A Ruby Worth a Million: The Making of Astor – When Couture Meets High Jewelry.
Written By Fawnia Soo Hoo
Glittering jewels and dazzling gemstones have long been the centerpieces of scintillating stories — from historical chronicles and epic films to ancestral lore lovingly passed down through generations. These mesmerizing tales remind us to dream boldly and manifest our visions, no matter how fantastical they may seem.
Similarly, Galia Lahav and Leibish, the global diamond purveyor renowned for its rare colored diamonds and fine jewelry, have joined together to mark another moment for the history books and legends to endure for the ages: the superlative Astor gown, which holds the title of the most expensive wedding dress in the world.
The glittering $1-million-dollar treasure, from the Galia Lahav Couture Spring 2026 Keepsake collection, also represents the eminent union of two family-owned legacy houses that embody innovative design prowess, elevated artistry, and exceptional craftsmanship. Both design and artisan teams at Galia Lahav and Leibish worked hand in hand, and heart to heart, from sketch to samples to present the resplendent keepsake wedding gown.
The Astor encourages you to not only live out your boldest, grandest dreams on your precious day, but also in exciting new life stages with your soul mate — and to share with future generations to cherish. Nestled amidst petal-like medallion appliqués, sumptuous pink embroidery, and fine antique lace, on a basque-waist corset, rests the Astor Forever brooch by Leibish. The magnificent 18K gold ornament glistens with white and pink diamonds and a stunning — and detachable — 30-carat natural ruby at the center to wear after the wedding day, as a pendant or ring, and pass onto generations to come.
Like the glamorous society swan making her debut at the gala of the season, the Astor premiered at NYBFW in October to much anticipation and fanfare. The Galia Lahav Soho Flagship transformed into a luxurious wonderland enlivened with an electrifying DJ set, free-flowing champagne, and whimsical carousel horses. A short film chronicling the milestone Galia Lahav and Leibish partnership and how the opulent, jewel-adorned wedding gown came to life further fueled the crowd’s excitement. The moment the Astor appeared — like a regal cloud of ivory silk taffeta framing the exquisite jewel centerpiece — gasps filled the room and flashbulbs burst in a near-blinding frenzy.
Of course, fairy tales have their real-world counterparts — and Leibish and Galia Lahav are devoted to making that kind of joy within reach. So, a version of the Astor, priced at $55,000, features the wrought-iron-inspired brooch, shimmering with lab-grown pink and white diamonds and an ample pink sapphire. The lab-grown gemstone-ornamented Astor is also available as a rental — so as many as possible can share the exuberant experience.
Leibish and Galia Lahav also collaborated on The Forever Collection, a series of majestic 18K gold and diamond-encrusted necklaces and earrings. The foliage-themed Mercer, the ornate pre-Victorian-inspired Chelsea, and the intricate pear-shaped Helen would complete a sumptuous Galia Lahav Couture Spring 2026 Keepsake look — and create more heirlooms for decades, if not centuries, to come.
“The collaboration with Leibish allowed us to bring this idea to life in the most extraordinary way. To create not just a gown but a piece of history that symbolizes both luxury and legacy. And that, like your memories of your special day, is priceless."
