Natural diamonds and heritage-inspired jewellery from India emerged as a major talking point at the Met Gala 2026, with Indian celebrities, industrialists and royals incorporating heirloom pieces, Polki, kundan and high jewellery creations into their red-carpet appearances.
Isha Ambani attended the event wearing a custom Lorraine Schwartz diamond choker featuring natural diamonds and a 50-carat Colombian emerald. She paired the necklace with rows of heirloom family diamonds, chandelier earrings, diamond cocktail rings and a diamond-and-emerald brooch. Speaking on the red carpet, Ambani said she was wearing a “blouse full of my mother’s jewellery.”
Ananya Birla made her Met Gala debut in a custom Robert Wun ensemble styled with diamond jewellery from Mehta & Sons. The look also featured a stainless-steel mask by artist Subodh Gupta, with the diamond jewellery positioned as a key accessory element.
Princess Gauravi Kumari referenced Jaipur’s royal jewellery traditions through layered pearl necklaces sourced from The Gem Palace, Jaipur, paired with uncut diamonds, rubies, a kundan choker and heritage bangles. Her outfit incorporated a vintage sari previously worn by Maharani Gayatri Devi.
Natasha Poonawalla completed her look with asymmetrical diamond drop earrings featuring round, emerald-cut, heart-shaped and pear-cut diamonds.
Sawai Padmanabh Singh, also known as Pacho, incorporated Jaipur’s traditional Polki and jadau jewellery into his Met Gala debut. His ensemble, developed with designer Prabal Gurung and artisans in Jaipur, included more than 600 hours of embroidery work using aari, zardozi, dabka and resham techniques.
Commenting on the growing visibility of Indian jewellery aesthetics globally, Sushma Chhajer, Founder, SHRUTI SUSHMA, said, “Natural diamonds have always been a universal language of luxury, but when interpreted through an Indian design lens, they gain a deeper narrative — one rooted in heritage, emotion, and individuality.”
Vishal Kothari, Founder & Designer, VAK, added, “The influence of Indian design language at the Met Gala signals a broader return to heritage and craftsmanship.”