Mariah Carey Just Wore $17.6 Million Worth of Diamonds—Because, of Course

Mariah Carey has been serving chart-topping vocals and cinematic music videos for over 35 years, so it’s hard to believe that, until this weekend, she had never won an MTV Video Music Award. That changed on Sunday night, when Ariana Grande (with a deep bow and air kisses) presented her with the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award, MTV’s ultimate career achievement honor.

“Thank you, MTV, for giving me the Vanguard Award. I can’t believe I’m getting my first VMA tonight,” Carey, 56, told the crowd. “I just have one question. What in the Sam Hill were you waiting for?”

And while her moment on stage was well-deserved and long overdue, it was the price tag of her look that really had my jaw on the floor. Yes, I know celebrities pull out all the stops on red carpets (Remember Rihanna’s Fashion Week look) but $17.6 million in jewelry? That’s another level.

Before accepting her Moon Person, the “Honey” singer performed a medley of hits in a champagne-colored silk robe trimmed with feathers. She later ditched the robe to reveal a gold, long-sleeve romper completely encrusted with rhinestones. But the real sparkle came from her diamonds.

Jewelry experts at UK retailer Steven Stone analyzed the glittering pieces: a collar-style necklace, diamond drop earrings, a bold cuff bracelet and a ring.

“Her necklace and earrings were sourced from LEVUMA, while her bold cuff bracelet came from Ethos Maria,” Maxwell Stone said. "Though official price tags remain undisclosed, the pieces are easily worth millions."