Jewellery Trends of 2026: Bold Stories, Modern Craftsmanship
The year 2026 is shaping up to be one of fearless expression in jewellery. The maximalist energy of 2025, layered necklaces, tall bracelet stacks, and charms that jingled with every move, hasn’t faded. It has simply evolved. We’re standing firmly in our over-accessorizing era, but this time, it’s less about excess for its own sake and more about intention. Jewellery in 2026 is about personality, storytelling, and confidence. “The main takeaways for jewelry trends right now and into 2026 are bold, unique pieces that tell a story - think Iris Apfel, Carla Rockmore, or IRL Carrie Bradshaw,” says stylist Kam Throckmorton.
Timeless Gems, Modern Settings
Classic gemstones remain at the heart of fine jewellery, but 2026 brings them to life in unexpected ways. Rather than traditional solitaire settings or predictable cuts, designers are experimenting with scale, shape, and color to give these stones new relevance.
Emeralds are taking center stage in bold, geometric designs. Their deep green tones appear in chunky rings and pendants framed with sculptural gold. Sapphires have expanded beyond the classic blue, now appearing in softer pastels such as peach, lavender, and sage green, often combined in multistone compositions that feel light and contemporary. Rubies, with their rich red tones, are being paired with warm gold settings for a look that feels regal yet wearable. Aquamarines, cool, calming, and often set in sleek bezels or minimal prongs - lend an understated elegance.
What sets 2026 apart is the embrace of color as both design and emotion. Jewellers are using enamel and gemstone inlay techniques to treat metal like a canvas. Enamel sweeps over curved surfaces, gemstones are cut in unconventional forms, and contrasting tones create depth.
Celestial Inspirations
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Astronomy continues to influence design, but with a shift toward personal symbolism. Celestial jewellery - zodiac medallions, constellations, crescent moons, and planetary motifs; has grown from a fashion statement into a form of identity. These designs combine art and astrology, reflecting both individuality and a fascination with the universe.
Zodiac pendants, for example, are being reinterpreted through intricate engraving and subtle gemstone detailing that corresponds to astrological elements. Rather than novelty charms, they appear as refined keepsakes, pieces that blend spirituality and style.
Constellation rings, moon phase bracelets, and star-embellished earrings all highlight the continued fascination with cosmic storytelling. Each design invites the wearer to connect with something larger - an interplay of destiny and design that feels deeply personal.
Mixed Metals
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One of the strongest trends defining 2026 is the freedom to mix metals without concern for coordination. The old rule of “match your metals” has been replaced by an embrace of contrast. Yellow gold, rose gold, silver, and even oxidized black metals now coexist in single designs or layered combinations.
Designers are using this interplay of tones as a design language in itself. Two-tone chains, rings with alternating hues, and bangles that shift from silver to gold create visual rhythm and depth. The emphasis is on harmony through difference.
This trend is partly inspired by the legacy of Cartier’s Trinity ring, which celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2024. Its interwoven bands of yellow, white, and rose gold set the tone for the resurgence of mixed-metal jewellery. Collectors are once again drawn to the dimension and versatility that these combinations offer.
Antique Cut Diamonds
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Vintage-inspired diamond cuts are reclaiming attention in 2026. While brilliant-cut diamonds continue to dominate, antique cuts like Asscher, old mine, and rose cuts are gaining prominence for their subtle charm. These cuts reflect light differently, often producing a softer glow rather than sharp sparkle, which suits the year’s preference for texture and individuality.
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Pearls are evolving beyond their traditional association with formality and restraint. The 2026 version is organic, expressive, and slightly rebellious. Designers are favoring baroque pearls with uneven surfaces and irregular shapes, emphasizing their natural imperfections rather than concealing them.
Jewellery featuring sliced, halved, or paired pearls alongside raw metals, gemstones, and leather is redefining the category. These combinations celebrate contrast - polished meeting raw, refined meeting free-form.
Rachel Akmakjian, a graduate gemologist, notes that pearls have experienced a “second wave” of popularity with both men and women. The new approach values character over uniformity. Pearls now come in lilac, cream, and soft gray tones and are incorporated into pieces that feel modern, bold, and unisex. Their tactile, nature-inspired aesthetic aligns with broader trends in sustainable and organic design.
Chunky Statements
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Chunky jewellery continues to dominate the style landscape, but it’s being reinterpreted with greater sophistication. The oversized chains and bangles of 2025 are still here, though they now feature more sculptural forms and lighter structures. Designers are crafting inflated or hollow links that maintain visual impact without weight, ensuring comfort alongside drama.
Texture is also key. Instead of polished perfection, we’re seeing brushed, satin, and hammered finishes. Some chunky pieces incorporate two-tone metals or enamel to add subtle contrast. The overall aesthetic feels confident, tactile, and expressive.
Personalized Jewellery
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Customization continues to be a defining theme. Jewellery in 2026 is not just worn - it’s lived in, remembered, and passed on. Name necklaces, initial pendants, engraved bangles, and birthstone rings are all becoming deeply personal artefacts.
Advances in technology have made bespoke design more accessible. Virtual consultations, 3D modeling, and collaborative design tools allow clients to participate in creating meaningful pieces. The emphasis is shifting from status to sentiment, from display to connection.
Personalized jewellery represents a modern form of luxury, defined by emotional rather than material value. Whether it’s a ring set with a child’s birthstone, a pendant engraved with coordinates of a special place, or an heirloom redesigned for a new generation, these pieces embody memory and identity.
The Return of the Brooch
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Brooches are making a strong comeback, moving far beyond their vintage associations. They’re now symbols of creativity and individuality. Designers are exploring new placements, pinning brooches to bags, hats, and even hair; to give them a contemporary edge.
High jewellery houses like Boucheron, Dior, and Mikimoto have reignited the trend with nature-inspired designs. Their brooches feature intricate details, from diamond-encrusted insects to sculptural petals crafted in pearls and enamel. The effect is playful yet elegant. What was once considered an accessory of the past now feels innovative and avant-garde.
Bezel Settings
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The bezel setting, where a gemstone is encased within a thin rim of metal, is defining 2026’s design direction. Once favored mainly for its practicality, it’s now valued for its clean, modern lines and sense of security.
Jewellers are experimenting with proportions: thick gold collars enveloping opaque stones, thin bezels tracing transparent gems, and geometric variations that play with symmetry. The result is jewellery that feels architectural, streamlined, and purposeful.
A New Era of Expression
The jewellery of 2026 tells stories through form, texture, and color. It honors tradition while embracing innovation.
More than anything, this year’s trends emphasize meaning. Jewellery is no longer just adornment - it’s self-expression, heritage, and artistry woven together. As styles grow bolder and more expressive, the guiding principle remains simple: jewellery should not just decorate; it should communicate.
In 2026, we wear not just what shines, but what speaks.