The Rich History Behind Diljit Dosanjh’s Met Gala Look: The $30 Million 'Necklace of Patiala'

Diljit Dosanjh made history at the 2025 Met Gala — decked in ivory, gold, and jewels. But the real flex was channelling Maharaja Bhupinder Singh of Patiala with a modern royal twist.

In the 1920s, Maharaja Bhupinder Singh wowed Europe, cruising in a Rolls-Royce, staying at the Savoy, and donning outfits dripping in gems. But his boldest move was a jaw-dropping commission to Cartier.

In 1928, he asked Cartier to craft a necklace with 1,000 carats of diamonds, including the 234-carat De Beers, the seventh-largest diamond in the world, into an heirloom choker. It came to be known as the “Necklace of Patiala.”

Post-independence, the necklace with five rows of platinum chains embellished with 2,930 diamonds and some Burmese rubies, mysteriously vanished.

Decades later, fragments turned up in an antique store in London. Cartier later reconstructed it, but without its original stones.

It is believed that if the Patiala necklace was in its original form today, it would be worth at least $30 million.

For Diljit’s look, stylist Abhilasha Devnani wanted to use the legendary Cartier necklace, but with it now residing in a museum, borrowing wasn’t an option.

Diljit’s Met Gala look, however, styled by Prabal Gurung and adorned by Golecha Jewels, was a sparkling tribute to that royal legacy.

Even his cape was embroidered with a map of Punjab and the Gurmukhi script — a bold, beautiful nod to his roots on the world’s biggest fashion stage.

More than a look, it was Diljit’s homage to reclaiming history, royalty, and identity with every thread.

The Punjabi singer-actor has often used prominent international stages to pay tribute to his roots. For his Coachella performances, he rocked a kurta, tamba (a drape worn by men in Punjab), turban, and kundal (traditional silver hoop earrings).

What if fashion becomes a way to time-travel and reclaim culture?