What Makes Jewellery Red Carpet–Worthy? Inside the Met Gala Awards Style

The Met Gala is undoubtedly the most anticipated annual event in the sphere of fashion. The world’s eyes are drawn to celebrities showing-off the very best of couture - and the very best of jewels.

For the Met Gala, jewels are just as much a part of the fashion as the clothing. Many celebs over the years have elevated and adorned their looks through their jewels, speaking to both bold and refined tastes. 

But what makes a piece of jewellery Met Gala worthy? For some, it is the “more is more” element of standout pieces that evokes drama. Clusters of diamonds, jaw-dropping emeralds, and pieces that are as much “the look” as the actual clothing. For others, it is the way simple pieces are able to stand their ground against elaborate garments, embellishing and contributing to the story that the clothes are telling, rather than being excessively bold. Whether a piece is understated or overstated, no one can deny that what truly ties all the jewellery worn at the Met Gala together is the level of craftsmanship that goes into creating each unique piece. 

Across the years, the most memorable Met Gala jewels share four defining qualities: presence, narrative alignment, craftsmanship, and individuality. Whether bold or restrained, these are the elements that transform a piece from beautiful to unforgettable. 

This year's theme is “Fashion is Art” - the idea of fashion’s relationship with the body. Think fluid lines, draped fabrics, and designers emulating the most iconic sculptures from art history. We’ve picked our favourite pieces of jewellery worn at the Met Gala that represent refined elegance and adorn the body of those who wear them. You’ll see here in this selection that diamonds truly are a girl's best friend. 

Timeless Brilliance: Kerry Washington, 2025

Washington wore a diamond necklace courtesy of Chopard to the 2025 Met Gala, featuring 120.16-carats of diamonds set in 18k white gold - this piece oozes ethereal luxury in every sense. Taken from Chopard’s L’Heure du Diamant Collection for women that plays tribute to the timeless artisanal skills that goes into making diamond jewellery. 

For those seeking to emulate this timeless elegance through their own jewellery, we recommend the Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Spectacle Drop Trefoil Necklace in 18kt white gold. 

Modern Restraint: Hailey Bieber, 2025

The Rhode founder is known for stripped-back, clean looks, and the jewellery she wore to last year’s Met Gala embodies this theme. The 2-carat pear-shaped diamond drop earrings demand attention against the simple lines of her YSL suit. Paired with sleek, minimalist diamond rings (featuring pave stone placements around the band), Hailey truly shows off the best-of-diamonds in the jewellery world. Already have the Hailey Bieber make-up routine down? Match her jewellery style with the Piper Radiant Engagement Ring and Oval Cut Diamond Stud Earrings.

Jewellery as Garment: Beyoncé, 2015

A look that springs to mind for many when thinking of the Met Gala, and for good reason. Beyonce’s Givenchy gown was hand embroidered with multicoloured gemstones by celebrity jeweller, Lorraine Schwartz, giving the effect of floating gems adorning her figure.

The richness and warmth that radiates off this look can only be matched by the Multi Cut Fancy Colour Diamond Wide Band. Boasting an array of mixed cut fancy colour diamonds in shades of pink, yellow, champagne, and brown, this piece is pure honey in ring form.

Vintage Influence, Modern Approach: Gigi Hadid, 2024

A look that has an undeniable vintage charm was Gigi Hadid’s 2024 Met Gala look. The bare neckline allowed her to truly let her accessories shine. Simple yet dazzling, the Chopard diamond necklace and earrings tied the simple complexion and bold red lip together. Her necklace of 18k white gold and 18k yellow gold featuring 26.24-carats of yellow diamonds and 25.65-carats of white diamonds stole the show. And if that wasn’t enough, her earrings boasted 28.81-carats of pear-shaped yellow diamonds. This combination of yellow and traditional diamonds truly showed us that not everything needs to be so complicated, especially when the diamonds speak for themselves. 

To ooze this sense of refinement, elegance, and vintage charm, we recommend the Multi Cut Fancy Colour Diamond Bezel Half Eternity Band to show off the best of what yellow diamonds have to offer.

Ethical Craftsmanship and Presence: Michaela Coel, 2023

Coel had jaws-dropping in 2023 with this breathtaking look that highlighted the importance of ethical jewellery sourcing. Dripping in completely ethical gold and responsibly sourced jewels, Coel proved that natural and ethical is the superior choice for truly eye-catching pieces. More importantly, this look embodies the foundations of what makes jewellery red-carpet worthy - quality craftsmanship, ethically sourced, and absolutely breathtaking.

To emulate that feeling of dripping gold, we recommend the Rosecut Diamond Collar Ring. Bold, bright, and embellished with diamonds, this ring absolutely embodies the richness of Coel’s look - not to mention it is ethically sourced.

Bringing Red-Carpet Jewellery Into Everyday Life

Have an iconic piece of Met Gala jewellery in mind that you would like to emulate? At Clarity Diamonds, a bespoke service is offered that stands apart in both quality and price, making it possible for anyone to cherish jewellery that feels truly personal. Every bespoke experience is designed to feel special, because jewellery becomes more than just a purchase; it’s a deeply personal investment in something uniquely yours. Much like the most renowned jewellery designers, the focus remains on exceptional craftsmanship, with natural diamonds sourced to look and feel every bit as luxurious as the jewels seen at the Met Gala.

While the Met Gala represents the extreme edge of fashion, its principles are surprisingly transferable:

• Focus on proportion: let one piece lead, and allow others to support

• Prioritise craftsmanship: cut, setting, and material matter more than size alone

• Consider narrative: jewellery should complement how you present yourself, not compete with it

• Embrace individuality: the most memorable pieces feel personal, not prescribed

You don’t need a red carpet to wear jewellery with intention—only clarity in how you want it to feel.

Image source: Getty Images