Mariah Carey Wins Video Vanguard Award Wearing $10M Diamonds at 2025 VMAs

At the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards, Mariah Carey was honored with her first-ever Video Vanguard Award, marking a milestone in her more than three-decade-long career. Carey dazzled the audience not only with a medley of her iconic hits but also with a stunning $10 million diamond necklace and earrings from Levuma, featuring over 204 carats of platinum-set diamonds and requiring more than 600 hours to create. The Lebanese-founded, Antwerp-based brand Levuma, led by Ali Khalil, gained significant global attention through this high-profile showcase, highlighting its fusion of Arab heritage and modern craftsmanship. During her acceptance speech, Carey humorously addressed the long wait for her VMA recognition, while her performance sparked mixed reactions about her physical condition. Carey’s appearance also underscored her status as the oldest artist to receive the Vanguard Award, further solidifying her legacy in music and visual artistry. The event celebrated both her enduring influence and the craftsmanship of Levuma's exquisite jewelry, which has roots tracing back to a family diamond trade legacy beginning in Sierra Leone.