Rainbow Gems at the 2021 Met Gala

 
Photo credit: @anokyai

Photo credit: @anokyai

Stars truly sparkled at fashion’s favorite fête

After a hiatus in 2020, the Met Gala, one of biggest, boldest, and most brilliant red carpet events, made a triumphant return last week to cap off the post-Covid comeback of another much-anticipated event: New York Fashion Week.

Each year, attendees are tasked with a creative theme to interpret, aligned with the subsequent annual Costume Institute exhibition on display at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Celebrating a venerable anniversary—the Costume Institute turns 75 this year— 2021’s theme was “In America: An Anthology of Fashion.”


Celebrity interpretations spanned decades of American style, from modern takes on Old Hollywood glamour to Western-inspired attire to sartorial commentary on the country’s cultural multiplicity. There were looks to inspire, emulate, even puzzle over. But the real showstopper? The jewelry, of course.

In keeping with the anthology theme, vintage and antique pieces from storied houses like Cartier and Harry Winston reemerged to grace the red carpet once again, but the true trend seems to be a happy accident of optimism. Star after star sparkled in a veritable rainbow of colorful gemstones set in diamonds, perhaps a collective testament to America’s past and future possibilities of welcoming diversity and difference—to beautiful effect.

Below, some of our favorite pieces from nearly every color of the rainbow—plus where to find a similarly stunning piece for yourself.

Photo credit: @karliekloss

Photo credit: @karliekloss


Red Alert

 
 

Think Pink

 
 


Hello, Yellow

 
 


 

Go Green

 
 

True (Red, White, and) Blue

 

*This item is sold out.

 

Editor: Samantha Durbin

Wordsmith: Rebecca Daly

 

Every item featured is personally selected by our writers and editors (read: we're totally into it). Please know that when you buy through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission (read: we get to keep doing what we love).

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MTJ Icon(s): Naomi Campbell and Kate Moss