Editors

A New Take on #MetGala2019: The Looks Reimagined as Minerals

EditorsMay 10, 2019

A New Take on #MetGala2019: The Looks Reimagined as Minerals

Senior Editor Brecken Branstrator hopes readers enjoy one Twitter user’s comparisons as much as she did.

20190510_Met-minerals-Florence.jpg
When one Twitter user saw this 2019 Met Gala look from singer Florence Welsh of Florence + The Machine, she immediately thought it looked like tourmaline, setting her off on a thread comparing the night’s fashions to minerals. (Photo credits: Getty and Damien Ferronato)
I’ve grown to enjoy following the Met Gala and its resulting fashion choices, especially when celebrities really embrace the theme and go all out for the event.

I particularly liked this year’s theme, “Camp,” and the looks it brought to the red (check that, pink) carpet. You could tell plenty of the A-listers were having fun with it and letting loose.

There were many great roundups to click through online, including our Fashion Editor Ashley Davis giving us her top five jewelry looks from the night.

Another of my favorite takes from the night—brought to my attention courtesy of our associate editor, Lenore Fedow—was the Twitter user who found a new way to analyze the fashion choices—by reimagining attendees’ looks as minerals.

Celeste Labedz (@celestelabedz) told me via direct message on Twitter that she has a degree in geology and currently is working on a PhD in geophysics so she “naturally think(s) of most things in terms of the Earth.”

She said when she saw a picture of singer Florence Welch’s green and purple Met Gala look on Twitter the color scheme immediately reminded her of tourmaline, fluorite or a similar mineral, and “it all spiraled from there.”

I’m jealous I didn’t think of it first.

Here are some of my favorites from Labedz’s Twitter take on the Met Gala.

(A note on photo credits: though Labedz compiled the comparison photos for her Tweets, the original images came from this BuzzFeed article, and the list of mineral photo credits can be found here.)

 
I can’t get over how much I love this one. I don’t think Lucy Boynton’s look would be my top choice on its own, but the way it matches this elbaite specimen’s color gradient is just too good.

 
The color! The way her dress mimics the shape of the crystal specimen! This Madelaine Petsch/fluorite comparison is perfect. 

 
This one is so specific, but as only someone with a deep knowledge about the subject could, Labedz has perfectly matched the color details. 

 
The way the purple feeds into the white shades on Lilly Singh’s dress just screams amethyst, doesn’t it? It couldn’t be anything else.

 
When you look at it this way, singer and songwriter Thalia’s dress is basically a jeweled version of azurite and siltstone. 

 
And this glorious finish, because why not. (It feels a lot like Rihanna’s yellow 2015 Met Gala dress, which was also compared to various things, including pizza.) 
To see all of Labedz’s mineral comparisons, visit the thread on Twitter.

Apparently, comparing Met Gala fashions to scientific specimens was a micro-trend this year. See the 2019 Met Gala looks as lichens here and as exoplanets here.
Brecken Branstratoris the senior editor, gemstones at National Jeweler, covering sourcing, pricing and other developments in the colored stone sector.

The Latest

The Retail Smiths partner and National Jeweler columnist Peter Smith
ColumnistsJul 07, 2026
Peter Smith: Diamond Branding and the Origin Paradox

A podcast prompted Smith to share his views on where origin fits into the natural diamond story and the viability of branded diamonds.

Jewelers of America Impact Initiative Recipients 2026
Events & AwardsJul 07, 2026
JA Announces 2026 Impact Initiative Recipients

The association selected eight recipients for the funding program, which is in its second year.

Zahn Z In Rubies We Clicked
TrendsJul 07, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Ruby, White and Blue

Whether celebrating America’s 250th birthday or the USA’s World Cup run, July birthstone jewelry can double as a patriotic accessory.

Brought-To-By-Article-Top-Image.jpg
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center Stage

Colored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.

Police van outside of Musée Lalique
CrimeJul 07, 2026
Thieves Steal Millions in Jewels From France’s Musée Lalique

Around 20 pieces of jewelry were stolen from the museum dedicated to French jeweler and glassmaker René Lalique.

Weekly QuizJul 01, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Robinson Pelham Summer of ’96 Campaign
CollectionsJul 07, 2026
Robinson Pelham Is Partying Like It’s 1996

The “Summer of ’96” campaign and collection celebrate the year the brand was founded for its 30th anniversary.

Sean Gilbertson
SourcingJul 06, 2026
Gemfields CEO Sean Gilbertson Steps Down

After eight years, Gilbertson is leaving his post at the mining company, which is currently facing a slew of operational challenges.

DCA-NJ-article-1872x1052-060826.jpg
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce Solutions

DCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.

Bachendorf’s New Dallas Location Exterior Rendering
IndependentsJul 06, 2026
Bachendorf’s To Open Fifth Store In Dallas

The new location is set to open this winter, featuring the retailer’s first rotating jewelry designer residency.

Jung Kook for Graff
MajorsJul 06, 2026
Graff Names BTS Star Jung Kook as New Ambassador

The pop artist appears in the latest campaign for the “Laurence Graff Signature” collection.

Pandora pearl jewelry campaign imagery
CollectionsJul 06, 2026
Pandora’s New Baroque Pearl Collection Is a Whimsical ‘Wonder’

One-of-a-kind pearls take the shape of ice cream cones, frogs, submarines, and other imaginative charms.

London Diamond Bourse President Charlotte Rose
SourcingJul 02, 2026
London Diamond Bourse Elects First Female President

Charlotte Rose said her election is “a sign that this is an industry capable of change.”

Bracelets_1872_1052.jpg
Supplier BulletinJul 02, 2026
Elevating Retail Showcases with Today's Necklace & Bracelet Trends

Sponsored by Rio Grande Jewelry Supply

Oscar Heyman Flag Brooch
TrendsJul 02, 2026
Oscar Heyman’s Flag Brooch Celebrates America

The American jewelry house, founded by Latvian immigrants, has been creating American flag brooches since 1917.

D. Geller & Son store mural
IndependentsJul 02, 2026
D. Geller & Son Partners with KSU Art Students on Store Mural

The artwork celebrates the Atlanta jeweler’s legacy and symbolizes its commitment to supporting local artists and its community.

Hand taking jewelry out of jewelry box
Events & AwardsJul 02, 2026
Stratus Estate Buyers Offers Jewelers Turnkey Buying Events

Its team can evaluate jewelry and watches, as well as luxury handbags, artwork, and collectibles.

Hand holding a gas pump
SurveysJul 01, 2026
Consumer Confidence Ticks Up in June

Falling oil prices were a factor in the slight month-over-month improvement.

Rio Grande Millgrain Wedding band and Round Diamond Engagement Ring
CollectionsJul 01, 2026
Rio Grande Launches First Finished Bridal Collection

The new offering comprises more than 120 bridal and engagement ring styles with natural and lab-grown diamonds.

Rockefeller Center Rink Rolex Clock
WatchesJul 01, 2026
Rolex Unveils Clock at Rockefeller Center

The clock is part of the celebration for the soon-to-open Rolex headquarters on New York City’s Fifth Avenue.

Kristen Cannon
IndependentsJul 01, 2026
Kristen Cannon of Valobra Master Jewelers Dies at 49

The public relations professional is remembered for her benevolent generosity and unwavering commitment to those around her.

G Shock Pokemon watch in Pokeball
WatchesJun 30, 2026
Pokémon Fans Will Want to Catch This New G-Shock Watch

The new watch commemorates Pokémon’s 30th anniversary.

Saks Fifth Avenue door sign
MajorsJun 30, 2026
Saks Global Emerges From Bankruptcy With New Name

The luxury retailer is now called Exemplar Luxury Group.

Jade Ruzzo Lady Collection Compact Mirror Necklace
CollectionsJun 30, 2026
Jade Ruzzo’s New Collection Embodies the Art of Being a Lady

The “Lady” collection is a new take on old beauty standards with gemstone-adorned hair pins and combs, a compact mirror necklace, and more.

Blue Nile Montana sapphire jewelry
SourcingJun 30, 2026
Blue Nile Introduces Montana Sapphire Collection

The new line is included in the e-tailer’s curation of jewelry celebrating America’s 250th anniversary.

American Gem Society
GradingJun 30, 2026
AGS Opens 2026 Recertification Exam

All active members who earned their credential or designation before Dec. 1, 2025, are required to recertify.

Briony Raymond Carousel Collection Campaign Imagery
CollectionsJun 29, 2026
Briony Raymond’s New Collection Is a ‘Carousel’ of Hard Stones

The new jewelry collection uses a colorful palette of onyx, malachite, tiger’s eye, mother-of-pearl, lapis, turquoise, and coral.

Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry Ridgeland Mississippi exterior
IndependentsJun 29, 2026
Look Inside Lee Michaels’ Revamped Mississippi Flagship

Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry is celebrating 30 years in the Ridgeland, Mississippi community.

×

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