The Met Gala 2025: Dazzling Jewelry Moments That Defined the Red Carpet

From Brooches to Necklaces, the Night Celebrated Black Dandyism in Full Glamour

Written on Tue May 27, 2025 by Jinal Prajapati

The 2025 Met Gala, held on May 5 at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, was a glittering spectacle celebrating the theme “Superfine: Tailoring, Black Style.Inspired by Monica L. Miller’s seminal book Slaves to Fashion, this year’s theme honored the rich legacy of Black dandyism a sophisticated and expressive approach to menswear marked by impeccable tailoring, refined accessories, and bold individuality. With a dress code titled Tailored for You,” it was no surprise that the red carpet spotlight fell heavily on exquisitely styled suits and the jewels that elevated them. While tailoring dominated the fashion narrative, it was the jewelry from opulent diamond brooches to historic vintage pieces that brought the theme to life. This year, stars from both Hollywood and Bollywood went all in on statement-making accessories that not only sparkled but told stories of heritage, pride, and style.

Here are the key Jewelry and Accessory Trends that emerged from the Met Gala 2025:

Statement Necklaces and Oversized Gems:

Bold, eye-catching necklaces were a highlight on the red carpet, Anne Hathaway showcased a stunning Bulgari sapphire and diamond necklace, while Isha Ambani wore an 80.73-carat cushion-cut diamond piece from her collection. Priyanka Chopra Jonas made history with a 241.06-carat emerald Bulgari necklace, the largest faceted gem ever set by the brand.

Brooches and Lapel Pins:

Brooches made a significant comeback, adorning both men's and women's ensembles, Zendaya impressed with a unique back brooch, while Lewis Hamilton wore Baobab-inspired brooches on his lapel and hat, sparkling with garnets and diamonds. Sarah Snook in Rahaminov diamonds brooches at the collar featuring an 11.9-carat tourmaline, and assorted Saidian Vintage Jewels.

Innovative Timepiece Accessories:

Timepieces were reimagined as fashion statements, Janelle Monáe wore a motorized clock monocle crafted by Cameron Hughes, featuring a spinning face powered by micro motors. Rihanna incorporated Cartier jewelry embedded with tiny timepieces, including a pendant and a gem-set reversible watch brooch.

Sustainable and Ethical Jewelry:

Sustainability was a prominent theme, Pamela Anderson wore 35 carats of diamonds, some of which she had previously worn at last year's gala, making a conscious fashion statement. Demi Moore chose ethical Shiphra Jewelry, aligning with growing environmental and ethical considerations in high-profile events.

Cultural and Ancestral Significance:

Jewelry pieces reflected cultural heritage and personal narratives. Twin designers Soull and Dynasty Ogun of L'Enchanteur wore layered chains rich with spiritual and ancestral meaning, contributing to the "Superfine" exhibition. Teyana Taylor's ensemble included a serpentine back ornament and baroque choker, celebrating cultural influence through jewelry.

Grills and Bold Ear Cuffs:

Grills and intricate ear-cuffs added an edgy flair to the gala's fashion. These accessories were embraced by several attendees, cementing the night as a celebration of both fashion and fine jewelry.

Accessible Luxury:

Tyla showcased a sophisticated blend of high fashion and accessible luxury by wearing a Pandora tennis choker featuring lab-grown diamonds. A nearly identical version with cubic zirconia is available for just $195, offering fans a chance to own a Met Gala-worthy accessory without breaking the bank.

Vintage and Heirloom Pieces:

Serena Williams donned vintage Fred Leighton jewels, including 1960s diamond wing earrings and a 1950s swirl brooch, adding a touch of timeless elegance.

Hollywood Stars Who Ruled the Jewelry Game:

Lewis Hamilton – Briony Raymond Vintage Brooch:

British Formula 1 icon and Met Gala co-chair Lewis Hamilton stunned in a sharp tailored look finished with an exquisite Briony Raymond brooch from the 1980s, featuring a blend of white, yellow, and pink diamonds. The tri-color sparkle was not only visually striking but perfectly aligned with the spirit of refined rebellion embedded in Black dandyism.

A$AP Rocky – Bulgari High Jewelry Brooch:

A$AP Rocky brought bold luxury with a Bulgari brooch crafted in pink gold, boasting four round diamonds, four buff-top rubellites, 20 step-cut diamonds, and pavé-set accents. Worn against his tailored ensemble, the piece exemplified the blend of elegance and edge that defines his fashion legacy.

Paul Tazewell – Fred Leighton Art Deco Brooches:

Both Usher and Broadway costume designer Paul Tazewell embraced classic glamour with Art Deco-inspired diamond brooches from Fred Leighton, serving vintage appeal with sleek tailoring. These ornate accents reflected the glamour of the Harlem Renaissance and celebrated timeless Black elegance.

Chance the Rapper – Jean Schlumberger by Tiffany & Co:

Chance the Rapper added floral opulence with the Daisy Bud brooch by Jean Schlumberger, a piece crafted in platinum and 18k yellow gold, adorned with diamonds and rubellites totaling over three carats. His look paid subtle homage to nature’s finesse with a maximalist flair.

Ayo Edebiri – Whimsical Cartier Dog Brooch (1966):

Actress Ayo Edebiri stole hearts with a 1966 Cartier brooch, shaped like a dog and made of 18k yellow gold, rubies, and enamel. This playful yet luxurious piece provided a delightful twist to her otherwise structured Ferragamo ensemble, demonstrating that whimsy has a place in high fashion.

Tessa Thompson – Floral Brooch from Saidian Vintage:

Tessa Thompson’s look was as poetic as ever with a Vintage Saidian floral brooch, a gentle nod to romantic tailoring. Her approach to accessorizing was delicate yet impactful, capturing the softer side of the dandy aesthetic.

Colin Kaepernick – Archival White Gold Brooch:

The former NFL quarterback and activist arrived in a powerful tailored outfit punctuated by an archival white gold brooch, a subtle yet striking addition to his ensemble, embodying quiet sophistication with cultural resonance.

Bollywood Shines Bright: Diljit Dosanjh’s Royal Tribute:

Diljit Dosanjh – Regal Necklace & Embroidered Cape by Prabal Gurung:

Punjabi superstar Diljit Dosanjh made a historic Met Gala debut, bringing Indian royalty to the global stage. Clad in an ivory sherwani-inspired suit by Prabal Gurung, Diljit paid tribute to Maharaja Bhupinder Singh of Patiala, known for his legendary jewelry collection. His ensemble was accessorized with a statement necklace, possibly reminiscent of the iconic Patiala Necklace once created by Cartier for the Maharaja. The necklace gleamed with diamond and emerald motifs, channeling grandeur and heritage. Completing the look was a cape embroidered with the map of Punjab and Gurmukhi alphabets, along with a traditional pag (turban) a strong statement of cultural pride wrapped in elegance. His appearance beautifully intertwined heritage with haute couture, bringing South Asian identity to one of fashion’s most elite platforms.

Shah Rukh Khan – “King K” goes dandy-regal

Crystal-paved diamond K” pendant (Mughal star-burst setting), & layered talismanic gold chains with miniature tiger heads. Four mixed-cut diamond stacking rings, a sculpted 18-karat gold cane capped with Burmese rubies, and old-mine-cut diamonds, and a vintage diamond star brooch on the lapel.

Isha Ambani – heirloom history lesson:

Wearing custom Cartier High Jewellery,481.42-carat diamond rivière modeled on the lost 1931 “Necklace of Nawanagar” (think Anne Hathaway’s Ocean 8 piece but real). Centre stone: the mythical 136.25-carat “Queen of Holland” diamond, flanked by 12-carat green diamonds and a lattice of pink & white stones.

Priyanka Chopra Jonas – emerald supremacy:

The Magnus Emerald” necklace is a record-setting 241.06-carat Zambian emerald framed by tapered baguette diamonds, plus a matching emerald-and-diamond ring & studs from Bulgari High Jewellery.

Kiara Advani’s - A Touch of Glamour and Meaning:

Kiara Advani made a stunning Met Gala debut, proudly showcasing her baby bump in a sculptural black and gold Gaurav Gupta gown. Her jewelry added deep symbolism and sparkle to the look. Body Chain by Outhouse Jewellery inspired by the umbilical cord, her 22K gold-plated chain with pearls and crystals celebrated motherhood. Sculptural Ear-cuffs & Rings also from Outhouse, these insect-inspired designs symbolized transformation and added a bold, modern edge. Kiara wore a 17-carat pear-shaped ring, a 5-carat Toi-et-Moi ring, and a heart-shaped diamond earring from Kantilal Chhotalal.

Wrapping Up The Met Gala 2025

From vintage brooches to statement necklaces, the Met Gala 2025 wasn't just a visual spectacle it was a heartfelt homage to heritage, elegance, and identity. Jewelry served not merely as an accessory, but as a language of cultural pride, artistry, and self-expression. Whether it was Lewis Hamilton’s diamond brooch symbolizing timeless masculinity or Diljit Dosanjh’s regal necklace honoring Punjab’s royal past, each piece elevated the night’s theme: “Superfine: Tailoring, Black Style.” This year's red carpet proved that jewelry can anchor a look, embody history, and spark conversations that transcend fashion. Brooches took center stage, redefining traditional menswear embellishment with a modern, luxurious edge while bold necklaces and symbolic pieces offered deeply personal statements on identity and legacy. As the glitter fades and the gowns are archived, one truth remains jewelry isn’t just adornment it’s power, presence, and poetry.


Image credits: Getty Images

Jinal Prajapati
Jewellery Designer and blogger