The Mind-Boggling Amount of Diamonds Mariah Carey Wore for Her VMAs Performance and the Millions She Paid for All Those Carats
Mariah Carey was one of the stars who performed at the 2025 MTV VMAs.
The “We Belong Together” artist did so just before she received the Vanguard Award. Carey delighted fans with a melody of some of her biggest hits including “Fantasy,” “Heartbreaker,” and “Obsessed.”
When the songbird first appeared onstage, she was draped in a silk champagne robe before she removed that to reveal a glittering gold bodysuit. But that wasn’t the only thing shining.
While Carey belted out her tunes, she was dripping in some stunning diamonds worth millions.
The jewelry experts at the U.K. retailer Steven Stone took a closer look at some of Mimi’s diamonds, and you won’t believe how much they cost.
Maxwell Stone told Showbiz Cheat Sheet: “Mariah’s dazzling jewels were nothing short of extraordinary. Her necklace and earrings were sourced from LEVUMA, while her bold cuff bracelet came from Ethos Maria — a fitting addition to Mariah’s already iconic collection of diamond treasures, including her celebrated engagement rings.
“Handcrafted in Antwerp, her collar-style necklace is a true masterpiece. Taking more than 600 hours to create, it sparkles with 204 carats of white diamonds in a mesmerising blend of pear, marquise, and round cuts. Designed in a cascading floral motif, the showpiece is anchored by a dramatic pear-shaped diamond drop at its center.”
The expert continued: “Her diamond drop earrings feature a striking multi-tier chandelier design. Composed of countless pear-shaped diamonds set in platinum or white gold, their cascading silhouette shimmered brilliantly under the stage lights, adding movement and sparkle with every turn.
“Completing the look, Mariah wore a wide statement cuff bracelet. Featuring an intricate openwork design, the piece is encrusted with 72.15 carats of diamonds, with large pear-shaped and round cuts forming a bold, geometric, floral-inspired pattern — a true statement of luxury.
Maxwell added: “Mariah also accessorised with a few non-bespoke treasures from Hamilton Jewelers — a dazzling $150,000 Private Reserve platinum and diamond floral bracelet adorning her right wrist, and a delicate $24,195 18K white gold Diamond Open Bypass Vine ring gracing her left pinky.
“I’d estimate the necklace and matching earrings at around $12.5 million, with the bracelet worth an additional $5 million. When combined with her dazzling pieces from Hamilton Jewelers, Mariah’s ensemble amounted to an astonishing $17,674,195 in jewels.”
There was some chatter online that Carey seemed a little stiff during her performance as her male dancers moved about around her. However, that was later chalked up to the fact that she was wearing high-heeled boots and the stage looked pretty slippery.
Something else that had people talking and left many fans in shock was when Carey shared that the Vanguard Award was her very first Moon Man.
“I can’t believe I’m getting my first VMA tonight,” the pop icon said, before joking, “I just have one question: What in the Sam hell were you waiting for?”
The “Vision of Love” hitmaker has been nominated for nine VMAs throughout her career. Later in the evening, she received her second Moon Man when she took home the Best R&B Video for her song “Type Dangerous.”
Now, Carey can add those statues to her six Grammys, 19 World Music Awards, 14 Billboard Music Awards, and 10 American Music Awards.
