Beads to Brooches: Trending Jewelry for 2026
Some pieces of jewelry will always be in style. You can’t go wrong with the classics, from a simple strand of pearls to an iconic tennis bracelet or a solitaire engagement ring. However, it can be ideal to move beyond the classics alone and have fun with your look by incorporating more trendy pieces.
Similar to all fashion, jewelry trends often come and go. Several years ago, it was all about feminine touches and royal-ready looks, partially inspired by all the Bridgerton buzz. Last year, it was all about ‘90s jewelry, and while that’s still sticking around, here’s what we’re seeing popping up now across the high-fashion runways and social media that will hit big in 2026.
What You Will Learn
1. Pearls, Pearls, and More Pearls
Pearls have been having a moment for a while now, and that’s certainly not changing as we go into 2026. However, this year’s style goes beyond your single-strand pearl necklace or bracelet. Instead, tastemakers are embracing unique pearl pairings, shapes, and designs.
For example, you might think it’s best to have nearly identical pearls in shape and size and appear as near-perfect spheres, but designers are going for more “misshapen” pearls that deviate from perfection. They’re also pairing pearls with various gemstones, metals, and other materials for more color and variety than you might get with just a strand of plain pearls.
“Pearls found a second wave of popularity with both men and women in the last year-and-a-half or so, and with that came more fun and bolder choices like abnormal shapes that have a very unique and organic feel to them,” says expert and Graduate Gemologist Rachel Akmakjian. “It goes along with the nature-inspired and organic shapes incorporated into jewelry. Pearls are still a trend, but now just a bigger, bolder, more organically-shaped pearl.”
2. Beads, Baby
Not everyone has the budget for pearl jewelry, especially if you like to stay on-trend and don’t want to invest in new pieces every season. For those with a slightly smaller budget, the beads trend is a welcome change.
We saw beads growing in interest with the recent focus on friendship bracelets — fueled partly by Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour — but beaded jewelry for 2026 gets more of an adult upgrade with a Bohemian or natural wood vibe or by pairing colorful beads with unique materials, precious metals, and gemstones.
3. Big & Bold Color
Yes, a diamond is forever, but this precious stone isn’t necessarily considered bold and colorful unless you’re branching out into fancy-colored diamonds. That’s all changing in 2026. Carrying on big time from the last few years, more and more shoppers are looking away from the classic, muted colors that we’re all accustomed to — such as white or white gold diamonds — to more and more color.
“Color is definitely becoming an option for consumers,” says Akmakjian. “With greater emphasis on being unique and vying for bolder ideas and colors, we are seeing more colored gemstones.” Akmakjian notes, however, that the durability of a diamond is unmatched, adding, “When you’re thinking about something you want to wear every single day for the rest of your life, diamonds are the most logical choice because they can withstand the tests of time. But if the buyer knows those risks, the world is their oyster.”
Along these lines, if you’re shopping for an engagement ring, don’t feel you must stick with the classic white gold or yellow gold diamond. Of course, it’s not ideal to chase trends while picking an engagement ring as you’ll want it to remain in vogue for decades to come, but you also don’t need to restrict yourself so tightly. Branch out to find equally classic but unique options, such as moissanite.
4. Mixed Metals
While mixing and matching metals has always been a fun idea, whether stacking bracelets or making an earring stack, it’s become a prominent part of 2026 fashion.
“Nowadays, people are going pretty bold and chunky with everything,” says Akmakjian, citing bigger and chunkier chains, lots of stackable bracelets, and mixing metals like yellow gold and white gold. “The great thing is it no longer has to be all or one. What’s super fun about trends now is you actually get to mix, match, and stack, unlike how it used to be just one necklace and one bracelet. Now it’s a whole combination, such as an arm full of them and a neck full of necklaces.”
Remember, though, that if you buy a piece that features multiple metals, you’ll need to care for it carefully, as different precious metals have different care requirements. As Akmakjian suggests, “If your pieces are made of precious metals like gold and platinum, a good polishing cloth and simple dish soap will do the trick. But if you have costume jewelry and those metals are plated or painted, you have to be careful with how you clean or polish them as the outer finish will wear off if you’re not careful.”
5. Chunky All the Way
Chunky jewelry will also stick around next year, particularly in gold jewelry, earrings, and bangles. Think gold chains, bold earrings, and wide cuff bangles.
“A great idea is to mix that chunky look with a delicate look as well as it gives a nice contrast and balance to complete the picture, whether it’s your wrist or your neck,” says Akmakjian. She recommends pairing it with a simpler outfit if you are going big and bold with jewelry. “That way, the jewelry gets to stand out. If you have a crazy outfit and your jewelry is competing for attention, it diminishes the boldness of the look.”
However, the trend toward chunkier jewelry stops when it comes to watches. In 2026, we’ll see a trend toward smaller, more delicate, more feminine watches as opposed to larger, more masculine timepieces.
6. Nature-Inspired Motifs
Beyond what types of jewelry pieces are en vogue next year, or what precious metals or gemstones are catching designers’ eyes, there will also be certain themes and motifs running through the jewelry industry at large.
Outdoor inspiration in particular will be popping up a lot in the shape of leaves, flowers, snakes, and nautical or marine themes.
7. Charming Charms
Charms of all types were popular last year and will continue to be popular going into 2026. But they are no longer restricted to ‘90s-style bracelets (though that’s certainly a favorite option). Body charms, charm necklaces, and bag charms will also appear.
“Charms are definitely back,” says Akmakjian. “But what’s coming back into style right now are what I call attachments. Unlike charm bracelets, where every piece tells a story, attachments you can add to a bracelet or necklace might not have any specific meaning other than you just like the look. Maybe it’s just to have that bit of added sparkle.”
8. All Things Kitschy
If you’ve always had a taste for costume jewelry because it tends to be a little brasher, a little louder, and a little more over the top, you’ll be glad to know that kitschy is back in a big way in 2026. Paired with the right overall look and a delicate hand, kitschy rings, earrings, and more can all find a place within your wardrobe.
9. Brooches Are Back
Who doesn’t love a good brooch? Sure, they seem like something your grandma might’ve worn (and you might’ve even inherited a few of her favorite antique pieces), but don’t let these prized items gather dust. Brooches can add interest and intrigue to any outfit, whether you go sleek and sophisticated or, as mentioned above, kitschy and cute.
10. Sustainable, Smart Choices
Lastly, across the board, more and more jewelry shoppers are looking for sustainable choices that limit their impacts on the planet. Think sustainably sourced and/or recycled gold, lab-grown diamonds, and secondhand vintage or antique jewelry.
2026 Jewelry Trends FAQs
What Jewelry Will Be Popular in 2026?
Many of the same pieces of jewelry popular in 2025 will still be around in 2026, but expect some newcomers to the scene as well. Pearls, beads, bright gemstones, chunky jewelry, small watches, and kitschy designs will all be popular in the new year.
Will Pearls Be Popular in 2026?
Yes! Pearls will continue to be popular in 2026, though it will no longer be about single strands of identical pearls. Designers continue to break the mold by using various sizes and shapes in a single piece and “misshapen” pearls, contrasting them against other materials and gemstones.
Will Chokers Still Be in Style in 2026?
As Gen Z continues to discover the fashion trends of the ‘90s, chokers will still be very much in style in 2026, though they will evolve to meet other rising jewelry trends, for example, pearl chokers.
What Kind of Engagement Ring Trends Will Come Up in 2026?
While classic engagement rings will always be popular, trending styles include using colored gemstones instead of diamonds.
Will Rose Gold Be Out of Style By 2026?
While rose gold may not be as trendy as it was at one point, it will still be a popular choice in 2026, especially if incorporated into mixed-metal looks or designs.
Whatever Your Taste in Jewelry, Keep It Safe
Whether you want to jump on these jewelry trends or have your preferences as a tasteful trailblazer, keep your favorite pieces safe with the right jewelry insurance. Specialized, comprehensive coverage like BriteCo offers can help you repair or replace jewelry in the event of theft, loss, or mysterious disappearance.
Learn more and get your BriteCo jewelry insurance quote now.
Also Check:
What Are ETA Movements?
Different Types of Necklaces to Add to Your Jewelry Collection
Wedding Jewelry Trends for 2026
Men’s Jewelry Trends for 2026
How to Identify Vintage Jewelry
Get a Quote:
The Easy Way to Insure Your Jewelry - and Save Money!
UP NEXT: Hublot Watch Insurance Can Protect Your Timepieces
Author
