The Met Gala, formally known as the Costume Institute Gala, is an annual fundraising event for the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute in New York City. It marks the grand opening of the Institute's annual fashion exhibit. The Met Gala is renowned for its glamorous red carpet, whose theme reflects the year’s exhibit and where celebrities, designers, and fashion icons showcase their most extravagant ensembles. Among the dazzling outfits, the jewelry worn at the Met Gala often stands out as some of the most memorable and iconic elements.
The Met Gala: An Overview
History and Significance
The Met Gala was first held in 1948, organized by fashion publicist Eleanor Lambert to raise funds for the Costume Institute twos years after it became a part of the Museum. Over the decades, it has evolved into one of the most prestigious and highly anticipated events in the fashion calendar. Each year, the Gala follows a specific theme, which is reflected in the attendees' attire and the exhibition itself. The themes often draw inspiration from art, history, and culture, providing a rich tapestry for creative expression.
Jewelry plays a pivotal role in completing the Met Gala looks. Designers and jewelers often collaborate to create custom pieces that enhance the thematic elements of the attendees' outfits. From vintage heirlooms to contemporary masterpieces, the jewelry seen at the Met Gala is a testament to artistry, craftsmanship, and the evolving trends in the world of high fashion.
The Art of Jewelry at the Met Gala
Craftsmanship and Innovation
The jewelry showcased at the Met Gala is a testament to the artistry and craftsmanship of some of the world's most renowned jewelers. These pieces often involve months of meticulous planning, design, and execution. Jewelers like Lorraine Schwartz, Cartier, Chopard, and Tiffany & Co. are frequently chosen for their ability to create custom pieces that complement the event's themes and the attendees' outfits.
Statement Pieces
Statement jewelry is a definite hallmark of the Met Gala. Whether it's a dramatic necklace, an intricate headpiece, or bold earrings, the pieces worn to the Met Gala are designed to stand out and make a lasting impression as a part of a more comprehensive look. The use of rare stones, innovative techniques, and bold aesthetics are all elements that contribute to the iconic status of these jewelry pieces.
Collaboration Between Designers and Jewelers
The collaboration between fashion designers and jewelers is crucial in creating the cohesive and stunning looks seen at the Met Gala. These collaborations often result in custom-made pieces that are tailored to the specific theme and the wearer's style. This synergy between fashion and jewelry design elevates the overall aesthetic and ensures that each element of the outfit works harmoniously together.
Iconic Met Gala Jewelry through History
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In 2014 at the "Charles James: Beyond Fashion" Met Gala, Karolina Kurkova stunned in a blue, floral Marchesa ball gown that had an asymmetrical, strapless neckline which she paired with a 55-carat Harry Winston Diamond Necklace.
Michaela Coel wore a gilded Schiaparelli number in 2023 with opulent yet understated gold earrings to match.
In 1996, Princess Diana wore a seven strand pearl choker with a sapphire and diamond encrusted brooch gifted to her by the Queen at the center. The year's theme was Christian Dior and Princess Diana certainly didn't disappoint.
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Another iconic set of pearls were donned at the 1992 Met Gala, whose theme was "Fashion and History: A Dialogue." Christy Turlington came in a beautiful recreation of the look made iconic in Breakfast at Tiffany's by Audrey Hepburn.
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In 2022 the theme was "In America: An Anthology of Fashion" and the dress code was Gilded Glamour. Cardi B certainly understood the assignment when she showed up dripping in gold Versace from head to toe.
Iconic Jewelry at the 2024 Met Gala
Ayo Edebiri in Boucheron
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Ayo Edebiri stuns in a custom Loewe gown and pendant earrings and a ring from Boucheron’s Timeless high jewelry collection. Her earrings were adorned with pear-shaped aquamarines and pavé white diamonds, while her ring was a Hopi the Hummingbird aquamarine ring.
Demi Moore in Cartier
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Demi Moore wears Harris Reed and Cartier Jewels. These aren't just any Cartier jewels though, this necklace is a piece from Cartier's latest collection, Nature Sauvage. Moore is the first person to wear this collection on the red carpet. Moore wears the Chloris necklace, which is named for the Goddess of Spring, and features platinum and diamond encrusted spirals with a total of 7.87 carats of emeralds.
Dua Lipa in Tiffany & Co.
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Dua Lipa wears Marc Jacobs and Tiffany & Co. jewelry. Her necklace is centered around a marquise diamond of over eight carats and 896 round brilliant diamonds totaling 22 carats. This is the second year in a row that Dua Lipa has worn Tiffany & Co. to the Met Gala.
Andrew Scott in Boucheron
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Andrew Scott in Versace with Boucheron brooches, and David Yurman jewelry. Scott was just one of the men who really leaned into fine jewelry at the Met Gala this year. He says of his insect brooches that he wanted them to look like they just landed on his shoulder.
Jennifer Lopez in Tiffany & Co.
Photo: Getty Images
Jennifer Lopez wore a custom Schiaparelli dress and Tiffany & Co. jewelry. Her necklace comes from the Tiffany Blue Book 2024. This Céleste Wings diamond necklace is in the shape of a bird and features a stunning 20-carat oval diamond as a center stone.
The Impact of the Met Gala on Jewelry Trends
Setting Trends
The Met Gala has a significant influence on jewelry trends and the bold statement pieces seen at the Met Gala frequently become popular trends in the broader jewelry market for seasons to come and have been known to inspire designers and consumers alike.
Celebrity Influence
Celebrities play a crucial role in popularizing jewelry trends through their Met Gala appearances. The pieces they wear often receive widespread media coverage, creating buzz and influencing consumer preferences. Jewelry designers and brands gain significant exposure through these high-profile endorsements, impacting their popularity and sales.
Collaboration and Innovation
As we noted above, The Met Gala fosters collaboration between fashion designers and jewelers, resulting in innovative and creative jewelry designs. These collaborations push the boundaries of traditional jewelry design, introducing new concepts and techniques. The event serves as a platform for showcasing cutting-edge craftsmanship and artistry, inspiring future trends and innovations in the industry.
The Met Gala is not only a celebration of fashion but also a showcase of some of the most iconic and memorable jewelry pieces in history. From vintage heirlooms to modern masterpieces, the jewelry worn at the Met Gala reflects the artistry, craftsmanship, and evolving trends in the world of high fashion. As the event continues to inspire and influence the jewelry industry, it remains a testament to the true significance of fine jewelry. Whether it's a dazzling diamond necklace, an intricate headpiece, or a bold statement ring, the jewelry at the Met Gala continues to captivate and inspire, leaving a lasting impact on the world of fashion and beyond.
At Jack Weir & Sons, we’ve spent the last 40 years traveling to Europe and all over the world, curating extraordinary estate jewels. JWS is where the old world meets the new world. Celebrate life, preserve history, and discover your own priceless heirloom jewel. We are extremely grateful for our clients and the ability to help people celebrate their special moments through one-of-a-kind jewelry. To share that gratitude and our strong family values, we chose to partner with Baby2Baby. So far, we've donated $125,000. A portion of every sale goes towards children living in poverty to provide them with diapers, clothing, and all the basic necessities that every child deserves.
