Embed from Getty Images
One expects Rihanna to deliver a show-stopping look and the signer didn’t disappoint. Her elaborate papal-inspired outfit didn’t keep her from embellishing the ensemble with jewelry; she wore a Cartier collection pendant originally created in 1934 and modified in 1949 as a necklace.
The “Crucifix” portion from the 1930s is made of gold, silver, diamonds, sapphires, round faceted rubies, button pearls, opal and round faceted topaz.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
The “Dove of the Holy Spirit,” added in the 1940s, contains gold, diamonds, a 17.20-carat star sapphire, sapphires, rubies, emerald, pearl, moonstones and opal.
Lending a modern twist, the singer’s many earrings were from Venus by Maria Tash.
Lending a modern twist, the singer’s many earrings were from Venus by Maria Tash.
Embed from Getty Images
There are some perks to being a brand ambassador for Bulgari, just ask Lily Aldridge.
The supermodel was positively layered in jewels from the Italian jewelry house. She wore three high jewelry necklaces in platinum and white gold with emeralds, diamonds and pearls as well as two rings in yellow gold with an emerald and diamonds and white gold with a yellow diamond and white diamonds, respectively.
Embed from Getty Images
Aldridge wasn’t the only model bedecked in Bulgari. Winnie Harlow wore a high jewelry necklace that managed to outshine her enormous matching white Tommy Hilfiger gown and crown.
Embed from Getty Images
The necklace was rendered in white gold with diamonds and balanced with six Bulgari rings in platinum and white gold with tanzanite and diamonds, as well as two white gold and diamond bracelets.
Embed from Getty Images
Zoë Kravitz stunned in a lacy, gothic Saint Laurent dress. The actress lightened up her dark, glamorous look with something sweet—a pair of Jacob & Co. drop earrings featuring 100 carats of pear-shaped morganites and 10 carats of diamonds.
Embed from Getty Images
Nikos Koulis made an appearance at the gala courtesy of actress Alicia Vikander.
Embed from Getty Images
Vikander adorned her Louis Vuitton gown with Koulis’ jewels—earrings, a bracelet and two rings, all from the Oui collection, featuring white gold, black enamel and white diamonds.
Embed from Getty Images
Tessa Thompson sported one of the most creative accessories of the night (and that’s saying a lot for a pull-out-all-the-stops event like the Met Gala) with pearls that adorned her bare skin, as buttons would a dress.
Embed from Getty Images
The actual fine jewelry the actress wore was even more show-stopping. To complement her Thom Browne dress and maximalist tweed choker, Thompson wore white diamond and platinum earrings from Tiffany & Co.
Embed from Getty Images
Actress and supermodel Amber Valetta sported a smattering of ear candy to the gala, including a huggie from Anita Ko.
Most noticeable though was a sparkling diamond shoulder duster.
Most noticeable though was a sparkling diamond shoulder duster.
Embed from Getty Images
Kendall Jenner was one of a handful of celebrities at the Met Gala to make the first red carpet appearance in Tiffany’s new Paper Flowers collection.
The model’s pulled-back ponytail perfectly showcased her platinum and diamond Paper Flower earrings, which she proved look even better on than they do in a showcase.
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.
