As we close out 2025 and step into 2026, the jewelry world is in a fascinating moment of transition. Some trends are holding strong, others are quietly slipping into the background, and a few fresh ideas are emerging which you’ll definitely want to keep on your radar. Think of this as your gemstone forecast: practical, a little playful, and ready to help you sparkle with intention.

Pearls: The Irregular Beauties

• What Stays: Baroque and organic pearls are still center stage. Their imperfect, sculptural charm makes them feel modern and wearable.
• What Goes: Perfectly matched, overly prim pearl strands are losing momentum. 2026 is less country club cocktail hour, more statement of individuality.
• What’s Emerging: Oversized, colored, or mixed-material pearl designs, like pearls paired with leather, enamel, or bold metalwork.

Styling Tip: Pair one dramatic pearl piece with a crisp white shirt or little black dress and let the pearl do all the talking.

Chains & Beads: Bigger, Bolder, Better

• What Stays: Chunky chains and bead-forward designs remain popular, especially in bracelets and chokers.
• What Goes: Excessive layering of multiple chains that compete for attention. The vibe now is one strong, confident piece.
• What’s Emerging: Playful color beads. Think gemstones in unexpected palettes, and chain-link hybrids which double as both bracelet and necklace.

Styling Tip: Let one bold chain or bead necklace anchor your look. Add delicate studs or a simple bracelet to balance it out.

Black Magic: Onyx & Enamel

• What Stays: Black enamel accents and onyx settings are still the darlings of bold contrast. They pair beautifully with diamonds and saturated gemstones.
• What Goes: All-white, all-bright looks. They feel flat next to the richness of black contrast.
• What’s Emerging: Blackened gold and “shadow metals” which give dimension to everything from signet rings to hoops.

Styling Tip: Add one black-accented piece to your jewelry lineup. It instantly creates depth without overpowering your outfit.

Warm Tones: From Honey to Chocolate

• What Stays: Smoky quartz, amber, and golden hues keep growing, offering a grounded yet luxurious palette.
• What Goes: Oversaturated neon-inspired stones from earlier seasons. They don’t blend as seamlessly with 2026’s elevated neutrals.
• What’s Emerging: Cognac diamonds and brown tourmaline are getting a modern revival, balancing earthy depth with high-end polish.

Styling Tip: Pair warm-toned gems with a sleek blazer or neutral palette. They’ll glow without competing with bold patterns.

Lockets, Charms & Storytelling Pieces

• What Stays: Sentimental jewelry continues to shine. People want their jewelry to say something meaningful.
• What Goes: Heavy, clunky charms which feel dated or hard to wear daily.
• What’s Emerging: Sleeker lockets, innovative shapes, and charm “capsules” which let wearers build personal stories into stackable designs.

Styling Tip: Layer a single charm necklace with a minimal chain for everyday wear. It’s personal, chic, and not overwhelming.

Convertible Jewelry: One Piece, Many Looks

• What Stays: Two-in-one earrings and necklaces with subtle versatility.
• What Goes: Overly complicated multi-function pieces (if it takes a manual to wear, it’s out).
• What’s Emerging: Smart engineering, such as, bracelets which become chokers, rings which connect into statement sets designed for everyday ease.

Styling Tip: Invest in a versatile piece for travel. You’ll get multiple looks without overpacking.

Color Gemstones: Bright, Bold, Saturated

• What Stays: Emeralds, garnets, aquamarines, and other saturated stones as focal points.
• What Goes: Pastel, washed-out gems which don’t hold presence in statement jewelry.
• What’s Emerging: Unexpected pairings like garnet with peridot, or aquamarine with smoky quartz which give jewelry a fresh, painterly feel.

Styling Tip: Pick a gemstone which flatters your skin tone, then let it stand alone against neutral clothing. It’ll pop beautifully.

Quiet Luxury: Minimalist Foundations

• What Stays: Elegant, timeless staples remain the backbone of every collection, like slim gold hoops, tennis bracelets, and simple studs.
• What Goes: Loud, logo-heavy jewelry (brands spelled out in rhinestones are quietly being retired).
• What’s Emerging: Heirloom-inspired minimalism showcasing fine craftsmanship with a whisper of detail, like tiny etchings or hidden stones, elevating simplicity into art.

Styling Tip: Build a capsule of three essentials, for example, studs, a thin chain, and a bracelet, and then rotate in bolder pieces when you want to shift the mood.

Rings: Stack, Mix, Repeat

• What Stays: Ring stacking is still in full force, along with mixing metals, textures, and gemstone cuts.
• What Goes: Overloaded “every finger covered” looks. 2026 favors balance and comfort.
• What’s Emerging: Bold centerpiece rings with oversized gemstones or sculptural metal which anchor a stack rather than blending into it.

Styling Tip: Stack two to three rings max on one hand, then balance with a statement ring on the other for a polished, intentional look.

As we head into 2026, jewelry is all about balance: statement-making but wearable, nostalgic yet forward-thinking, playful while still refined. The trends which stay are the ones with versatility and personality.

The ones which go are often the “extra noise.” And the ones emerging? They’re here to remind us that jewelry isn’t just an accessory, it’s a reflection of who you are, right now, in this moment.

When you’re ready to curate or invest, remember: trends are fun, but the real magic happens when a piece feels like it was meant for you. Click HERE to connect with me and I’ll curate those special jewelry pieces which feel as they were custom made for you!