It’s time for a look at jewellery trends so far and to come this year, and in 2026 we’ve seen some exciting new directions in everything from bracelets and watches to colour choices and gemstones. Old favourites are back while new concepts are bursting onto the scene, adding vibrant elements and taking us off in completely different stylistic directions. This is our chance to look at everything from trending necklaces to the latest ring designs and trending earrings.
We’ll tell you what’s hot, what’s not, and how to pick your signature style for the year ahead. We’ll also take a quick look at the importance of protecting your jewellery collection, whether it’s a chunky chain from 2025 or a minimalist bracelet from this year, with the right kind of jewellery insurance.
A look back at jewellery trends in 2025
Jewellery trends in 2025 were all about kicking back against the grinding blandness of a belt-tightening, penny-pinching society. Jewellery was chunky, bold, a little bit ‘in your face’, and focused on celebrating affluence rather than austerity. However, that didn’t mean blowing the month’s rent on a piece of jewellery you couldn’t really afford. Things such as lab-grown diamonds made glamorous designs more accessible, while vintage chic saw fashionable jewellery lovers trawling flea markets and stalls for a bit of retro, mid-century bling.
Eco-friendly jewellery made big waves too, with upcycled materials and low-impact production processes at the forefront of everyone’s mind. That trend was driven by social media ‘influencers’, who focused on lower-cost metals such as silver, individual charms, and friendship bracelets, or super-high-end extravagances like Rolex watches and Cartier bracelets. It was either Dubai affluence or beach-boho.
This year, though, some sense of balance is restored. Don’t be mistaken into thinking that chunky is passé; it’s anything but. While big and bold accessories are still the talk of the catwalks, there’s more diversity when it comes to jewellery trends for 2026. Subtlety is back. Refinement is in. And while chunky beads and sculptural forms make an appearance, there are also trends inspired by mindfulness and well-being.
Jewellery statistics – what the markets are saying
Despite the price volatility in precious metals (particularly gold and silver) in 2025 and early 2026, the UK jewellery industry has been buoyant over the last 12 months.
The UK market for jewellery, including watches, reached an astonishing £6.78 billion in 2025*, and the overall UK market has grown considerably since 2019. The big increase has been through online rather than high street sales, accounting for 32.7% of total revenue and growing by nearly 14%.
Over half a million people searched online for gold earrings last year, despite the wild fluctuations in gold prices, making it one of the biggest trends in earrings for 2025. The top brand was Pandora, with an estimated 1.67 million monthly searches, and the fastest-growing brand in the UK was Missoma, growing from £1 million to an impressive £33 million in turnover in just five years.
In 2025, the top gemstones saw the rise of lab-grown diamonds, bringing the cost of diamond jewellery down to more manageable levels and expanding the audience for diamond earrings, rings, and bracelets.
If these statistics tell us anything, it’s that jewellery trends show no signs of slowing down any time soon.
Current jewellery trends for 2026
Both men and women are expanding their jewellery repertoires in 2026. The exuberance of 2025 still carries some weight, but it’s balanced by a return to subtlety, organic forms, earthy influences, and quirky accents. Trending necklaces go from delicate layered chains to gloriously chunky beads, while trending earrings embrace asymmetric pearls and the chic sophistication and Deco influence of onyx. Let’s take a look at some of the biggest current 2026 jewellery trends.
Pearls
The pearl revival started last year and shows no signs of running out of steam any time soon. Both cultured and freshwater pearls feature in this year’s top earring styles, so prices range from affordable to eye-watering. The big influence is asymmetric design, which works particularly well with odd-shaped freshwater pearls. Big faux pearl necklaces are popular with younger fashion-conscious women, which also ties in with the trend for bold statement beads.
Statement choker necklaces
Long necklaces are being replaced by statement chokers, the big trending necklaces for this year. A hit with celebrities, especially as bold fashion statements at glittering award shows, statement chokers are now making their way off the red carpet and into everyday fashion. Pairing them with smart casual outfits rather than ballgowns has made them more accessible, and designers such as Juju Vera and Anito Ko are putting statement chokers front and centre in their 2026 collections.
Artistic pendants
Unique and individual, bold and focused on form and sculptural design motifs, artistic pendants are the necklaces we should all be on the lookout for in 2026. Embracing maximalism and the centrepiece of any outfit, artistic pendants feature exuberant metal elements sculpted into forms, supported by oversized links and clasps. There’s nothing ‘dainty’ about these pieces; they’re very much a ‘wear me if you dare’ addition to your 2026 jewellery trends.
Layered minimalistic chains
At the other end of the spectrum is the shift towards layering minimalistic chains. The trick is to avoid tangling, and to achieve this, designers are incorporating multi-hole clasps that hold each chain in position. The emphasis is less on making a statement and more about telling a story, with each chain having its own position in the overall look. Mix up different chain types, including box chains, cable chains, or the on-trend micro-paperclip chain, for the most impactful look.
Stackable bangles
If layered chains are the big trending necklace style for 2026, then stackable bangles have to be one of the most popular bracelets. Versatile, stylish, and personalisable, stackables are one of the hottest trends right now. At the top of the list are mixed-metal stacks, which embrace contrast and pair statement bangles for a power look that commands attention.
Big beads
Your 2026 jewellery trends don’t have to be exclusively focused on precious gemstones and 18-carat gold. Dress jewellery is a big statement this year, especially chunky beads that definitely fall into the affordable bracket. While there are catwalk collections that will definitely take your credit card to the max from names like Carolina Bucci and Irene Neuwirth, these showstopping looks can be easily replicated using more affordable statement beads. Mid-century Pop-Art influences add bursts of bright colour to the mix, making them a real summer favourite.
Onyx
Juxtaposing the vibrancy of big beads is the subtlety of onyx, one of this year’s influential gemstone trends. Onyx is as black as night, sleek, and mesmerising in its own unique way. This is the one to bring some serious glamour to your eveningwear, especially that classic ‘little black dress’. Combined with diamonds and gold, it captures the Art Deco period perfectly. The popularity of onyx is being driven by its prevalence among celebrities, including men, who are reviving the onyx signature ring for a polished, suave flourish that James Bond would be proud of.
Pinkie rings
When it comes to trending rings this year, don’t forget the littlest finger. Pinkie rings are a cute addition to your collection, bringing a cheeky little sparkle to your pinkie. Our top tip: Make your pinkie ring into a statement by keeping the rest of your hand simple and understated. Introduce gemstone accents and simple bands rather than a traditional signet ring, keeping things elegant and playful rather than an afterthought.
Inlay rings
Inlay rings really started to take off in 2023, and since then, they’ve become more and more popular with both men and women. The simple design uses a metallic or ceramic ‘core’ with a channel cut into it. Everything from whisky barrel wood and meteorite flakes to opal chips and gemstones is then inlaid, fixed using jewellery-grade adhesives, and polished to a glass-like finish. Inlay rings are affordable and ultra-comfortable to wear thanks to the chamfered edges and highly polished interiors.
Ocean themes and wave designs
Ocean themes and wave jewellery are perennial favourites, but in 2026 this popular design concept takes a step up, moving from the preserve of boho beach chic to high-end sleek. They’re a softer version of the sculptural trend, creating soft movement and flattering designs that are ideal for incorporating cut gems such as aquamarine or sapphires.
Sapphires
Speaking of sapphires, these blue beauties are making a comeback in 2026 as one of the key gemstones to watch. They pair exceptionally well with pearls, tap into the wave theme, and are luxurious enough to play a pivotal role in high-end jewellery trends. In 2026, the full range of sapphire’s potential is explored, with paler stones taking their place, especially in rings and pendants. And as always, they make a fabulous choice for an engagement ring.
Vintage charm
This year’s jewellery trends are fairly flexible; in fact, almost anything goes this year as long as it has character and style. That includes vintage jewellery, especially those that embrace the mid-century design trends and the Art Deco period. Flowery, fussy, and overly complex Victoriana is still waiting for its revival, but cleaner, more modernist influences will be a big theme this year. Think more retro than vintage.
Mixed metals
You don’t have to choose between white and yellow metals. You can mix and match as you like, and for bracelets in particular, mixed metals is a major theme this year. White and yellow gold sit side by side, while rose gold and silver or platinum play off one another, bringing out the inner beauty through contrast and complement. Trending rings keep the theme going, especially mixed metal Russian wedding bands.
Minimalism
Yes, chunky is still a thing for jewellery trends in 2026, but the quiet elegance and refinement of minimalism is there to balance things out. Minimalist engagement rings are big news, while subtle, understated trending earrings that feature the merest hint of sparkle are ideal for business wear or for those quiet days when you just want to feel delicately feminine.
Colourful watches
For both men and women, colourful watches are this year’s talking point for timepieces. Brightly coloured dials, fabric straps in bold tones (especially purples and blues), and the trend for big faces continuing to grow, meaning those colour palettes have the potential to get brighter as the year goes on. Obviously, the classic black and white faces are still around, but there’s much more choice if you feel like splashing out on a Rolex featuring a pistachio face or a Seiko with a gorgeously quirky flamingo pink dial.
Brown is back
The colour for 2026 is, well, it’s brown. But we’re not talking about dull, boring, 1970s carpet browns, but rich chocolates, ambers and cinnamon – warm colours that complement any skin tone. Look out in particular for brown diamonds, which introduce a whole new level of interest for trending earrings and necklaces. Earthy tones add a more organic feel to this year’s jewellery styles.
Jewellery styles that aren’t currently trending – What to avoid in 2026
Short-lived bling, the kind that looks amazing but quickly tarnishes due to poor quality or thin plating, is out. 2026 marks a return to quality pieces, a capsule collection that has meaning and tells a personal story. And while there’s plenty of choice between minimalist and oversized, the key is to consider how each piece fits with your aesthetic. Overly forceful pieces can also feel dated and don’t align with a more minimalist look. And one of the biggest turn-offs for jewellery buyers this year is poor workmanship. Look for well-crafted, artisan pieces where the creator has really paid attention to the little details.
Top tips on choosing your statement jewellery piece in 2026
With so many different styles and a glittering array of new designs, trends and even colour choices to add to your jewellery collection this year, you must get your statement pieces right. Our top tips for choosing those focal pieces this year are:
• Rings – It’s all about comfort and getting the sizing right, especially if you’re looking for a minimalist engagement ring. Check out our article on minimalist rings for details on how to get the right proportions for your hand size. Try on rings in store and in natural daylight to get the full effect and ensure they fit and feel comfortable.
• Bracelets – Stackables are the big news for bracelets in 2026, and remember that mixing metals is in, too. Take your time choosing your bracelets and add them one at a time to create your signature look.
• Earrings – Buy your earrings from a reputable jeweller, and if you’re sensitive to metals with nickel or cadmium in them, avoid ‘cheap and cheerful’ online suppliers, as there is no guarantee of the quality of earring findings such as posts, backs, and hooks.
• Necklaces – Following on from our earring advice, buy your necklaces from a reliable seller. If you’re buying artisan work from small outlets, look for accreditation to guilds such as the Guild of Master Craftsmen or The Goldsmiths’ Company.
Taking care of your jewellery with TH March
Once you’ve invested in jewellery that you love, keep those precious pieces safe with specialist jewellery insurance. TH March has been providing clients with specialist jewellery insurance for over 130 years, covering valuable, fine jewellery collections and prized pieces. While we cannot cover a piece’s sentimental value, we can provide insurance that covers its financial value if it is lost, stolen, or damaged. You can get an online quote instantly, or start by visiting our Jewellery Insurance page for more information. Alternatively, call us direct and one of our team will be happy to discuss your jewellery insurance needs in more depth. Contact TH March today.