The Most Expensive Jewellery Ever Worn At The Met Gala

Met Gala might be all about fashion, but jewellery is where the real flex happens. Beyond the couture gowns and viral moments lies a glittering competition that’s measured in carats and price tags that could rival estates. Over the years, the Met steps have seen some of the world’s rarest diamonds and historic pieces make an appearance, often pulled straight from high-security vaults for a single night of spectacle.

On that note, let’s take a glittering throwback through some of the most spectacular jewellery moments from previous Met Gala carpets! (Ps: This year’s theme: “Costume Art” now officially revealed)

Priyanka Chopra, Bulgari Magnus Emerald Necklace

When Priyanka Chopra stepped onto the Met Gala carpet wearing the Magnus Emerald Necklace from Bulgari, the red carpet moment instantly felt elevated into the realm of high jewellery. Centred around a breathtaking 241.06 carat emerald, framed by diamonds and suspended with architectural precision, the piece glowed beneath the lights of the Metropolitan Museum with the quiet authority of something that feels destined for a museum vitrine or royalty rather than a fashion event. But what bigger fashion event than the met gala, right?

The emerald’s almost unreal depth of colour created a hypnotic focal point, faintly resembling the kind of gemstone one imagines in princely archives or historic treasure vaults. Against the theatricality of the Met Gala, the necklace was valued at approximately 8 to 10 million USD.

Isha Ambani, Cartier Toussaint Inspired Diamond Necklace

Inspired by the historic Toussaint design by Jacques Cartier, the Met Gala carpet momentarily felt like a living jewellery archive because Isha decides to wear her own jewels. This extraordinary piece features more than 481 carats of diamonds, cascading in an arrangement so elaborate it almost resembles a frozen waterfall of light. The design pays homage to the legendary 1931 Toussaint necklace originally created for the Maharaja of Nawanagar, a piece that famously held the Queen of Holland diamond, a flawless 136.25 carat gem once described as one of the most remarkable diamonds in existence. Its estimated value was more than 20 million USD.

Kendall Jenner, Chopard Haute Joaillerie Diamond Necklace

Kendall Jenner’s jewellery choice was refined brilliance. Priced at approximately 3 to 4 million USD, her necklace from the Haute Joaillerie Collection by Chopard featured a striking 12.37 carat central diamond surrounded by 76.11 carats of additional diamonds set in luminous white gold. The design possessed an effortless radiance that reveals itself gradually, catching light in deliberate flashed rather than overwhelming sparkle. Against the Met Gala’s famously maximal backdrop, the necklace felt quietly assured, almost like the jewellery equivalent of an impeccably tailored evening gown that does not need embellishment to announce its presence.

Kim Kardashian, Moussaieff Diamond Necklace Suite

If the Met Gala encourages exuberance, Kim Kardashian has perfected the art of leaning fully into it. Arriving adorned in more than a million dollars’ worth of diamonds from Moussaieff, she layered multiple diamond necklaces with pear shaped drop earrings is a personal favourite and the constellation of sparkling rings around it shimmered with every camera flash. Among the highlights was the Vendôme Liseré 4.18 carat pear cut diamond ring from Boucheron, adding yet another dimension of brilliance to the look. Estimated value was approximately 1.5 to 2 million USD.

Lewis Hamilton, Briony Raymond Vintage Pearl and Diamond Brooch

Jewellery within menswear has quietly returned to prominence in recent years, and Lewis Hamilton delivered one of the Met Gala’s most elegant examples. His look was punctuated by a vintage pearl and diamond brooch from Briony Raymond, placed with effortless precision and complemented by another jewel delicately positioned on his hat. The detail carried the faint nostalgia of historic tailoring traditions while still feeling entirely contemporary.

A$AP Rocky, Bulgari Ruby and Diamond High Jewellery Necklace

If the Met Gala rewards theatrical glamour for the mane, A$AP Rocky understands the assignment with unmistakable confidence. The rapper appeared wearing a ruby and diamond high jewellery necklace from Bulgari, centred around a vivid pear shaped ruby that glowed almost theatrically beneath the lights of the Metropolitan Museum. The look was layered further with diamond brooches, rings and earrings, while even his umbrella handle featured diamond detailing by Briony Raymond. The jewels were approximately valued at 2 to 3 million USD.

Bella Hadid, Angara Princess Cut Black Diamond Pendant

Some Met Gala looks appear almost intentionally unfinished, as though waiting for a singular jewel to deliver the final punctuation. Bella Hadid’s sculpted black mesh jumpsuit belonged firmly to that category; sheer, architectural and unapologetically bold. Imagined through the lens of fine jewellery, the addition of a sleek back chain tracing the spine paired with Angara’s princess cut black diamond pendant and a fluid pear shaped solitaire ring introduces a sense of deliberate precision. The dark gemstone anchors the neckline while echoing the drama of the silhouette, creating a contrast that feels almost cinematic.