Bookmark This—These Are the Jewelry Trends Set to Define 2026
After several seasons of pared-back polish and quiet luxury restraint, fashion's appetite is shifting, and it's sparkling. Jewelry is once again where people are choosing to invest, experiment, and have fun. If we're in an era where clothing is leaning into a minimalist ethos, accessories are now doing the talking instead. Diamonds are no longer reserved for once-in-a-lifetime moments. They're being worn daily, stacked casually, and reimagined in unexpected cuts. Color is back in a big way too. Think sapphire, emerald, and ruby accents that feel playful rather than precious.
What's especially compelling about this new era is its range. Designers are pushing bolder proportions—thicker bands, sculptural silhouettes, and exaggerated shapes—while making space for entry-level price points that invite experimentation. At the same time, high jewelry houses are doubling down on craftsmanship and rarity, creating pieces that feel collectible, not ceremonial. The result? A jewelry landscape that feels democratic, expressive, and refreshingly personal.
In 2026, jewelry isn't about signaling status quietly. It's about marking taste loudly, confidently, and on your own terms. Whether you're dipping a toe in or diving all the way in, these are the trends worth bookmarking now.
Sculptural Cuffs
The fashion set's love affair with sculptural cuffs shows no signs of slowing, and much of that devotion can be traced back to Elsa Peretti for Tiffany Co. The fluid, body-aware designs feel as relevant as ever, setting the tone for a broader movement toward jewelry that reads like wearable art. In 2026, cuffs are bold but thoughtful, often worn solo and styled with intention. They curve, swell, and shine, becoming the focal point of an otherwise simple look. It's less about stacking and more about making a statement that feels confident, not costumey.
Fancy and Fine
Color is officially jewelry's personality play. After years of neutral diamonds and barely-there sparkle, fashion lovers are gravitating toward gemstones that tell a story. Emeralds, sapphires, rubies, and tourmalines are popping up everywhere in unexpected shades and playful pairings. Colored stones offer an easy way to experiment without committing to something overly trend-driven. They feel joyful, a little nostalgic, and very now, especially when mixed with modern settings and clean silhouettes.
Curated Ring Stacks
Bare fingers are officially a thing of the past. Ring stacks in 2026 are bold, chunky, and unapologetically fun. Think mixed metals, oversize bands, sculptural shapes, and diamonds that feel more playful than precious. This trend marks a clear departure from quiet luxury minimalism, inviting wearers to pile it on and make it personal. There's no one right way to stack, which is exactly the point.
Tasseled Details
Tassels had a major moment in fashion in 2025, and now, they're swinging fully into the jewelry world. Earrings, necklaces, and even bracelets are embracing movement, texture, and drama, especially in black. Tassel necklaces and earrings work just as well with a white tee and jeans as they do with an evening dress, making the look playful, wearable, and endlessly eye-catching.
Bezel Everything
As lab-grown diamonds continue to grow in size and popularity, bezel settings are having a major moment. Practical yet undeniably chic, bezels offer protection for larger stones while delivering a sleek, modern aesthetic. Engagement rings are leading the charge, but diamond earrings and pendants are close behind. Bezel-set pieces feel cool rather than flashy, secure without being heavy. It's the kind of jewelry you never have to take off, which is exactly why these pieces are becoming everyday essentials.
Cocktail Watches
Watches are getting their sparkle back, and the rise of the Cartier Baignoire is proof. In 2026, cocktail watches are less about formality and more about personality. These are pieces you wear everywhere, not just to a gala. Expect bold colors, diamond accents, playful shapes, and a sense of ease that feels refreshingly modern. Blinged-out, personality-first cocktail watches blur the line between function and fashion, offering a polished finishing touch that feels expressive, confident, and undeniably cool.
