The Met Gala, a night synonymous with outrageous fashion and star-studded sightings, takes a dramatic turn each year in New York with a carefully curated theme. This year, in 2024, the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute transported its fashionable guests to a fantastical realm where nature and history intertwined under the banner of "The Garden of Time." This theme, rich with symbolism and open to interpretation, became a launchpad for the evening's most dazzling creations – not just in terms of couture gowns, but also in the world of exquisite gemstone jewelry from statement necklaces and rings, to bracelets and more.
This article delves into the intricate details of how these precious stones, meticulously chosen and crafted into breathtaking pieces, became a spotlight in the "The Garden of Time" theme. We'll explore how celebrities embraced the essence of flourishing gardens, timeless elegance, and even a touch of whimsicality through their dazzling gem selections.
Emeralds Remain Evergreen
The 2024 Met Gala witnessed a verdant explosion as emeralds took center stage, their lush green hues acting as a powerful symbol of flourishing gardens. These captivating stones embodied the very essence of the "The Garden of Time" theme, transporting onlookers to a world teeming with vibrant flora.
Leading the emerald charge was the ever-regal Michelle Yeoh. The actress wore Cindy Chao’s 2020 Black Label Masterpiece XI Emerald Waterfall earrings made from two cabochon Colombian emeralds weighing 4.37 and 3.73 carats respectively, white diamonds, yellow diamonds and tsavorites. The stones were set in three precious metals: titanium, 18-karat yellow gold and 18-karat white gold. The Oscar winner paired it with an emerald floral ring from Chao’s White Label collection which is made of a cabochon emerald, white cut diamonds, sapphires and tsavorites.
Michelle Yeoh wearing Cindy Chao’s 2020 Black Label Masterpiece XI Emerald Waterfall earrings (Source: Katerina Perez)
The stars may have all been out at the 2024 Met Gala, but hardly anybody was shining as bright as Demi Moore. She adorned herself with a breathtaking emerald necklace and earrings from Cartier's newest Chloris high jewelry collection. Moore became the first person to wear pieces from Cartier’s high jewelry collection, Nature Sauvage, which will formally launch at the end of May. The Chloris necklace features platinum and diamond encrusted spirals with emerald centers, with matching diamond and emerald earrings. The necklace contains 7.87 carats of emeralds, while the earrings have 2.25 carats. Named for the Greek nymph Chloris, goddess of spring, the jewels are configured to look like dandelion seeds swept away by the wind, perfectly echoing the "Garden of Time" theme.
While Michelle Yeoh and Demi Moore showcased the versatility of emeralds, Cardi B's choice was anything but understated. The Garden of Time dress code was styled with a diamond necklace and a 141-carat Colombian emerald by the Indian jewellery house Kamyen. She accessorised her hands with large emerald rings and a bangle bracelet on her wrist, with more emeralds and diamonds. Kamyen, the Indian jewellery brand, was founded in 2010 by Pooja Gandhi, who comes from a lineage of three generations of diamantaires, the brand has garnered global acclaim through Cardi B's appearance at the Met Gala this year.
Cardi B in a diamond & emerald necklace by Kamyen
Diamonds Reign Supreme
Diamonds, the enduring symbol of luxury and timeless elegance, remained a popular choice at the 2024 Met Gala. Their brilliance transcended the boundaries of the "The Garden of Time" theme, offering a sense of sophistication and enduring beauty that perfectly complemented the fantastical nature of the evening.
Gigi Hadid embodied this trend with a breathtaking ensemble from Chopard. The necklace is crafted from 18-karat pink gold, its warm hue reminiscent of a blooming rose garden at dusk. Delicate strands of the precious metal intertwined, creating a base for a cascade of mesmerizing yellow diamonds. The diamonds, a mix of round and pear cuts, showcased a captivating range of yellow hues, from a soft canary yellow to a richer, more intense golden color. This interplay of light and color mimicked the subtle variations found in nature, creating a piece that was both timeless and undeniably modern.
While Gigi Hadid's ensemble offered a contemporary take on classic diamonds, Amelia Gray took a bolder approach. She adorned herself with the showstopping Solar Diva high jewelry necklace from Messika. This statement piece showcased a mesmerizing 35-carat yellow diamond as its centrepiece. Imagine a radiant-cut yellow diamond, its brilliance capturing the very essence of the sun, set in a bed of delicate platinum or white gold. The surrounding diamonds, formed a halo or rays emanating from the central stone, further emphasizing its brilliance.
Sydney Sweeney, a rising star known for her captivating performances, opted for a De Beers 40-carat necklace set with a floral motif. A delicate necklace crafted from platinum or white gold, its structure resembling a climbing vine. Scattered along this vine are a variety of diamond cuts – pear-shaped stones representing flower buds, and round brilliant cuts mimicking dewdrops clinging to delicate petals.
Sydney Sweeney wearing a floral De Beers diamond necklace
Beyond the Expected: Unique Gems at the Met Gala
While emeralds and diamonds dominated the red carpet, a refreshing wave of celebrities ventured beyond the expected. They opted for less common gems that resonated beautifully with the "The Garden of Time" theme, showcasing their individuality and a deeper exploration of the theme's multifaceted nature.
Alia Bhatt, a Bollywood superstar, turned heads in a saree adorned with intricate gemstone embroidery. The fabric itself could have been a canvas for a masterpiece, meticulously embroidered with a variety of gems. Tiny peridot beads, a lime green stone often mistaken for emeralds, mimicked dewdrops glistening on leaves after a summer rain shower. Scattered sapphires, in various shades of blue and purple, represented a carpet of blooming flowers – a splash of color against the verdant green backdrop. The 23-foot train intricately embroidered with silk floss, glass beads and precious stones such as emeralds, sapphires, and vintage Basra pearls, transformed the saree into a wearable work of art, perfectly embodying the theme and blurring the lines between fashion and haute joaillerie
Alia Bhatt in a gem-studded saree designed by Sabyasachi Mukherjee
Ayo Edebiri, a rising comedic star opted for pendant earrings set with cool aquamarines and paved with diamonds, along with a coordinating aquamarine ring, all from Boucheron. The delicate pendant earrings highlighted pear-shaped aquamarines, framed by a halo of sparkling diamonds that mimicked dewdrops clinging to leaves. The ring, designed with a single, larger aquamarine, set in a platinum band adorned with pave diamonds that resembled delicate vines crawling up the finger.
Kaia Gerber opted for a set from Tiffany & Co. featuring morganite, a delicate pink stone, paired with sparkling diamonds. The combination embodied the soft hues of a blooming rose garden at dawn. The delicate pendant necklace featuring a pear-shaped morganite, its soft pink color reminiscent of a rose petal just beginning to unfurl. The earrings also from Tiffany & Co, showcased smaller pear-shaped morganites nestled within a halo of sparkling diamonds. The ring showcased a single, slightly larger morganite set in a rose gold band, the warm tones of the gold echoing the blush hues of the stone.
Linda Evangelista, a fashion legend, made a statement with a truly unique piece – a 91-carat green tourmaline, and white diamond and Fairmined gold earrings by Ana Khouri. The gem, with its captivating hues that can range from a light emerald green to a deep forest green, added a touch of unexpected vibrancy to the red carpet.
Linda Evangelista in earrings designed by Ana Khouri
Men in Gems: A Sparkling Departure
The 2024 Met Gala wasn't just about dazzling gowns and elaborate jewelry for the ladies. Men also embraced the opportunity to accessorize with unique pieces, proving that gems and precious metals can be just as impactful on the red carpet for all genders.
Jeff Goldblum, ever the eccentric dresser, offered a masterclass in playful luxury. He sported a cluster of three Tiffany & Co. Jean Schlumberger brooches - a bird standing atop an opulent stone, plus two abstract-ish flowers in diamonds and pearls, which were inspired by “The Garden of Time,” the short story by JG Ballard that inspired the Met Gala’s dress code. This playful combination, each with its own story to tell, perfectly captured Jeff Goldblum's unique style and added a touch of unexpected whimsy to the "The Garden of Time" theme.
Jeff Goldblum in Tiffany & Co. Brooches
Jon Batiste, the renowned musician known for his elegance, added a touch of classic sophistication with a swinging diamond brooch from Cartier. A timeless Art Deco piece, crafted from platinum and adorned with a cascade of sparkling diamonds. The design could evoke a geometric flower bud, its brilliance mimicking the way dewdrops catch the sunlight in a flourishing garden.
From playful whimsy to classic elegance, these choices by the men added another layer of intrigue to the "The Garden of Time" theme, proving that a touch of sparkle can elevate any ensemble.
Conclusive Reflections
The 2024 Met Gala red carpet was a dazzling display of artistry and imagination, where gemstone jewelry took center stage. From the verdant greens of emeralds that embodied flourishing gardens to the timeless elegance of diamonds and the unexpected vibrancy of unique stones, each piece served as a testament to the "The Garden of Time" theme.
The 2024 Met Gala in New York was a celebration of the enduring power of stones and the artistry of jewelry design. Each dazzling piece, meticulously chosen and crafted, became an extension of the "The Garden of Time" theme, blurring the lines between fashion and art and leaving a lasting impression on the world of high jewelry. Each piece, meticulously crafted and thoughtfully chosen, became a testament to the enduring power of nature, history, and of course, fashion. The sheer abundance of gemstones at the 2024 Met Gala is a testament to the timeless allure and power of coloured gemstones.
