From Rihanna to Jennifer Lopez: Which Celebrities Have Worn the Most Expensive Jewels to the Met Gala?
It’s almost that time of year again for the Met Gala. The event, also known as Fashion’s Biggest Night, features what seems like an endless parade of celebrities strutting onto the red carpet to show off their bold looks and pose on the iconic Met steps.
To go along with the creative outfits, many stars from Jennifer Lopez to Gigi Hadid to Rihanna and more have shown off quite a bit of bling on the carpet as well. But who takes the crown for rocking the most expensive diamonds?
Neil Dutta, Managing Director of the U.K. jewelry retailer Angelic Diamonds, broke down some of the most spectacular jewelry worn by celebs over the years and how much those eye-catching pieces cost.
Jennifer Lopez’s $8.8 million Harry Winston Collection
In 2019, Jennifer Lopez appeared to be dripping in diamonds, but it was hard not to notice the massive one around her neck.
Dutta told Showbiz Cheat Sheet, “This is a classic red carpet look. A 129-carat necklace centred around a purple sapphire, surrounded by diamonds to lift it. It’s a style that works because it’s clear and striking, even from a distance.”
Dua Lipa’s $10 million Tiffany & Co. Lucida Star Necklace
When singer Dua Lipa stepped onto the carpet in 2023, no one could take their eyes off her stunning necklace.
“There’s a clear nod to the Tiffany Diamond in how this has been cut, which is why it feels so recognizable,” Dutta explained. “It was also the first time it had been worn, and pieces like this don’t tend to appear casually. It points to Tiffany positioning it as something they want people to remember.”
Gigi Hadid’s $12 million Jacob & Co. Diamond Set
In 2021, model Gigi Hadid sported a beautiful necklace with more than 100 carats, along with impressive color and clarity.
According to Dutta, “The high price point comes down to the quality of the diamonds and how well they’ve been matched. A necklace of over 100 carats needs consistency in color and clarity across every stone, which isn’t easy to achieve. When it’s done properly, the effect is quite seamless.”
Priyanka Chopra’s $20 million Bulgari Emerald Necklace
In 2025, Priyanka Chopra showed up on the red carpet wearing one of the largest gemstones in the entire world.
Neil said, “Emeralds at this size are exceptionally uncommon, particularly with the level of colour and clarity you’re seeing here. They’re naturally more fragile than diamonds, so cutting and setting a stone of over 240 carats in a way that can still be worn takes a great deal of care. At that point, the focus naturally stays on the stone itself.”
He added that the actress wore an even pricier piece two years earlier when she rocked an 11.6-carat Laguna Blu diamond necklace, which was worth about $25 million.
Rihanna’s $25 million Bulgari & Belperron High Jewelry
In 2023, a pregnant Rihanna looked gorgeous when she walked the red carpet with her partner, A$AP Rocky, in $25 million worth of jewels.
“What stands out here is the decision to combine pieces from different houses,” the expert said. “High jewelry is often worn as a set, so mixing Bulgari with Belperron is a confident move. However, this mirrors the way Rihanna approaches fashion more broadly, often bringing together pieces that wouldn’t traditionally be worn together, which is why it feels intentional rather than overstyled.”
Isha Ambani’s $100 million Cartier Toussaint Necklace
When it comes to the most expensive jewels worn at the Met Gala, the $100 million necklace Isha Ambani donned on the carpet in 2025 takes that crown.
Dutta shared, “Isha Ambani’s necklace is one of those pieces that almost doesn’t feel real at first glance. You’re looking at over 480 carats of diamonds, with an 80-carat centre stone. What gives it more depth is the reference to a Cartier design originally created for Indian royalty. It’s that link to a known historical piece that elevates it beyond simply being large, and for making it on the list as the most expensive.”
