On the evening of 2 May 2022, celebrities descended on New York City’s Metropolitan Museum of Art for the 53^rd annual Met Gala. As a yearly staple of the fashion and art world, the event gives designers a chance to showcase their most dazzling designs and celebrates the artistry and creativity behind them. With this year’s theme of ‘Gilded Glamour’, it’s unsurprising that jewellery played an essential part in the costumes of various celebrities. From extravagant earrings to beautiful bracelets, here is a collection of the most opulent pieces worn by stars at the lavish event.

Gabrielle Union

On the night, actress Gabrielle Union wore a silver Versace gown. She was accompanied on the red carpet by her husband — retired NBA star Dwyane Wade — but it was her jewellery that really stood out. Provided by jewellery brand Tiffany & Co., Union wore a set of glittering, dangling diamond earrings to match her dress. Adorning her wrist was a white gold diamond bracelet with a botanical design, wrapping around her wrist like an incandescent vine catching the light.

Kim Kardashian

Wearing an iconic dress originally worn by the incomparable Marilyn Monroe, Kim Kardashian was bound to grab attention on the red carpet. The glittering gown, created by Hollywood costume designer Jean-Louis, needed little to accessorise it. Even so, Kardashian complemented her look with a pair of sparkling diamond earrings. Designed by Cartier for their Essential Lines collection, the asymmetrical, three-tiered earrings featured 18-carat white gold and countless diamonds — all with a perfect cut and clarity.

Blake Lively

Blake Lively stunned the public in not one, but two gorgeous outfits. Her Art Deco-inspired copper gown transformed into a turquoise one on the red carpet, paying homage to New York’s iconic Statue of Liberty. Her jewellery carried on with this theme: both outfits were accessorised with the same collection of Lorraine Schwartz jewels. A copper tiara perched delicately on her hairline, decorated with oblong aquamarine stones, mimicking the emblematic headdress of Lady Liberty. To finish the look, she wore oversized earrings, featuring extra-large emeralds and filigreed gold.

Naomi Campbell

There was no doubt that Naomi Campbell would dazzle on the red carpet, and she did not disappoint. In a Burberry-designed, jewel-encrusted gown, the supermodel accessorised with sparkling stones carefully arranged across her face and jewellery designed by Jacob & Co. While her look certainly fulfilled the brief of ‘Gilded Glamour’, it is her necklace that deserves extra attention. Valued at £5.3 million, the piece featured 37 perfectly cut yellow diamonds weighing in at a whopping 161.52 carats. It was rumoured to have taken approximately two years to create.

Cardi B

Making her third Met Gala appearance, Cardi B stunned audiences in a gold Versace gown, which fans described as bringing the true essence of ‘Gilded Glamour’. Opting for neutral, ‘90s inspired makeup, the rapper let her jewellery take centre stage. She wore a chunky, gold choker made from the same golden chain as her dress, punctuated with the trademark Versace logo and Medusa-head medallions cast in solid gold. The custom creation was finished with a pair of golden jacket earrings, giving the look a gilded, opulent feel.

A Glittering Success

Overall, this year’s cohort of celebrities at the Met Gala really showed the world what was meant by the theme of ‘Gilded Glamour’. It was truly representative of the Gilded Age in New York between 1870 to 1890 in its splendour, luxury, and grandeur.