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Just like clothes, what’s fun about jewelry is breaking out of habit and finding new pieces to play with and new ways to express yourself. Jewelry gets its name from the French word, jouel, which translates to "toy" or "plaything." It's as if its fate is in the name. These special accessories don't just make for another way to add to your style, but jewelry can also have a special way of changing how you carry yourself, whether that's through a gold cuff that accentuates the arms or a sparkly hoop earring that calls eyes to the neck.
As reliable as it is to keep a steady rotation of daily pieces — whether that's a chain necklace that never comes off, a forever bracelet, or an inherited set of diamonds — jewelry trends offer new ideas for experimentation and expression. For some, like jewelry designer Bernard James, there’s a seasonless-ness feeling to jewelry.
“I don't really think about seasonal wardrobe when it comes to jewelry, because I feel jewelry is the one thing you can wear at any moment. It is truly personal and an extension of your identity,” the founder of his eponymous label (worn by celebrities like Lewis Hamilton) says.
While jewelry is an accessory that isn’t bound to seasons in the way fashion is, seasonal trends in jewelry do exist. Some are worth considering, especially during the winter, whether it’s because they work better with knitwear or because they add something that’s missing from your current routine. General trends in jewelry right now are all about maximalism and expression through excess. This is why layered jewelry and bag charms are popular now more than ever, as a way to deck out one accessory with a cascade of more (whether that’s a Louis Vuitton keychain or mini Sonny Angel).
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What’s New in Jewelry Trends for 2026
Jewelry trends for 2026 are less about following rigid rules and more about intentional self-expression. While stacking, sculptural silhouettes, and personalization remain popular, this year’s biggest shifts are about contrast, scale, and color–mixing metals instead of matching them, embracing bold chain silhouettes, and incorporating vibrant gemstones that feel joyful rather than precious-for-precious’ sake.
Jewelry trends for this winter season riff off of recent fashion trends but add something fresh. People are playing with new ways to layer jewelry and new ways to complement their seasonal clothes. Men’s jewelry is also getting more interesting, riding the coattails of the men-wearing-pearls trend that really took off in 2022.
According to fine jewelry designer Alexandra Samit, founder of Alexandra Beth Fine Jewels, clients are increasingly gravitating toward pieces that feel curated over coordinated; jewelry that reflects personality, not perfection.
Charm Layering Is the Most Personal Jewelry Trend
The same way as in fashion, people are tending to wear maximalist-leaning items that channel their most authentic and quirky self. James sees this in his clients and says he’s personally focused on making charms, especially on necklaces and bracelets, because “they offer so much room for personalization and storytelling,” he says.
“I love that each charm carries a unique meaning, making these pieces deeply personal while still being versatile enough for everyday wear. It's like having a unique stack without necessarily needing multiple chains,” James continues. For a more budget-friendly option, Pandora is popular for its wide assortment of charms, mostly less than $100, that can be added to various jewelry styles. For a more upscale piece, James offers his own assortment, from gold letter necklaces to pavé pendants with white diamonds.
Mixed Metals Are Officially In
For years, mixing gold and silver felt like a fashion faux pas. In 2026, it’s not only accepted, it’s encouraged.
““In 2026, mixing gold, silver, and rose gold together feels modern and effortless,” says Alexandra Samit. “Layering pieces in different tones adds dimension to every look and ensures your jewelry feels curated, not coordinated.”
Beth notes that many of her clients intentionally buy the same style in multiple metals to stack together. “We’ve seen a ton of clients purchase our Half Bezel Lab Grown Diamond Puffy Ring in a few different metals specifically to get that mixed-metal look,” she shares.
Sculptural Earrings Are Bigger (and Lighter) Than Ever
Like general trends in jewelry, stacking is still popular when it comes to earrings. For this one, the more piercings in your ear, the better. Designer and founder of her own namesake like Jenny Bird is also seeing that statement earrings, particularly oversized and sculptural ones, are some of the most popular right now.
“Think big, eye-catching estate earrings that are usually one chunk of sculptural metal. The key is getting the look in a lightweight style you can wear all day,” she says, adding a note on the importance of comfort. Her brand’s puffy heart earrings channel this, as do her shapely Colette hoops. Another fashion insider favorite includes Alexis Bittar’s crumpled gold pair.
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Stacking Is Still Queen
Stacking is more of a technique than a trend when it comes to jewelry, as the look has stayed consistently present for the past several years. But, it has evolved since: Rather than mixing the same bangles from one jeweler, for instance, approach stacking with the aim to mix complementary but distinctly different pieces.
“Jewelry in general is all about creating a dynamic mix of textures, widths, and designs that complement each other without feeling overwhelming,” James notes.
Bold Chains, Bigger Statements
Chunky chains aren’t going anywhere. In fact, in 2026, they’re getting bolder and more versatile. Oversized link necklaces, mixed-metal chains, and statement bracelets are becoming everyday staples rather than reserved-for-night pieces.
“Chunky chains continue to dominate, evolving into statement necklaces, oversized link bracelets, and versatile layering pieces,” says Beth. “They bring personality to both everyday outfits and elevated looks.”
She personally gravitates toward statement chains when getting dressed: “I love wearing our Diamond Mixed Link Chain Necklace on days when I’m looking for a piece to instantly elevate my outfit.”
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Jewelry That Complements Winter Clothes
Though jewelry tends to be a rather seasonless accessory, there are some types that work better during winter versus summer, for example, simply because of logistic reasons. Something very detailed and jagged might snag and damage knitwear. This is why James recommends being mindful of using structured and smoother pieces of jewelry in the winter to avoid ruining any sweaters or scarves.
Bird adds that bracelets and cuffs can accentuate movement and look stylish when worn over something like a fitted sweater or turtleneck sleeve. Defaïence’s gold-coated copper cuff is perfect for this.
James favors cutout jewelry during cooler months, including his own mirror charm that has an open design, which “frames the fabric of whatever garment you’re wearing underneath, making it perfect for layering over a sweater. It’s a subtle yet striking way to elevate winter outfits with a touch of meaningful design,” he tells The Quality Edit.
Colorful Gemstones Are Having a Moment
If 2025 leaned neutral, 2026 is all about color. From emeralds and sapphires to champagne and pink diamonds, colorful gemstones are bringing emotion and individuality back into fine jewelry. “2026 is all about color,” Beth says. “Gemstones are adding joyful, expressive accents to jewelry.”
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The Diamond Debate: Natural Versus Lab Grown
Jewelry in recent years has been characterized by a great debate on diamonds, particularly on whether or not lab-grown diamonds are a worthy substitute for natural ones. While lab-grown diamonds offer an alternative rock free of the labor concerns associated with the natural diamond industry, there is also something profoundly and psychologically enticing about having the “real” thing. James predicts that, driven by technological advances, tastes are skewing the opposite.
“I believe we’ll see a trend toward natural diamonds over lab-grown ones. As our world becomes increasingly digital, efficient, and focused on perfection, I think people will crave something real—something with a story and a sense of connection to the earth. There’s a beauty in knowing a diamond has taken millions of years to form, with its unique inclusions and imperfections telling its own tale,” he says of the “perfectly imperfect” stone, which he uses across his designs.
Men’s Biggest Jewelry Trend: Brooches
Men’s jewelry tends to be pretty boring, compared to what women wear and compared to all the attention on men’s watches. However, over recent years, men’s jewelry trends have skewed more experimental, from wearing more pearls to flaunting little hoop earrings. The latest obsession? Brooches.
The once-practical fashion item is getting a makeover, particularly for formal and black-tie events. Men at the Golden Globes like Adam Brody and Colman Domingo proudly flaunted the look. To try wearing a brooch, it’s okay to reserve it for fancier nights out, but the accessory also works well for a semi-casual ensemble, “especially styled in interesting ways like in place of a button on a blazer or on the collar of a turtleneck or collared shirt,” Bird says.
Custom and Personalized Wedding Bands for Men
The same way men are getting more experimental with day-to-day jewelry through pearls and brooches, there is also a trend towards selectivity when it comes to wedding bands. Rather than sticking with the classic (and rather character-less) band, grooms are choosing something a little more expressive. James is seeing “a growing interest in custom and personalized wedding bands for men, reflecting a broader shift toward individuality in bridal and engagement. Couples are moving away from traditional designs and opting for rings that truly represent their story.”
More than personalizing through something like an engraving, custom wedding bands can also use non-conventional materials or unique placements for traditional mixes of precious metals and gemstones. For options here, shoppers can look to retailers like Blue Nile, Angara, and James Allen for customizable men's wedding band options.
Jewelry Trends 2026: FAQs
What jewelry trends are popular in 2026?
The biggest jewelry trends for 2026 include mixed metals, bold chain jewelry, colorful gemstones, sculptural earrings, charm layering, and personalized pieces. The focus is on self-expression rather than matching sets.
Is mixing gold and silver jewelry still in style?
Absolutely! Mixing metals is one of the defining jewelry trends of 2026. Combining gold, silver, and rose gold creates a more modern, curated look.
Are chunky chains still trendy?
Of course. Bold chains continue to dominate in 2026, appearing in statement necklaces, oversized bracelets, and layered looks that work for both casual and elevated outfits.
What gemstones are trending right now?
Emeralds, sapphires, pink diamonds, champagne diamonds, and other colorful gemstones are especially popular, adding personality and color to fine jewelry.
In 2026, jewelry trends aren’t about perfection, they’re about intention. Regardless of which jewelry trend you favor, each one has a unique way of elevating and drawing out your personal style. That’s, after all, part of what has made this accessory so appealing for hundreds of thousands of years.
Why You Should Trust Us
At The Quality Edit, we don’t chase trends, we test them. Our editorial team researches, interviews designers, tracks consumer buying behavior, and evaluates jewelry based on craftsmanship, wearability, and long-term appeal. We feature expert insights from industry insiders and only recommend products we genuinely believe in.
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