From Bold Gold to Lucite, 7 Jewelry Trends Taking Over 2026
From sculptural metal cuffs and leather cord pendants to beads, pearls, and lucite.
When it comes to this year’s top fashion trends, there’s a continued drift away from minimalism. After a few years of quiet luxury and stark restraint, the last few seasons have ushered in more personality through color, texture, and shape across every category, from apparel and handbags to shoes. That more expressive approach has reached jewelry, but don’t get it wrong: The biggest jewelry trends for 2026 are anything but costume-y. Instead, they’re pieces that are as bold as they are wearable.
Materials and color are the major story for the year. Jewelry in candy-hued and mismatched beads—once reserved for vacations, sleepaway camp, and crafts projects—is getting the grown-up, handcrafted treatment thanks to buzzy brands like Don’t Let Disco and Eliou. Even heritage houses like Chanel and Saint Laurent are participating in the trend, with brightly-colored bead, stone necklaces, and chandelier earrings, as seen on their Spring 2026 runways.
Jewelry is scaling up, too, with bold gold and sculptural silver leading the charge in the form of cuff bracelets, statement brooches, and oversized hoops. And because fashion is craving whimsy, lightness, and escape, sea-inspired baubles are having a moment: shell and coral shapes, pearls and turquoise stones, and oceanic textures that feel anything but castaway.
If you’re on a fashion budget this year, start at your jewelry box; it's the low-commitment way to tap into what feels current and a fun way to experiment without a full wardrobe overhaul. Update your collection with the biggest jewelry trends of 2026, ahead.
Bold Metallics
Balenciaga Pre-Fall 2026.
Big, bold metal is back. Elsa Perettiesque sculptural silver was a standout trend on the Spring 2026 runways, but Nordstrom fashion director Linda Cui Zhang says not to overlook vintage-inspired gold.
“Deco-inspired gold jewelry makes an impact and an elegant accent," she argues. "From a brooch, chunky ring, or cuff, a bold gold piece adds warmth to looks.”
Whether you choose silver or gold (or mix the two), for maximum impact, treat the statement pieces as outfit-makers and keep the rest of the accessories simple.
Leather Cord Pendants
Michael Kors Spring 2026.
Leather cord pendants have an effortless, slightly ’90s grunge-cool feel to them. Finished with a charm, stone, or medallion, they can make an outfit, as seen on the runways at Michael Kors and Ralph Lauren this season.
“Leather cord pendants feel like the modern answer to statement jewelry,” says Marissa Galante Frank, Bloomingdale’s beauty and accessories fashion director. “They’re relaxed, effortlessly chic, and incredibly flattering because they lengthen your entire look.”
Sea-Inspired Baubles
Zankov Spring 2026
Ocean motifs are trending in jewelry, and not just for summer. “A nautical nod makes waves with fish motifs, pearls, coral, beach souvenirs, and cord,” says Zhang. “I look forward to wearing sea-inspired styles year-round.” (We've already seen it happen with the popularity of Juju Vera’s viral shell necklace last spring and fall.)
Rendered in organic shapes, finished with semi-precious materials and gold or-silver plating, these tide-pool treasures feel oceans away from souvenir-shop fare.
Pinky Rings
Lacoste Spring 2026.
“The pinky ring feels like a modern expression of luxury—rooted in vintage references but styled with a fresh sense of attitude,” says Frank. “Whether worn solo or stacked, it’s a subtle flex that adds personality and signals confidence without trying too hard.”
Signet rings can add edge and personalization (many can be monogrammed) to a maximalist’s stack. Meanwhile, a tiny gemstone style offers a softer counterpoint to the more masculine-leaning jewelry trend once more closely associated with Sopranos than grandmother’s pearls.
Everyday Diamonds
Simone Rocha Spring 2026.
Zhang says one of her 2026 resolutions is to “bring a bit of sparkle to my everyday jewelry rotation” with what she calls the “everyday diamonds” trend. This translates to investment jewelry pieces such as delicate studs and stackable tennis bracelets and necklaces—the kind of wear-forever styles you put on and rarely take off, keeping for decades to come.
As a result of this shift, more accessible stones are gaining popularity. “Lab diamonds have fully entered the fine-jewelry conversation, not as an alternative, but as a first choice,” Frank argues. While you can never go wrong with classic luxury jewelry staples, she says that bezel-set pieces are her current favorite as a way to “give a bit more personality to everyday pieces.” She explains: “They have a retro foundation but feel distinctly modern right now.”
Colorful Beads
Chanel Spring 2026.
Beaded necklaces, bracelets, and earrings are getting a high-fashion upgrade, if their appearance on the Spring 2026 runways is any indication. Frank says that “color is key” with this trend: “Beads and natural stones add depth and personality, making jewelry feel expressive and personal rather than overly precious.”
They're "a great way to seasonally transition your style as the weather starts to warm up,” she continues. A candy-colored strand can brighten neutrals or dark winter layers, while a single stone pendant can add a creative flair to everyday pieces.
Don’t be afraid to stack here, either: “Layering a few strands creates an artful stack to brighten your day,” says Zhang.
Clear Jewelry
Clear, lucite pieces add shine and dimension without the heaviness. Translucent hoops, sculptural bangles, and glossy “jelly” cocktail rings are playful, look stylish when juxtaposed with minimalist looks, and add interest when set against bold color. The trick is to go oversized for maximum impact (see: the clear-bead necklace on the Bottega Veneta runway) or to choose one statement piece for an architectural edge (like the see-through cuffs at Maison Margiela and Courrèges).
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