Editors

A New Take on #MetGala2019: The Looks Reimagined as Minerals

EditorsMay 10, 2019

A New Take on #MetGala2019: The Looks Reimagined as Minerals

Senior Editor Brecken Branstrator hopes readers enjoy one Twitter user’s comparisons as much as she did.

20190510_Met-minerals-Florence.jpg
When one Twitter user saw this 2019 Met Gala look from singer Florence Welsh of Florence + The Machine, she immediately thought it looked like tourmaline, setting her off on a thread comparing the night’s fashions to minerals. (Photo credits: Getty and Damien Ferronato)
I’ve grown to enjoy following the Met Gala and its resulting fashion choices, especially when celebrities really embrace the theme and go all out for the event.

I particularly liked this year’s theme, “Camp,” and the looks it brought to the red (check that, pink) carpet. You could tell plenty of the A-listers were having fun with it and letting loose.

There were many great roundups to click through online, including our Fashion Editor Ashley Davis giving us her top five jewelry looks from the night.

Another of my favorite takes from the night—brought to my attention courtesy of our associate editor, Lenore Fedow—was the Twitter user who found a new way to analyze the fashion choices—by reimagining attendees’ looks as minerals.

Celeste Labedz (@celestelabedz) told me via direct message on Twitter that she has a degree in geology and currently is working on a PhD in geophysics so she “naturally think(s) of most things in terms of the Earth.”

She said when she saw a picture of singer Florence Welch’s green and purple Met Gala look on Twitter the color scheme immediately reminded her of tourmaline, fluorite or a similar mineral, and “it all spiraled from there.”

I’m jealous I didn’t think of it first.

Here are some of my favorites from Labedz’s Twitter take on the Met Gala.

(A note on photo credits: though Labedz compiled the comparison photos for her Tweets, the original images came from this BuzzFeed article, and the list of mineral photo credits can be found here.)

 
I can’t get over how much I love this one. I don’t think Lucy Boynton’s look would be my top choice on its own, but the way it matches this elbaite specimen’s color gradient is just too good.

 
The color! The way her dress mimics the shape of the crystal specimen! This Madelaine Petsch/fluorite comparison is perfect. 

 
This one is so specific, but as only someone with a deep knowledge about the subject could, Labedz has perfectly matched the color details. 

 
The way the purple feeds into the white shades on Lilly Singh’s dress just screams amethyst, doesn’t it? It couldn’t be anything else.

 
When you look at it this way, singer and songwriter Thalia’s dress is basically a jeweled version of azurite and siltstone. 

 
And this glorious finish, because why not. (It feels a lot like Rihanna’s yellow 2015 Met Gala dress, which was also compared to various things, including pizza.) 
To see all of Labedz’s mineral comparisons, visit the thread on Twitter.

Apparently, comparing Met Gala fashions to scientific specimens was a micro-trend this year. See the 2019 Met Gala looks as lichens here and as exoplanets here.
Brecken Branstratoris the senior editor, gemstones at National Jeweler, covering sourcing, pricing and other developments in the colored stone sector.

The Latest

Smart Age CEO and National Jeweler columnist Emmanuel Raheb
ColumnistsJun 24, 2026
The Revenue Hiding Between Your Counter and Your Online Cart

Jewelers are missing out by not offering this one key add-on at the online point of sale, Emmanuel Raheb writes.

Hyacinth Charm on Hackmanite Bead Strand, Peach Opal Bead Strand, Hydrangea Charm on Aquamarine Bead Strand
CollectionsJun 24, 2026
Greenwich St. Jewelers, Jewel Boxing’s Latest Drop Is On-Trend

The fourth collaborative collection from the retailer and jewelry content creator focuses on gemstone charms and strands of colorful beads.

“Elements” bracelet best of show AGTA Spectrum 2025
Events & AwardsJun 24, 2026
AGTA Accepting Entries for Spectrum 2026

This year’s AGTA Spectrum & Cutting Edge Awards will feature two new categories.

Brought-To-By-Article-Top-Image.jpg
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center Stage

Colored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.

Columbia Gem House alexandrite
SourcingJun 24, 2026
Columbia Gem House To Offer Alexandrite Melee Online

The collection features traceable alexandrite from Brazil in calibrated sizes that is sorted by grade.

Weekly QuizJun 17, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Dhaval Raja
MajorsJun 24, 2026
CaratLane Names New Chief Sales Officer

Dhaval Raja has been appointed to the role.

Francesca Villa On the Road Collection Race On Brooch and Long Road Necklace
CollectionsJun 23, 2026
Francesca Villa Goes ‘On the Road’

The capsule collection looks to vintage trunk pins that echo the spirit of speed, freedom, and the mythology of the American road trip.

DCA-NJ-article-1872x1052-060826.jpg
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce Solutions

DCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.

A group of Paraiba tourmalines, two of which are possibly from Ethiopia
SourcingJun 23, 2026
New Paraíba Tourmaline Source Reportedly Discovered in Ethiopia

SSEF issued a notice about the potential new source of the sought-after gemstone, citing “credible reports” from trade sources.

Etsy Shop Other Jeffs campaign on a truck
MajorsJun 23, 2026
Etsy Says ‘Shop Other Jeffs’ This Prime Day

As Amazon Prime Day kicks off, Etsy is encouraging shoppers to support small businesses.

Cole Winward
Events & AwardsJun 23, 2026
AGA Announces 2026 Scholarship Winner

Cole Winward is the recipient of 2026 AGA Gemological Scholarship.

Picture from press conference in Basel for new trade show, Basilia
Events & AwardsJun 22, 2026
Plans Announced for New Trade Show in Basel

Scheduled for April 2027, Basilia will be the first watch and jewelry trade show held in Basel since the collapse of Baselworld in 2020.

Gem Awards 2027 Logo
Events & AwardsJun 22, 2026
Gem Awards Opens 2027 Nomination Period

Submissions for the milestone 25th annual Gem Awards will be accepted across three categories from now through July 31.

Engineer Master II Snoopy Flying Ace Ball watch
WatchesJun 22, 2026
Snoopy Inspires New ‘Flying Ace’ Ball Watch

The beloved beagle dons his aviator outfit for the new Engineer Master II Snoopy Flying Ace timepiece.

Sotheby’s Paraiba tourmaline 7.70 carats
AuctionsJun 18, 2026
Paraíba Tourmalines Sell for $3.4M at Sotheby's

The recent high jewelry auction, which also featured the sale of a 10-carat blue diamond, was “a celebration of color.”

Almasika Le Cauri Endiamanté Drop Earrings
CollectionsJun 18, 2026
Michelle Obama Wears Almasika Earrings Symbolizing Feminine Power

She wore the “Le Cauri Endiamanté” earrings, our Piece of the Week, in the Obamas’ first dual portrait for the Obama Presidential Center.

Graphic for Episode 6 of My Next Question featuring Michelle Orman
PodcastsJun 17, 2026
Episode 6: Las Vegas 2026-Trends, Traffic, Broken Bathrooms

Couture’s Michelle Orman joins Amanda Gizzi and Michelle Graff for this special post-Market Week episode of My Next Question.

SSEF emerald with filler
GradingJun 17, 2026
SSEF Issues Warning on Refilled Emeralds

The lab is seeing emeralds with filler added post-testing enter the market, accompanied by reports that indicate little to no treatment.

Former Patek Philippe President Philippe Stern
WatchesJun 17, 2026
Patek Philippe’s ‘Visionary’ Leader Philippe Stern Dies at 88

The third generation of the Stern family to head Patek Philippe, he navigated the “quartz crisis” and preserved the brand’s independence.

James Avery Schertz Texas storefront
MajorsJun 17, 2026
James Avery to Revamp In-Store Retail Experience

The Texas-based jeweler is gradually rolling out a new experience-forward layout in its stores.

Seattle Seahawks Championship Ring by Jason of Beverly Hills
MajorsJun 17, 2026
Seahawks’ Super Bowl Ring Blends Meaningful Design, Technical Craftsmanship

The Super Bowl LX champions were honored with diamond and blue sapphire rings by Jason of Beverly Hills.

Marianna Smirnova
Policies & IssuesJun 17, 2026
Community for Ethical Jewelry Names New Executive Director

Marianna Smirnova previously spent a decade working with the Responsible Minerals Initiative, in addition to other relevant roles.

NBA Larry O'Brien Trophy
MajorsJun 16, 2026
5 Things to Know About the 2026 NBA Championship Trophy

The New York Knicks took home the Larry O'Brien Trophy crafted by Tiffany & Co.

Lionheart Cactus Pendant
TrendsJun 16, 2026
Post-Vegas Jewelry Trend Report: Big Beads, Western Flair, White Metals

Associate Editor Natalie Francisco lists the trends she spotted during Jewelry Market Week that will dominate the second half of 2026.

Oscar Heyman ruby ring
SourcingJun 16, 2026
GemGuide Updates Ruby Prices

Its app now reflects increased prices for Mozambique ruby, as well as changes to its Burma ruby charts.

Alicia Arnold
MajorsJun 16, 2026
Sasha Primak Hires New Design Director

The manufacturer has tapped Alicia Arnold, the former director of custom design at Tiny Jewel Box.

Boulle family in hard hats
IndependentsJun 15, 2026
DeBoulle Diamond & Jewelry to Renovate Dallas Flagship

The revamped, elevated space will feature a two-story Patek Philippe atelier and a rooftop patio for parties.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy