We could talk about the outfits at the 2026 Met Gala… but the jewellery this year? We’re completely obsessed.
With this year’s theme centred around fashion as art, and a dress code that encouraged people to really go there with personal expression, the red carpet delivered in a big way. Honourable mentions to the extraordinary diamonds and pearls that showed up, but there was one stone that truly completely stole the night, emerald.
From multi-million dollar Colombian gems to a personal ring that quite literally became part of the artwork itself, emerald showed up in every form imaginable and looked incredible every single time. As May’s birthstone, we’d like to think the timing was no coincidence.
Here are six emerald moments we can’t stop talking about.
Isha Ambani
If one look summed up the night it was this one. Indian heiress and businesswoman Isha Ambani arrived in a custom gown with jewellery that wasn't just worn, it was built into the design itself. The centrepiece was a choker anchored by a 50-carat Colombian emerald, previously worn by Angelina Jolie as a ring at the 2009 Oscars. Beneath it, over 150 carats of old mine-cut diamonds were layered in dramatic drapes, while a diamond-and-emerald brooch was pinned to the bust. She described her look on the red carpet as "a blouse full of my mother's jewellery." We still haven't recovered.
Get the look:
Sterling Silver Created Emerald 18.4cm Tennis Bracelet
$319.00
$799.00
Sterling Silver Created Emerald 18.4cm Tennis Bracelet… read more
Natural Emerald and White Cubic Zirconia Pendant on Adjustable 50cm Chain in Sterling Silver
$499.00
Natural Emerald and White Cubic Zirconia Pendant on Adjustable 50cm Chain in Sterling Silver… read more
Natural Emerald and 1/6 Carat Diamond Ring in 9ct Yellow Gold
$899.00
$1,999.00
Natural Emerald and 1/6 Carat Diamond Ring in 9ct Yellow Gold… read more
Beyoncé
Queen Bey made her Met Gala return after a ten-year absence, and she did not hold back. Co-chairing the night in a custom diamond-embellished skeleton gown, her jewellery was nothing short of spectacular. The emerald moment came courtesy of a cuff bracelet set with a 50.99-carat emerald cabochon, surrounded by marquise, round and pear-shaped diamonds. Bold, powerful and completely unmissable, exactly what you'd expect from Beyoncé at the Met Gala.
Get the look:
Sterling Silver Rhodium Plated 3mm White And Emerald Green Cubic Zirconia 19cm Bracelet
$139.00
Sterling Silver Rhodium Plated 3mm White And Emerald Green Cubic Zirconia 19cm Bracelet… read more
Luminesce Lab Grown 1/10 Carat Diamond and Created Emerald Bolo Bracelet in Sterling Silver
$699.00
Luminesce Lab Grown 1/10 Carat Diamond and Created Emerald Bolo Bracelet in Sterling Silver… read more
Sterling Silver Rhodium Plated 3mm Emerald Green Coloured Cubic Zirconia 19cm Bracelet
$269.50
$539.00
Sterling Silver Rhodium Plated 3mm Emerald Green Coloured Cubic Zirconia 19cm Bracelet… read more
Amanda Seyfried
Actress Amanda Seyfried showed that not every emerald moment needs to be the biggest one in the room. In a powder pink gown paired with a necklace featuring round cabochon emeralds alongside blue zircons and natural diamonds set in yellow gold and platinum, her look was elegant and considered, the kind of jewellery you keep going back to look at.
Get the look:
Luminesce Lab Grown 2 Carats Created Emerald with 0.30 Carat Diamond Stud Earrings in Sterling Silver
$699.00
Luminesce Lab Grown 2 Carats Created Emerald with 0.30 Carat Diamond Stud Earrings in Sterling Silver… read more
Luminesce Lab Grown 1 Carat Created Emerald with 1/6 Carat Diamond Pendant in Sterling Silver
$599.00
Luminesce Lab Grown 1 Carat Created Emerald with 1/6 Carat Diamond Pendant in Sterling Silver… read more
Luminesce Lab Grown 2 Carats Created Emerald with 0.50 Carat Diamond Pendant in Sterling Silver
$799.00
Luminesce Lab Grown 2 Carats Created Emerald with 0.50 Carat Diamond Pendant in Sterling Silver… read more
Nia Long
Actress Nia Long, best known for her roles in Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and Boyz n the Hood, wore a Colombian emerald collar and earrings that did all the talking. Rich, vivid and worn with real confidence, this was one of the standout emerald moments of the night. No diamonds needed, just green, glorious emerald and a woman who knew exactly how to wear it.
Get the look:
9ct Yellow Gold Created Emerald and Diamond Cushion Cut Pendant
$1,299.00
Experience the captivating allure of our 9ct Yellow Gold 8mm Created Emerald and Diamond Cushion Cut Pendant. Expertly crafted, this pendant features a stunning 8mm cushion-cut created emerald at its centre, radiating a rich and vibrant green hue reminiscent of… read more
9ct Yellow Gold Created Emerald and Diamond Pendant
$499.00
$1,499.00
This 9ct yellow gold pendant brings together a created emerald with a brilliant diamond halo, creating a piece that's perfect for everyday elegance. The vibrant green emerald sits beautifully in yellow gold, surrounded by sparkling diamonds that add extra shine.… read more
9ct Yellow Gold Created Emerald and 0.15 Carat Diamond Pear Halo Pendant on 45cm Chain
$599.00
$1,499.00
A favourite of our collection, this 9ct Yellow Gold 7x5mm Created Emerald and Diamond Pear Halo Pendant on 45cm Chain is a must-have. Designed with gorgeous pear shape, this dangling pendant is a dazzling spectacle. See emerald colour like never… read more
Sabine Getty
Socialite Sabine Getty is known for her impeccable personal style, and this look was no exception. She wore an emerald and diamond halo ring from her own collection. What made it extraordinary was that her hand-painted corset featured a painting of a hand wearing the very same ring. The jewellery became part of the artwork, and the artwork became part of the jewellery. For a night themed around fashion as art, it was one of the most perfectly thought out looks of the evening.
Get the Look
9ct Yellow Gold Created Emerald + Diamond Ring
$1,699.00
Please contact us regarding special order enquiries for this ring. All ring sizes can be specially ordered, with delivery approximately 10-12 weeks.… read more
1ct Natural Emerald and 0.15 Carat Diamond Ring in 9ct Yellow Gold
$2,999.00
This 9ct yellow gold ring features a 1ct natural emerald with 0.15 carats of diamonds set around it, creating a beautiful pop of colour with plenty of sparkle. The rich green of the emerald pairs beautifully with the yellow gold… read more
9ct Yellow Gold Created Emerald and Diamond Cushion Cut Ring
$599.00
$1,199.00
Experience the enchanting beauty of the 9ct Yellow Gold 8mm Created Emerald and Diamond Cushion Cut Ring. This extraordinary piece exudes timeless elegance with its lustrous 9ct yellow gold band, meticulously designed to enhance the mesmerising centrepiece. The 8mm cushion-cut… read more
Dwayne Johnson
Actor, wrestler and all-round force of nature Dwayne Johnson reminded everyone that emerald isn't just for the women. The Rock wore a diamond and emerald brooch that added a brilliant flash of green to his look. It was a confident choice from a man who clearly knows that when a stone has been worn by kings, emperors and royalty for thousands of years, there's really nothing to think twice about.
The stone of the moment, whatever the occasion
So, there you have it! Six looks, six very different ways to wear one beautiful stone. From a 50-carat Colombian emerald built into a couture gown to a personal ring that became part of the painting, the 2026 Met Gala proved that emerald isn't just trending, it's defining the jewellery conversation right now.
Emerald works at every level. It doesn't matter whether it's the centrepiece of a multi-million dollar look or a delicate everyday pendant, the stone carries the same depth, the same richness and the same presence every single time.
May's birthstone has never felt more relevant, and there's never been a better time to find your own emerald moment.
FAQs
What is the birthstone for May?
The birthstone for May is emerald. One of the most recognised and celebrated gemstones in the world, emerald is associated with growth, love and passion. It has been prized by cultures across the globe for thousands of years and remains one of the most sought after stones today.
What does the emerald birthstone mean?
Emerald is associated with growth, love and deep emotional connection. It has long been seen as a stone of passion and clarity, believed to bring balance and a sense of wellbeing to those who wear it.
Why is emerald the birthstone for May?
The tradition of birthstones dates back thousands of years across many different cultures. Emerald was assigned to May largely because of its rich green colour, which has long been associated with vitality, growth and abundance. Its deep symbolic meaning around love, passion and clarity also made it a natural fit for the month.
Is emerald a good gift for a May birthday?
Emerald is a beautiful and meaningful gift for anyone born in May. As their birthstone it carries a personal significance that goes beyond just the look of the stone, making it a thoughtful choice for birthdays, milestones and special occasions. At Shiels you'll find emerald jewellery across a wide range of styles and price points, including created emerald options for a more affordable alternative.
What is created emerald?
Created emerald gives you the same stunning green look as a natural emerald, just at a better price. It's a popular choice for those who love the look of the stone and want to wear it every day without worrying about the cost. Browse the Shiels created emerald collection online or visit your nearest store.
