Editors

The Most ‘Heavenly’ Met Gala Jewels

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.

20180509_Met-header.jpg
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. 



 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.

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.

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. 
Ashley Davisis the senior editor, fashion at National Jeweler, covering all things related to design, style and trends.

The Latest

Stack of gold bangles on denim
FinancialsMar 10, 2026
Signet Jewelers’ Q4 Sales Fall Flat

The jewelry giant released preliminary results for the fourth quarter and full year on Monday, with final results slated to come next week.

Saks Fifth Avenue door sign
MajorsMar 10, 2026
Saks Global to Close 15 More Stores

The retailer also gave an update on its vendor partnerships.

Julianne Moore
TrendsMar 10, 2026
Messika Names Julianne Moore as Ambassador

The award-winning actress is the “epitome of modern allure,” the brand said.

TopImageCrop.jpg
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.

Sorellina Large Bloom Inlay Pendant
CollectionsMar 10, 2026
Gemstones ‘Bloom’ in Sorellina’s New Collection

The “Bloom” collection draws from the flower power movement of the 1960s and ‘70s with inlay pendants offered in eight colorways.

Weekly QuizMar 05, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Constellations Over the Sedona
Events & AwardsMar 10, 2026
Diamond-Studded Painting Shines at RJO Foundation Auction

The unique piece was one of the custom works offered at the foundation's recent silent art auction, which garnered nearly $15,000 in total.

Jake Gyllenhaal as Bulgari Brand Ambassador
TrendsMar 09, 2026
Jake Gyllenhaal Is Bulgari’s Latest Ambassador

Bulgari named Gyllenhaal as its brand ambassador for his embodiment of artistic depth, intellectual curiosity, and warmth.

dca-laptop.jpg
Brought to you by
DCA Enters a New Chapter in Jewelry Education

With refreshed branding, a new website, updated courses, and a pathway for growth, DCA is dedicated to supporting retail staff development.

TJS scholarship winners 2026
Events & AwardsMar 09, 2026
TJS Announces 2026 Scholarship Winners

Awards were given to four students, one apprentice, and an emerging jeweler.

Model wearing diamond necklace and ring
AuctionsMar 09, 2026
Joanna Carson’s Jewels Lead White-Glove Sale

The top jewelry lot of the late model’s estate sale, hosted by John Moran Auctioneers, was an Oscar Heyman & Brothers for Cartier necklace.

Tom Moses
GradingMar 06, 2026
Tom Moses Leaving GIA After Nearly 50 Years

Moses, who started at GIA’s Santa Monica lab in 1976, will leave the Gemological Institute of America in May.

Charles & Colvard showroom in Morrisville, North Carolina
Lab-GrownMar 06, 2026
Charles & Colvard Files for Bankruptcy, Citing Price Pressures

Increased competition, falling lab-grown diamond and moissanite prices, and the rising cost of gold took a toll on the moissanite maker.

Zome Solara Earrings
CollectionsMar 06, 2026
Zome’s ‘Solara’ Earrings Embody Celestial Beauty

The earrings, our Piece of the Week, feature pink tourmalines as planets orbiting around an aquamarine center set in 18-karat rose gold.

Pomellato’s International Women’s Day “The Price of Freedom” Campaign
MajorsMar 06, 2026
Pomellato’s 2026 IWD Campaign Spotlights Economic Abuse

“The Price of Freedom” campaign video for International Women’s Day confronts the quiet violence of financial control.

Stock image of shipping containers
Policies & IssuesMar 05, 2026
Tariffs to Increase to 15% This Week, Treasury Secretary Says

Also, a federal judge has ordered that companies that paid tariffs implemented under the IEEPA are entitled to refunds.

Common Era Difficult Women Pandora Pendant, Anne Boleyn Signet Ring, Cleopatra Pendant
CollectionsMar 05, 2026
Common Era Honors ‘Difficult Women’ in Collection

The ever-growing collection, which just expanded with the addition of Olga of Kyiv, features cameos of 12 women from history.

Diamond engagement rings by designer Lorraine West
TrendsMar 05, 2026
Engagement Ring Trends 2026: What’s In, and Why

We asked a jewelry historian, designer, bridal director, and wedding expert what’s trending in engagement rings. Here’s what they said.

American Gem Society Conclave 2026 Orlando logo
Events & AwardsMar 05, 2026
AGS Announces Conclave 2026 Speaker Lineup

The annual event will be held in Orlando, Florida, from Sept. 14-17.

Caitríona Balfe on Only Natural Diamonds Spring 2026 Issue Cover
TrendsMar 05, 2026
Caitríona Balfe Fronts Only Natural Diamonds Cover

The “Outlander” star modeled for the digital cover of the magazine’s spring issue, which features a story on her relationship with jewelry.

CIBJO Milan
MajorsMar 05, 2026
Registration Opens for CIBJO Centenary Congress

This year’s annual congress, which will mark the confederation’s 100th anniversary, will take place this fall in Italy.

Michael M Beverly Hills Flagship Interior Rendering
MajorsMar 04, 2026
Michael M Opens First Store

Beverly Hills was chosen as the location for the brand’s first store, designed as a “private residence for modern monarchs.”

Dubai mall
Policies & IssuesMar 04, 2026
Luxury Brands Temporarily Shutter Middle East Stores

Kering, Apple, and other retailers have reportedly temporarily closed stores in the Middle East region in light of the recent conflicts.

JIS Miami Spring 2026
Events & AwardsMar 04, 2026
JIS Miami Spring Show to Feature New Gifts Pavilion, Pop-Up Trends Talks

Nearly half of buyers are prioritizing silver and fashion collections this season, organizers said.

Spinelli Kilcollin Live Now. Polish Later. Campaign
TrendsMar 04, 2026
Spinelli Kilcollin Rides Free In Year of the Horse Campaign

The “Live Now. Polish Later.” campaign features equestrians wearing the brand’s jewels while galloping across the icy plains of Kazakhstan.

Jennifer Ashworth
MajorsMar 04, 2026
LeachGarner Names New Brand Director

The precious metals provider has promoted Jennifer Ashworth to the role.

Johnny Nelson Wins David Yurman Gem Award Grant Graphic
Events & AwardsMar 03, 2026
Johnny Nelson Wins David Yurman Gem Awards Grant

Nelson will be honored as the inaugural grant winner at the Gem Awards gala on March 13.

New Forevermark store in India
SourcingMar 03, 2026
7 Trends That Could Define the Diamond Industry’s Future

Experts from India weigh in the politics, policies, and market dynamics for diamantaires to monitor in 2026 and beyond.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy