Was Diljit Dosanjh Denied Maharaja Of Patiala's Necklace For Met Gala ?
With the original Cartier piece unavailable, Diljit’s team worked with Indian jeweller Golecha to create jewellery inspired by the Patiala royal family’s collection.
Diljit Dosanjh debuted the 2025 Met Gala in an outfit designed by Prabal Gurung and styled by Abhilasha Devnani. Inspired by Maharaja Bhupinder Singh of Patiala, the look was a tribute to Punjabi pride and heritage. Speaking to The New York Times, Diljit explained the intention behind his look: “It’s what I’ve been doing all this time. It’s about carrying your identity with pride, right?”
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However, the look also required the most luxurious and historic pieces of Indian jewellery, the Patiala necklace. The original necklace was commissioned in 1928 by Maharaja Bhupinder Singh from Cartier. It contained over 2,900 diamonds and reportedly weighed nearly 1,000 carats.
Stylist Devnani, according to The New York Times, attempted to borrow the original necklace to complete the look. “It sits sealed in a museum,” she was quoted. The request was reportedly declined, likely due to the piece’s high value and historical significance.
How Was the Look Completed Without the Original Necklace
Diljit wore an ivory sherwani detailed with golden embroidery at the cuffs and bodice, paired with a matching cape. On the back of the cape was a map of Punjab, embroidered in Gurmukhi letters, a powerful visual statement. He completed the look with an ivory turban adorned with a white feather, a lion-headed jewel-encrusted kirpan, and multiple layers of traditional jewellery, capturing the essence of royalty.
With the original Cartier piece unavailable, Diljit’s team worked with Indian jeweller Golecha to create jewellery inspired by the original collection. The recreated accessories included a statement turban brooch, vintage-style necklaces, and other royal elements to mirror the grandeur of the original necklace.
However, it's not that Cartier was absent from his look, in fact, Diljit wore several Cartier pieces, including a Panthère de Cartier watch in 18K rose gold with diamonds peeking from under his sleeve, paired with a Faune et Flore de Cartier bracelet in 18K yellow gold adorned with emeralds and coloured diamonds. He also wore a Panthère de Cartier ring featuring emeralds, onyx, and diamonds.
According to The Tribune, the original Patiala necklace was crafted by Cartier in Paris in 1928. It featured five platinum chains, a diamond-encrusted choker, emeralds, Burmese rubies, and a massive yellow De Beers diamond as the centrepiece. The diamond was first discovered in South Africa in 1888, initially weighing 400 carats before being cushion-cut to 230 carats.
The necklace reportedly vanished around 1948 after India’s independence. While parts of it resurfaced in pieces, such as at a Sotheby’s auction in 1982, the necklace was later found stripped of most of its jewels in a London pawn shop in 1988.
Cartier reacquired the remnants and reconstructed them using synthetic stones and zircon. It is believed that the original necklace, if intact today, could be worth $30 million.
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Maharaja Bhupinder Singh/ The Tribune
Why Did Cartier Lend It to Emma Chamberlain but Not to Diljit?
This isn’t the first time the necklace has been linked to the Met Gala. In 2022, American YouTuber Emma Chamberlain wore the choker part of the necklace on the red carpet. At the time, Cartier had announced her as their new brand ambassador, which may have allegedlyplayed a role in granting her access to the historic piece.
The key difference could be linked to brand affiliation. While Chamberlain was officially associated with Cartier, Diljit’s team had to make a special request, which was reportedly denied due to the necklace being sealed in a museum.
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What Happens Behind the Scenes? From Sourcing, Renting to Endorsement Privileges
Jewellery lending for high-profile events like the Met Gala usually involves collaborations between stylists and jewellery brands. These pieces are typically loaned for one night under strict security conditions. After the event, the jewellery is returned. However, being a brand ambassador often gives celebrities better access to rare or exclusive pieces.
For example, at the 2025 Met Gala, Gigi Hadid wore a custom Miu Miu styled by Gabriella Karefa-Johnson, inspired by designer Zelda Wynn Valdes. She completed her look with jewellery from De Beers’ “The Alchemist of Light” collection, which was sourced by her stylist Gabriella Karefa-Johnson. Similarly, De Beers also lent jewellery to Sydney Sweeney for the event.
When a celebrity is an official brand ambassador, it often leads to long-term collaborations and greater access to rare items. At this year’s Met Gala, Anna Sawai made her debut as Cartier’s newest ambassador, wearing the brand’s jewellery. Likewise, Priyanka Chopra and Anne Hathaway, both ambassadors of BVLGARI, wore the newest pieces from the brand.
Despite not wearing the original Patiala necklace, Diljit’s appearance was praised across social media and fashion circles. Fans and fashion experts admired how he combined tradition, history, and this year's theme.
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