GradingJan 14, 2025
GIA CEO, President Susan Jacques to Retire at the End of 2025The grading lab said the search for her successor is underway.
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
ColumnistsJan 14, 2025
Jules Kim: Building Bridges Between Creators and IndustryIn this special op-ed, designer Jules Kim calls on big brands to collaborate with independent creators instead of copying their designs.
Policies & IssuesJan 14, 2025
These Designers and Retailers Are Raising Money for LA Wildfire Relief Several jewelry designers are lending a helping hand to charities in Los Angeles amid the raging wildfires.
Brought to you by
3 New Year’s Resolutions for Jewelry Lovers The new year feels like a clean slate, inspiring reflection, hope, and the motivation to become better versions of ourselves.
GradingJan 14, 2025
Former SSEF Director Henry A. Hänni DiesA pioneering figure in gemology, he is remembered for his spirit of generosity, curiosity, and joy.
Weekly QuizJan 09, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
FinancialsJan 14, 2025
Signet Jewelers Lowers Q4 Guidance After Holiday Sales Fall ShortThe peak selling days leading up to Christmas did not meet the jewelry retailer’s expectations.
MajorsJan 14, 2025
Edouard Schneider Joins Messika as Chief Brand OfficerSchneider brings over 20 years of luxury and fashion industry experience to his role as a key member of the brand’s global leadership team.
Brought to you by
A Diamond Is Forever Celebrates "Forever Present" Holiday CampaignA Diamond is Forever hosted a holiday celebration in honor of their new marketing campaign, ‘Forever Present.’
SourcingJan 13, 2025
Zambia Reinstates 15% Export Duty on Precious Gemstones, Shocking GemfieldsGemfields said the Zambian government revoked the 2019 suspension of the tax with no warning.
TechnologyJan 13, 2025
Ultrahuman Unveils Luxury Smart RingWith versions in 18-karat gold and platinum, the wearables company is blending health technology and fine jewelry.
Policies & IssuesJan 13, 2025
Brandee Dallow Elected President of Ethical MetalsmithsThe executive brings more than two decades of industry experience to the role.
IndependentsJan 13, 2025
The Seven Pops Up in Palm BeachThe New York City-based retailer is bringing its curation of jewels to a pop-up shop at Love Binetti in Palm Beach, Florida.
Policies & IssuesJan 10, 2025
Jewelers Relief Fund Reopened to Aid Victims of LA Fires Created by JA and DCA, the fund is collecting money for jewelry businesses damaged by the wildfires in Los Angeles County.
TrendsJan 10, 2025
Piece of the Week: Elsa Jin’s ‘Mozi’ BroochAdrien Brody received his first Golden Globe while wearing the “Mozi” brooch, which depicts a spill of traditional Chinese calligraphy ink.
SourcingJan 10, 2025
De Beers, GJEPC Partner to Promote Natural DiamondsThe pair will work together to support independent retailers in India with marketing assets, training materials, and other tools.
CrimeJan 09, 2025
US Customs Seizes Counterfeit Tiffany & Co. JewelsOfficers in Champlain, New York valued the jewels, if genuine, at nearly $30,000.
CollectionsJan 09, 2025
Karma El Khalil’s New Collection is an Ode to the MoonThe “Moonlight Rhapsody” collection is overflowing with gemstones, from raw opal to morganite and spessartite.
Events & AwardsJan 09, 2025
Here Is the 2025 AGTA GemFair Tucson Educational LineupThe seminar series covers topics from market trends and colored stone terminology to working with museums and growing an Instagram profile.
SourcingJan 09, 2025
Reena Ahluwalia Unveils New Works in ‘Diamond Trails’ AnthologyThe artist collaborated with industry creatives on the project, which features five fictional stories and five corresponding paintings.
IndependentsJan 09, 2025
Virginia Jewelers Raise Nearly $26K for Children’s Hospital at Charity BallNine jewelers donated jewels for a raffle to support the Children’s Hospital Foundation at Virginia Commonwealth University.
WatchesJan 08, 2025
Oris Debuts Hot Pink Miss Piggy WatchMiss Piggy shared her thoughts on being fabulous, the importance of accessories, and how to be your own cheerleader.
Lab-GrownJan 08, 2025
Effy Introduces Brand Dedicated to Lab-Grown Diamonds“Promise by Effy” includes fashion jewelry and engagement rings.
IndependentsJan 08, 2025
Haltom’s Jewelers to Close After 130 YearsThe Texas-based jeweler is closing all three locations.
TrendsJan 08, 2025
Zendaya’s Engagement Ring Combines Vintage and Modern ElementsZendaya’s ring, featuring an east-west set elongated cushion-cut diamond, is said to be from British designer Jessica McCormack.
ColumnistsJan 07, 2025
The Smart Lab: The Hottest Digital Marketing Trends For 2025Micro-influencers, customer reviews, and shoppable videos are going to be key to getting customers’ attention, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
TrendsJan 07, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: January Is for GarnetGarnet is comprised of a group of minerals, giving those with a birthday in January options when it comes to their birthstone.
IndependentsJan 07, 2025
Edge Retail Academy Names 2024 ‘Wag’ Award Winner The annual award, created in memory of business coach William “Wag” Wagner, went to a retailer in Fairfax, Virginia.
