Katherine Amelia Barnes

·An experienced professional in the jewelry industry, 2000 - Present

·Graduate Gemologist (GG)

·Certified Supreme Master Gemcutter (CSM)

·Skilled writer, with work featured in various online and print publications

·Passionate about sharing her expertise with others

·Strong communicator and collaborator

·Respected and trusted by peers and clients alike

The Met Gala is undeniably one of the most glamorous nights in fashion each year. When celebrities worldwide gather to make a real splash on the red carpet, you can rest assured that some of the most spectacular statement pieces will be seen. 

A classically beautiful stone that's perfect for making a show-stopping entrance? Pearls! The Met Gala saw many stars wearing stunning pearl jewelry and dazzling us with their beauty. 

pearl jewelry from Met Gala

As a jewelry expert, I've curated a list of my favorite pearl jewelry looks from the Met Gala. Get ready to have your breath taken away by these exquisite pieces! 

Met Gala – FAQs

What is the Met Gala?

pearl jewelry from Met Gala

The Met Gala (formerly known as the Costume Institute Gala) is an annual fundraising event in New York City that celebrates the opening of the Costume Institute's annual fashion exhibit. It is attended by some of the world's most celebrities and influential people in fashion. They usually dress up following the exhibit's theme, making it one of the most photographed fashion events.

When was the Met Gala 2023?

The Met Gala 2023 will take place on Monday, May 1. It is a star-studded event at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. It is one of the year's most glamorous and exclusive events, and guests are expected to dress in their most extravagant and fashionable attire.

Where can I watch the Met Gala?

pearl jewelry from Met Gala

The Met Gala is not broadcast live, but you can watch highlights and interviews with the stars on TV networks such as E!, Bravo, and VH1. Additionally, photos from the event are often featured on various websites, such as Yahoo Style, InStyle magazine, and People magazine. You can also follow the hashtag "MetGala" on social media for up-to-the-minute updates from the event!

What is the Met Gala theme for 2023?

To commemorate 2023, the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute has coined a single word to summarize their May 1 event: Karl. The theme is "Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty" and is a tribute to German designer Karl Lagerfeld, who passed away in 2019 at 85. It will be an exceptional evening honoring his remarkable achievements in fashion design.

10 Best Pearl Jewelry from the Met Gala

If you're looking for the most dazzling pearl jewelry looks from the Met Gala, you've come to the right place. Here are my ten picks of the best pearl jewelry from this glitzy event. 

Gigi Hadid Wearing a Beaded Burgundy Necklace by Chopard

pearl jewelry from Met Gala

In 2022, Gigi Hadid made a stunning statement on the red carpet with her futuristic ensemble and classic beaded burgundy necklace from Chopard's Haute Joaillerie Collection. 

The piece had an exquisite contrast of resplendent black pearls with a captivating rose-colored overtone that provided allurement to any who witnessed it.

Deep fuchsia rubellite tourmaline stones, twinkling diamond accents, and an 18-karat rosy gold setting augmented the luster of the rose-tinted pearls. All these gorgeous hues in the pearls and jewels merged to create a stunningly rich palette. 

Gigi matched the piece with a unique harness-style dress, creating an iridescent look that was sure to turn heads.

Amber Valletta Wearing Buccellati's South Sea Pearl and Diamond Necklace and Bangles

pearl jewelry from Met Gala

The same year, model and actress Amber Valletta had a significant moment on the red carpet with her sophisticated take on pearl jewelry. The supermodel opted for Buccellati's timeless high jewelry collection. 

From intricately woven filigree inspired by Venetian lace to superior metalwork of impeccable finish - Valletta showcased these iconic designs in a manner that was simply perfect.

Enhancing her look, she artfully donned a South Sea pearl and diamond necklace alongside dazzling diamond bangles, a bracelet, and rings from the brand. They looked beautiful against her golden dress, adding a subtle yet powerful touch to her evening look. 

Maggie Rogers Wearing Chanel's Pearl Earrings

pearl jewelry from Met Gala

In 2022, singer and songwriter Maggie Rogers was seen wearing Chanel's pearl earrings, the perfect accessory to her daringly modern ensemble. The earrings were designed with creamy white pearls and intricate 18-karat gold details, creating a glamorous and luxurious look. 

Twinkling diamond-studded sculptural lion heads in gleaming gold were a striking contrast to the strands of luminous white pearls, each decorated with tiny sparkling diamonds. 

The lion heads were part of a larger collection of pieces by Karl Lagerfeld that were inspired by 18th-century motifs and evoked memories of the empire style. 

Ben Platt Wearing Presley Oldham's Body Chain

pearl jewelry from Met Gala

If you think that women can only wear pearls, think again. In 2022, actor Ben Platt stepped out on the red carpet wearing a stunning body chain from Presley Oldham, featuring an artfully crafted necklace with lustrous white pearls and twinkling diamonds. 

The unique piece was matched perfectly with corseted tuxedo and Ben's dapper attitude. His modern interpretation of pearls and diamonds came to life with a luxurious lapel pin and an eye-catching body chain. 

Paloma Elsesser Wearing John Galliano's Stacked Pearl Choker 

pearl jewelry from Met Gala

Model Paloma Elsesser brought a sleek and chic vibe to the red carpet with her pearl choker from John Galliano's 1997 Maasai collection for Dior Haute Couture. The stacked choker combining strands of white pearls with a sparkly diamond centerpiece was the perfect accessory to her bold and edgy ensemble. 

The piece was designed to be layered and had a stunning impact on the red carpet. Elsesser accessorized her look further with diamond earrings, making her look one of the most memorable ones that night. 

Rihanna Wearing Pearl and Jewel-Encrusted Robe by Maison Margiela

pearl jewelry from Met Gala

Rihanna made sure everyone's eyes were on her when she stepped out wearing a pearl and jewel-encrusted robe from Maison Margiela. The pearl-embellished robe featured a deep neckline and long sleeves, adding a hint of drama to her look. 

Her Maison Margiela ensemble was a labor of love - taking an astonishing 250 hours to sew and 500 hours to hand-embroider, it stunned onlookers.

The robe was intricately decorated with pearls, diamonds, and other gems, creating an opulent yet modern look. Rihanna's daringly unique ensemble caught the attention of onlookers and made her look unforgettable. 

Kiersey Clemons Wearing Pearl-Beaded Gown from H&M Studio

pearl jewelry from Met Gala

Actress Kiersey Clemons stood out at the 2018 Met Gala when she stepped out wearing a pearl-beaded gown from H&M Studio. 

This remarkable diamond-shaped embroidered net was crafted to form a snug fit on the body with an alluring neckline that dips down, then continues as a full yet straight skirt cascading from below, supported by the gentle pouf of crinoline fabric and finished off with sheer nude organza overlay.

Besides, she matched her outfit with pearl earrings made of gold. All her accessories looked beautiful against her nude gown, adding a subtle yet powerful touch to her evening look.

Hailee Steinfeld Wearing Crown and Pearl-and-Diamond Jewelry by Tasaki 

pearl jewelry from Met Gala

In 2018, actress Hailee Steinfeld donned a romantic gown and an impressive diamond-and-pearl jewelry set by Tasaki. The jewelry set had an impressive crown, a choker necklace, and pearl rings. 

The diamond-studded crown was the centerpiece of her look. It featured a white gold setting with intricate details paired with the chocker necklace made of pearls. 

This combination was further complimented by pearl rings that adorned her fingers. All the pieces in her jewelry set had one thing in common - they were all made of diamonds and pearls, adding a hint of timeless glamour to her look.

Annita Wearing Jacob & Co. and Mikimoto Pearls

pearl jewelry from Met Gala

When Brazilian singer Annita arrived at the 2022 Met Gala, she ensured all eyes were on her. She was a vision of beauty with her stylish hairdo and glamorous manicure. In addition, she opted for a sophisticated smoky eye, neutral lip, and an exquisite Moschino gown adorned with pearls—the perfect combination for any red-carpet affair!

Anitta accentuated her look with a tanzanite and diamond necklace from Jacob & Co. and Mikimoto, the perfect complement to her ensemble. The necklace featured an alluring tanzanite stone surrounded by pearls and diamonds, adding a touch of luxury to her look.

Cardi B and Pearl Set by Moschino

pearl jewelry from Met Gala

Cardi B graced the Met Gala in 2018 with her unparalleled presence. She was a true vision in an exquisite Moschino dress covered in golden beads. Her now-pregnant stomach added a touch of royal magnificence, making her shine like the Queen!

Pearls encrusted her entire dress, adding a subtle yet powerful statement. She completed her look with a pearl crown and chocker pearl necklace, again showcasing her love for the precious stones. Her amazing combination of pearls and gold and her beautiful maternity look was stunning. 

Bottom Line

pearl jewelry from Met Gala

Pearls have been a staple of the red carpet and are one of the most beloved and timeless jewelry pieces. From Rihanna's Maison Margiela ensemble to Cardi B's Moschino dress, pearls have been a key element in the making these looks unforgettable. 

Pearls are the perfect accessory to enhance any look, adding a dose of sophistication and elegance that will make an impression. The Met Gala is the best place to showcase these precious pieces and their timeless beauty. 

Whether it's a bold statement piece or a delicate choker, pearls will always make any ensemble stand out!