A Night of Diamonds and Legacy
Mariah Carey may be universally hailed as the Queen of Christmas, but at the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards she made an unshakable case for a new title: Queen of Diamonds. The 56-year-old icon accepted the prestigious Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award and performed a medley of her greatest hits, yet even her legendary vocals could not outshine the brilliance of her jewels. At the center of her look was a 204-carat diamond necklace, valued at $10 million, a creation that rivaled the most storied pieces in European royal collections.
Designed by the renowned house Levuma, the necklace eclipsed historic treasures such as the Greville Festoon Necklace once belonging to the British royal family and valued at $8.2 million. It was also compared to the dazzling ornaments of Marie Antoinette and even surpassed the diamond necklace Queen Elizabeth II wore at her coronation. In that moment, Mariah’s presence on stage symbolized not only musical mastery but also a display of grandeur that placed her among history’s most celebrated figures of elegance and opulence.
The choice of jewels underscored more than extravagance. It marked a moment of cultural symbolism, aligning Mariah Carey’s artistry with an enduring fascination for diamonds as vessels of both power and aspiration. Just as her songs have become timeless standards, the diamonds she wore at the VMAs served as emblems of endurance and brilliance, reinforcing her ability to captivate audiences not only with sound but also with spectacle.
The Brilliance of Craft and Design
While Mariah’s gold long-sleeve romper shimmered with rhinestones, it was the jewelry that defined the evening. The Rosée Éternelle diamond chandelier earrings by Levuma, her breathtaking necklace, and an Etho Maria diamond bracelet formed a constellation of light that held the gaze of the world. Together, the ensemble exemplified haute joaillerie at its most commanding, crafted not only to adorn but to mesmerize.
The craftsmanship behind the necklace elevated it beyond mere ornamentation. Meticulously handcrafted in Antwerp, the creation required over 600 hours of labor to assemble 204 carats of stones into one breathtaking piece. Each diamond was selected for clarity and brilliance, and the result was not simply jewelry but a statement of mastery, placing human ingenuity alongside natural rarity. Such meticulous dedication to craft ensured that the necklace would be remembered as much for its artistry as for its scale.
Additional pieces deepened the sense of opulence. Styled by Wilfredo Rosado, the Etho Maria bracelet carried 72.15 carats of diamonds, while a 37.62-carat bracelet and matching ring from Hamilton Jewelers added further brilliance. The result was an ensemble layered with heritage and craftsmanship, a showcase of how contemporary jewelers interpret grandeur for a star whose image is already defined by glamour.
A Lifelong Affair with Diamonds
Mariah Carey’s love for diamonds did not emerge with superstardom; it began in childhood. Growing up in New York in modest circumstances, she was deeply moved by Marilyn Monroe’s performance of Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend. Watching the Hollywood icon sing about opulence and allure left a lasting impression on the young girl, who would one day captivate the world with her own brilliance. Carey has often described this moment as aspirational, a spark of glamour amid a difficult upbringing.
This fascination grew into a personal narrative that intertwined with her career. In 1999, Carey acquired Monroe’s white baby grand piano at Christie’s for $662,500, a purchase that reflected her admiration not just for the star but also for the symbolism of beauty and resilience. Later encounters deepened this bond with diamonds. At an Oscar party, Elizabeth Taylor, herself a legendary collector, famously told Carey, “Darling, I think you should buy yourself more diamonds.” That single comment ignited a lifelong passion, encouraging Carey to see jewelry not merely as adornment but as a personal emblem of empowerment.
Her relationship with diamonds eventually evolved from admiration into creation. By 2022, Carey had partnered with Chopard to launch two collections, High Jewelry and Happy Butterfly, marking the 25th anniversary of her album Butterfly. This endeavor cemented the butterfly as her emblem while affirming her status as not only a wearer but also a curator of brilliance. Today, Carey describes herself as a collector who treasures sentimental value, envisioning her jewels as heirlooms to be passed on to her daughter, Monroe, ensuring that her legacy of sparkle will endure for generations.