Editors

See the 5 Best Met Gala ‘Camp’ Jewelry Looks

EditorsMay 09, 2019

See the 5 Best Met Gala ‘Camp’ Jewelry Looks

Fashion’s biggest night brought some colorful baubles to the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s pink carpet.

20190509_Met-header.jpg
Jennifer Lopez isn’t shy when it comes to rocking red carpet jewelry. At the 2019 Met Gala she wore Harry Winston’s “Purple Dragon Necklace.” (Image courtesy of Worldwide PR/Social Media)
The world’s chicest costume party took place this week, when the annual Costume Institute Gala, also known as the Met Gala, returned to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.

This year’s theme was particularly fun. “Camp: Notes on Fashion,” inspired by Susan Sontag’s seminal essay of the same name, brought out all manner of fashion shenanigans (think chandeliers as gowns and light-up dresses).
Statement-making clothing doesn’t always leave much room for fantastic jewels. Luckily, more than a few stylists thought well enough to pile on the bling.
Here are five looks to delight jewelry lovers.
Embed from Getty Images
Lupita Nyong’o sported a colorful array of Bulgari jewels. The centerpiece was a 41-carat emerald and gold necklace with amethysts, rubies and diamonds from the house’s archives, circa 1989.
She wore a bracelet in the same colorful palette, made of gold, emeralds, amethysts, rubies, cultured pearls and diamonds, from 1988.
Other archival pieces were a platinum and gold ring with sapphires, rubies and diamonds; platinum ring with emeralds, sapphires and diamonds; gold earrings with emeralds, rubies, sapphires and diamonds; and a gold ring with emeralds, rubies, sapphires and diamonds; all circa 1960.
Fitting the theme’s maximalist mood, Nyong’o didn’t stop there.
She also wore two high jewelry rings—a 12.85-carat cushion-cut cabochon pink tourmaline set in white gold with emeralds and diamonds, and a 10-carat cushion-cut cabochon sapphire with emeralds and diamonds set in rose gold.
Embed from Getty Images
The Met Gala happens the first Monday in May, and, like Nyong’o, actress Lily Collins gave a nod to the month by complementing her Valley of the Dolls-esque garb and hairstyle with some emerald jewelry.
Collins sported a Cartier emerald, rock crystal, onyx, black lacquer and diamond necklace in platinum, as well as matching emerald, rock crystal, onyx and diamond earrings in platinum. Both were from the house’s “Magnitude” high jewelry collection.
She also wore a “Pluie de Cartier” ring in 18-karat white gold with diamonds.
Embed from Getty Images
Channeling a glamorous flapper, Jennifer Lopez’s Harry Winston “Purple Dragon Necklace” featured a 65.32-carat purple sapphire and 129.48 carats of round brilliant, pear- and marquise-shaped diamonds, all set in platinum.
That wasn’t all. The actress and singer complemented the jaw-dropping, one-of-a-kind piece with an array of platinum and white diamond jewelry: vintage chandelier earrings with 29.59 carats of diamonds from 1972; a 67.22-carat diamond bracelet; a 66.82-carat bracelet; a ring with 15.99-carat cushion-cut diamond; and a ring with 2.4-carat diamond.

Embed from Getty Images
Kendall Jenner is the face of Tiffany & Co.’s spring 2019 campaign, so it was no surprise to see the model decked in the house’s jewels.
To match her orange gown, she rocked a necklace with 19 Imperial topazes weighing over 75 carats and more than 40 radiant-cut white diamonds weighing over 11 carats. She topped off the look with matching earrings with over 23 carats of Imperial topazes, accented with round brilliant white diamonds. Both pieces are from Tiffany’s 2019 Blue Book collection.
Embed from Getty Images
Lady Gaga proved that, even with film awards season over (the actress picked up an Oscar for Best Song for the hit “Shallow” from film “A Star is Born” in February), 2019 is still her year.
The multi-talented star wasn’t set to perform at the gala, but perform she did, changing outfits as she descended the Met steps’ pink carpet.
But her nearly $2 million of Tiffany & Co. jewelry stayed on throughout the act. Gaga wore platinum and diamond stud earrings; a 6-carat pink sapphire and diamond ring in platinum; 5-carat sapphire ring with diamonds set in platinum; 5-carat spinel and diamond ring in platinum; and 13-carat rubellite and diamond ring in platinum.
The show-stopper, though, was a 15-carat diamond and platinum ring, priced at over $1.1 million.
Ashley Davisis the senior editor, fashion at National Jeweler, covering all things related to design, style and trends.

The Latest

Mike Alexander
MajorsAug 01, 2025
Jewelers Mutual Names Mike Alexander as President

The insurance company’s previous president and CEO, Scott Murphy, has split his role and will continue as CEO.

 Gemfields rough rubies
SourcingAug 01, 2025
Gemfields’ Auction Revenue Drops 50% in H1

The nearly six-month pause of operations at its Kagem emerald mine earlier this year impacted the miner’s first-half results.

Signet Jewelers logo
MajorsAug 01, 2025
Helzberg President Julie Yoakum Moves Over to Signet Jewelers

The addition of Yoakum, who will lead Kay and Peoples, was one of three executive appointments Signet announced Thursday.

rio-article photo-diamond.jpg
Brought to you by
Taking the Moment Head On: How Rio Grande Champions the Present & Future of Fine Jewelry

As a leading global jewelry supplier, Rio Grande is rapidly expanding and developing new solutions to meet the needs of jewelers worldwide.

Hernsdorf Tears of Aphrodite Necklace
CollectionsAug 01, 2025
Piece of the Week: Hernsdorf’s ‘Tears of Aphrodite’ Necklace

The necklace uses spinel drops to immortalize the moment Aphrodite’s tears mixed with her lover Adonis’ blood after he was fatally wounded.

Weekly QuizJul 31, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Stock image of a polished diamonds being held by tweezers
SourcingJul 31, 2025
De Beers Records $189M First-Half Loss

The diamond miner and marketer warned last week that it expected to be in the red after significantly cutting prices in Q2.

Lindsey Scoggins Studio convertible flower earrings
Events & AwardsJul 31, 2025
These Are the 2025 CASE Award Winners

Jewelers of America’s 35th annual design contest recognized creativity, artistry, style, and excellence.

an instructor and a student in a bench jewelry classroom
Brought to you by
Investing in the Next Generation of Bench Jewelers

The Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.

Matthew Tratner, new president of Continental Buying Group
IndependentsJul 31, 2025
Matthew Tratner Takes Over as CBG President

Tratner succeeds Andie Weinman, who will begin stepping back from the buying group’s day-to-day operations.

Stock image of rough diamonds from the Kimberley mine
Policies & IssuesJul 30, 2025
Tariff on India Will Be 25%, Trump Says

The president made the announcement via Truth Social Wednesday, adding that India also will face a penalty for its dealings with Russia.

Pomellato Mini London blue topaz and diamond bracelet
FinancialsJul 30, 2025
Kering's Jewelry Brands Resilient As H1 Sales Slide 16%

The luxury titan’s star brand Gucci continued to struggle amid a "tough" environment.

Zadok Rolex Austin
WatchesJul 30, 2025
Peek Inside Zadok Jewelers’ New Rolex Showroom in Austin

Its opening marks the completion of the retailer’s new 11,000-square-foot store in the Texas capital.

Crowd of people in a shopping mall
SurveysJul 30, 2025
Consumer Confidence Ticks Up in July

Respondents shared concerns about tariffs and commentary on the “Big Beautiful Bill.”

Making a Killing in Diamonds by Rob Bates
SourcingJul 30, 2025
Rob Bates to Release Latest Book in His ‘Diamond District Mystery’ Series

“Making a Killing in Diamonds” tells the story of Mimi Rosen, the disappearance of a scientist, and the murder of lab-grown diamond CEO.

Mighty Fierce Audacious Necklace, Sandy Rubin Aziza Necklace, Koulianos Designs Illuminations Shield Pendant
Events & AwardsJul 29, 2025
Melee The Show Welcomes 15 New Designers

The first-time exhibitors, set to debut at the New York City show, share a devotion to craftsmanship, storytelling, and material integrity.

Auctim emerald auction
SourcingJul 29, 2025
Auctim to Offer 7.3M+ Carats of Rough Emeralds

The online auction house’s September sale will feature rough Brazilian emeralds of various qualities.

AGS Board President for 2025-2026 Alexis Padis
MajorsJul 29, 2025
Alexis Padis Re-Elected AGS Board President

She’ll lead an executive committee consisting of President-Elect Bryan Moeller, Mitchell Clark, Bill Farmer, and Larry Rickert.

Stock image of shipping containers
Policies & IssuesJul 28, 2025
U.S.-EU Come to Agreement on Tariffs

Announced Sunday, the deal will set the tax on goods imported into the United States from the European Union at 15 percent.

Nanis Ipanema Collection Campaign
CollectionsJul 28, 2025
Nanis Brings a New Palette to ‘Ipanema’

A new edition of the Italian brand’s “Ipanema” collection has debuted with gemstones that evoke Brazil’s breathtaking views.

Kevin O’ Leary and George Mayer of The 1916 Company
MajorsJul 28, 2025
The 1916 Company Partners with ‘Shark Tank’ Star’s Watch Insurance Platform

The retailer will refer its customers to WonderCare, founded by venture capitalist and watch collector Kevin O’Leary.

Sissy’s new Little Rock store
IndependentsJul 28, 2025
Sissy’s Log Cabin to Open Flagship in Arkansas

The jeweler’s largest store yet is set to open in Little Rock next fall.

Jemma Wynne Forme Toggle Necklace
CollectionsJul 25, 2025
Piece of the Week: Jemma Wynne’s ‘Forme’ Necklace

Anne Hathaway was seen wearing the toggle necklace three times while filming scenes for “The Devil Wears Prada 2.”

September Hong Kong jewelry show
Events & AwardsJul 25, 2025
Pre-Registration Open for September Hong Kong Show

Jewellery & Gem World Hong Kong is scheduled for Sept. 15 to 21, and buyer pre-registration will be available until Sept. 7.

Bulgari Celestial Mosaic spinel necklace
FinancialsJul 25, 2025
LVMH Sales Slip in H1 Amid ‘Prevailing Uncertainties’

Renovations at Tiffany & Co. stores ate into profits in the company’s watch and jewelry division.

Mark and Candy Udell
Events & AwardsJul 24, 2025
2 Retailers to Receive 2026 Gem Award for Lifetime Achievement

Mark and Candy Udell of London Jewelers will receive the honor at the 24th annual Gem Awards next March.

De Beers marine mining vessel the SS Nujoma
SourcingJul 24, 2025
De Beers Sees Diamond Production Sink 36% in Q2

While struggles continue at the mining and trading end of the pipeline, consumer demand for diamond jewelry is holding steady.

Francesca Villa Fantasia Collection The Crab Pendant, The Mermaid Pendant, Keep Dancing Seahorse Pendant, Keep Dancing Ladybug Pendant, Secret Dreams Pendant, The Puffer Fish Takes Flight Pendant
CollectionsJul 24, 2025
Francesca Villa Adds Dimension to Her Intaglio Characters

The “Fantasia” jewelry collection turns the intaglio animals from her “Close Encounters” collection into 3D characters.

×

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