A ‘Titanic’ moment: Unpacking Priyanka Chopra’s $25 million Met Gala necklace

Chopra came in ready to make a hefty splash

The Met Gala is all about turning heads and making sure you leave a fashion footprint so big, that others have a hard time filling in your shoes. Over the years, stand-out looks from the event have stunned and shocked in equal parts. With celebrities like Blake Lively, Rihanna, and Lady Gaga always bringing the drama, the stakes are higher each year for attendees to make their mark at what is essentially the Oscars of fashion.

The 2023 Met Gala, hence, witnessed some outrageous looks. From Jared Leto and Doja Cat honouring the theme - Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty - by paying homage to the celebrated icon’s cat, to Indian stars gracing the puzzling carpet to cement their footing - there was a lot going on. Amongst all this, Priyanka Chopra Jonas has managed to grab everyone’s attention. 

Chopra seemed to have stolen the show with her stunning Valentino gown, accessorised with a Bulgari necklace featuring the rare and exquisite 11.6-carat Laguna Blu Diamond. The necklace in question is exactly why the Citadel star’s look is being discussed. Rivaling Rose’s coveted piece of jewellery from Titanic, it pays tribute to the brand's hometown of Rome, with leaf-like diamonds set in gold, reminiscent of the bay laurel wreaths worn by Roman emperors. The necklace also features interlocking diamonds, which represent the iconic Italian city.

The necklace features a single stone – the Bulgari Laguna Blu diamond – worth an incredible $25 million. The gem was first set as a ring for a private collector by Bulgari in 1970 and is the largest blue diamond ever to be offered for sale by Sotheby's. With fewer than 10 blue diamonds over 10 carats coming into auction worldwide in the past few decades, Chopra's necklace is truly a historic piece.

The opulent ornament will be sold as part of Sotheby's Luxury Week in Geneva later this month, with starting bids at a cool $25 million. Chopra's stylist, Rebecca Corbin-Murray, praised the necklace for its enchanting and colourful impact, capturing the essence of Bulgari's exuberant style and ancient heritage in the most modern way.

"Absolutely enchanting to behold,” stated Corbin-Murray, as reported by Vogue, “The Bulgari Laguna Blu captures the essence of Bulgari’s exuberant style, a legacy that has been interwoven with Hollywood glamour since the 1950s. It also nods to Bulgari’s birthplace of Rome, capturing the brand’s ancient heritage in the most modern way."

Meanwhile, Dua Lipa also made a statement at the Met Gala with her archival Chanel bridal gown and the Tiffany & Co Legendary Diamond, cut to resemble the famous Tiffany Diamond. Lipa's necklace includes 100 additional carats of diamonds, making it a dazzling addition to her already stunning look.

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