MajorsApr 07, 2026
QVC Group’s Latest Filing Calls Its Future Into QuestionThe retailer failed to file its annual report on time and said it may issue a going concern warning.
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.
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
ColumnistsApr 07, 2026
Peter Smith: A Tip to the Post Office on Workplace CultureSmith recounts a recent trip to the post office that included an uncomfortable, embarrassing, and public exchange between two employees.
GradingApr 07, 2026
GIA CFO David Tearle to Retire in June John Cowley, who has more than 30 years of experience, is succeeding Tearle as the lab’s chief financial officer.
Brought to you by
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessYou deserve to know what you are selling–to protect your customers as well as your business and your reputation.
CollectionsApr 07, 2026
Nerd Out Over Gemology Geek’s First Jewelry CollectionFounder Erica Silverglide has designed 35 colorful pieces set with fluorescing gemstones for the brand's first finished jewelry offering.
Weekly QuizApr 02, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsApr 07, 2026
Ukrainian Jewelers Highlighted In New Book“Ukrainian Jewelry | Contemporary Jewelry and Art Jewelry from Ukraine” features 33 contemporary Ukrainian designers and studios.
CollectionsApr 06, 2026
Fope’s New Jewelry Debuts Are Golden“The Golden Now” campaign celebrates the here and now with the brand’s signature styles and a selection of its new pieces.
Brought to you by
Is This You? Every Jeweler Has This Problem; We Have the Solution.Every jeweler faces the same challenge: helping customers protect what they love. Here’s the solution designed for today’s jewelry business.
MajorsApr 06, 2026
Kecia Caffie, Corinne Bentzen No Longer With Signet JewelersSignet confirmed that Caffie, president of Zales and Banter, and Bentzen, who headed Blue Nile, have left the company.
CollectionsApr 06, 2026
Historian Tanzy Ward Pens Book on Black Victorians’ JewelryThe antique jewelry dealer talks about the importance of including Black Americans in jewelry history and preserving their stories.
SourcingApr 06, 2026
Gemfields Reports $51M Loss in 2025Both its mines faced challenges last year, from operational issues to disruptions in the market.
CollectionsApr 03, 2026
Taylor Swift’s ‘Elizabeth Taylor’ Video Puts Jewelry Front and CenterIconic pieces, like the Mike Todd Diamond Tiara, appear in the superstar’s new music video for her song inspired by the actress.
MajorsApr 03, 2026
Saks Global Says It Will Emerge From Bankruptcy This SummerThe luxury retailer, which went Chapter 11 in January, announced Thursday that it has secured $500 million in exit financing.
Events & AwardsApr 03, 2026
JCK Luxury, NouvelleBox Partner on New Designer BallroomThe NouvelleBox ballroom will feature independent jewelry designers, including Lene Vibe, Wyld Box Jewelry, and Kiaia Limited.
CollectionsApr 03, 2026
Buddha Mama Brings Its ‘Moon’ Locket To DallasThe one-of-a-kind locket, our Piece of the Week, opens to reveal three hidden images to keep close to your heart.
MajorsApr 02, 2026
Pandora Opens New Canadian Distribution Center Amid Tariff ConcernsThe new facility was also designed to better serve its growing customer base in Canada.
TrendsApr 02, 2026
Michelle Yeoh Fronts New Mikimoto Campaign The campaign is a tribute to the year 1893, when Kokichi Mikimoto created the world’s first cultured pearl.
GradingApr 02, 2026
GIA Debuts New Campus in TaiwanIt is the only GIA school to offer the GIA Graduate Gemologist program in Chinese.
MajorsApr 02, 2026
DCA Launches ‘Second Spark’ Workforce InitiativeThe initiative connects veterans and parents returning to the workforce with careers in jewelry retail.
MajorsApr 02, 2026
Hoover & Strong Names New National Sales RepresentativeThe wholesale manufacturer and precious metals refiner has appointed Michael Angelo as its new national sales representative.
MajorsApr 01, 2026
Foundrae Sues Pandora for Allegedly Copying Its Medallion DesignsFoundrae also accused the jewelry giant of copying its mood board style of marketing.
AuctionsApr 01, 2026
John Jacob Astor IV’s Titanic Pocket Watch Heads to AuctionA Patek Philippe for Tiffany & Co. timepiece owned by the American businessman who died on the Titanic will be offered at Freeman's Chicago.
SurveysApr 01, 2026
Consumers’ Outlook Improves Again in MarchThe Conference Board’s Consumer Confidence Index edged up, with optimism about the present outweighing worries about the future.
IndependentsApr 01, 2026
Zachary’s Jewelers’ Constance Polamalu to Release Children’s BookThe retailer’s Zach Bear gift comes to life in “Zach Bear and the Window Necklace,” which centers on curiosity, bravery, and helping.
Events & AwardsApr 01, 2026
AGA Opens 2026 Gemological Scholarship, Research Grant ApplicationsApplications are open for the AGA Gemological Scholarship Program through May 15, and until June 2027 for the Gemological Research Grant.
ColumnistsMar 31, 2026
Q1 Clues That Reveal Where Your Jewelry Store’s Sales Are Heading These customer behavior patterns say a lot about how successful your jewelry store is going to be this year, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
CollectionsMar 31, 2026
Mejuri Adds Silver to ‘Puzzle’ CollectionMejuri’s popular collection of 18-karat yellow gold vermeil rings debuted in sterling silver alongside new “Puzzle” slider charms.
