The Metropolitan Museum of Art hosted its annual fund-raiser, The Met Gala, on May 5, 2014. The Met Gala raises funds to benefit the Met’s annual Costume Institute exhibit, and the red carpet gala serves as a kick off to the glamorous opening one of the most exclusive social events in New York.  The Met Gala attracts a bevy of artists, celebrities and fashion insiders outfitted in the finest couture and important jewels from all over the world.  

The Met Gala has been considered to be the fashion industry's premier annual red carpet event since its inception in 1971.  The ubiquitous Anna Wintour, Vogue editor-in-chief and chair of the event, mandates both the guest list, and the dress code to coincide with that year’s Costume Institute fashion exhibit.  This year's Met Gala was a tribute to Charles James, America's first couturier. His extraordinary career is featured in the exhibit "Charles James : Beyond Fashion" which is on display at the Met now and through August, 2014.

Rhianna wearing Stella McCartney and Jacob & Company Jewelry

 The exquisite displays and over the top couture on the red carpet at the Met Gala never disappoints. With notable exceptions, the theme is usually well observed by those in attendance, and the anticipation upon arrival is intense. Lately, jewelry has been amiss for many an event, and it is very surprising to continuously see this trend on various red carpets.  It is baffling and disappointing, since this is an exciting time for the jewelry industry as new designers continue to emerge, and established brands continue to collaborate and push their own boundaries.  

Is this a clear message to the jewelry world that less is actually more?  

Rita Ora giving us excessive jewelry, making up for everyone else!

That's right Ryan, step back!  Blake Lively looking gorgeous and getting all the attention she deserves.  Except her wrists deserved some attention, hey Blake give me a call ...

For more Met Gala coverage on couture in fashion and jewelry visit the lovely Becky of Diamonds in the Library,  Jewels de Jour , Elements of Style (for her hilarious take on Met Gala mistakes) and the NY Times (when you see the complete line up I am wondering if this is a Dancing With The Stars red carpet instead of the Met Ball - geez!).  

Lastly, the Beckham's must have something else on their mind besides the Met Gala, and so d0 the stylists, because jewelry was missing from the red carpet (yet again) on one of the most opportune times to showcase the brilliance of today's most celebrated jewelry designers.

Did you have a favorite look?  I'd love to hear, leave us a comment below!

Museums, large and small, offer an abundance of inspiration through their special exhibits, and offer us rare glimpses into our past cultures and ancient civilizations.  I intend to make a point to spend more time in the presence of some of the greatest treasures from our world.  Sometimes I feel like the opportunities to visit our many great museums are taken for granted - there is so much to offer in terms of creativity as not just artists but also as individuals – a proverbial food for the soul.

I have been wanting to return to the Met ever since I learned the Jewels by JAR exhibit was coming last Fall. Sunday was the JAR exhibit closing day, so I hopped on a plane to New York City to take it in before the show closed.  “JAR” stands for the initials of a famously reclusive Paris based jewelry designer, Joel Arthur Rosenthal.  He is renowned for designing highly artistic, three dimensional pieces, that are granted only to those who he personally chooses to own and wear his masterpieces.  David Bennet, the chairman of Sotheby's Geneva, has said "in terms of creativity - JAR is without peers."

Thousands of people have flocked to the Met this winter to see JAR’s first American exhibition, which was filled with 395 spectacularly unique jeweled masterpieces.  Unfortunately, the show was met with mixed emotions.  I read the underwhelmed reviews before I saw for my own eyes what JAR himself might have wanted to say about his creations and singularly specific point of view.  

If you weren't able to experience the JAR exhibition for yourself, picture an almost pitch black room with only enough light to shine down on the glass cases lined in various shades of rouge velvet, shedding small amounts of light on the incredibly imaginative and fantastic creations he created for this exhibit.  Experiencing jewelry is an emotional experience, and in my opinion, the mood was meant to strike an emotion of desire - not bring out the critics in everyone. You might have seen the dust, finger prints, inclusions, and the imperfections of yourself or in the whispers of the huddling strangers all within the darkness of the exhibit.  You may also have seen, as I did, the raw talent of a reclusive, talented and fearless creator. I think his genius lies not only in his artistry – but in his withdrawn, yet controlling, public image.  He doesn’t let just anyone get too close to him … or his work.

Visit our instagram page to see more of images from my day-trip to the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Did you get the chance to visit the Jewels by JAR exhibit?  I'd love to know what your favorite piece was.