Jewelry as High Art: A Theo Grace Review of the Met Gala
We’re breaking down our favorite jewelry highlights from the night, where every piece felt less like an accessory and more like a personal masterpiece.
Updated May 7, 2026
Photo credit: @voguemagazine @harpersbazaarus
The Art of Adornment: Reflecting on the 2026 Met Gala
Last night, the Metropolitan Museum of Art was transformed into a living gallery for the “Fashion is Art” gala. While the gowns were undoubtedly masterpieces, as a jewelry lovers, our eyes were glued to the necklines, wrists, and unexpectedly, the torsos.
At Theo Grace, we believe jewelry is the ultimate medium for storytelling. Last night’s red carpet proved that the world’s biggest stars agree. From $15 million tanzanites to sentimental family heirlooms, the "Costume Art" theme pushed jewelry beyond mere decoration and into the realm of high concept sculpture.
Here are the moments that defined the night for me.
1. The Architectural Statement: Emily Blunt in Mikimoto
If there was one look that captured the "Fashion is Art" spirit perfectly, it was Emily Blunt. She bypassed the traditional necklace for a $500,000 Mikimoto body chain.
- The Look: Strands of Akoya pearls and over 45 carats of diamonds draped over a black lace Ashi Studio corset.
- The Theo Take: This is "body architecture" at its finest. It reminds us that jewelry doesn't have to stay in a box, it can define the silhouette of the person wearing it.
2. Heritage as Art: Princess Gauravi Kumari & Isha Ambani
The most moving pieces last night weren't just expensive; they were meaningful.
- The Tradition: Princess Gauravi Kumari of Jaipur stunned in vintage pearls and rose cut diamonds from her family’s legendary Gem Palace collection.
- The Scale: Isha Ambani wore a literal "blouse of jewels," featuring over 1,000 diamonds and a 50 carat Colombian emerald (previously owned by Angelina Jolie!).
- The Theo Take: At Theo Grace, we specialize in "Storytelling Jewelry." Seeing these women carry their family history onto the world's most famous carpet reinforces why we do what we do: jewelry is a bridge between generations.
3. The Return of the Brooch: Lily Rose Depp & Connor Storrie
Brooches are back, and they aren't just for lapels anymore.
- Lily Rose Depp pinned a delicate Chanel Plume de Chanel feather brooch directly into her hair.
- Connor Storrie opted for a Tiffany & Co. Schlumberger Fleurage brooch in platinum and 18k gold, proving that men’s jewelry is reaching new heights of sophistication.
4. Modernist Minimalism: Rosé & Anne Hathaway
Sometimes, art is about the purity of the line.
- Rosé (Blackpink) wore a Tiffany & Co. Blue Book choker featuring a 4.26 carat cushion cut diamond. It was sharp, cold, and utterly contemporary.
- Anne Hathaway leaned into the "Vimini" aesthetic with Bvlgari. A yellow gold and pavé diamonds that felt like a nod to 1970s Italian modernism.
You don't need a 50 carat emerald to make your jewelry "art." The biggest trend from last night was intentionality. Whether it was Beyoncé in a diamond crown or Jisoo in a 1905 archival Cartier choker, every piece told a specific story about the wearer.
As you look through your own collection this week, ask yourself: What is this piece saying about me today?
