The 2026 jewellery trend forecast

Posted on: 11/02/2026

In 2026, jewellery is moving into a more expressive, imaginative space, where thoughtful design and personality are stealing the spotlight. Pieces are becoming more adventurous, playful, and unexpected, drawing inspiration from historical art movements, digital aesthetics, and past decades.

So, what jewellery trends should you be paying attention to in 2026?The experts at Chapelle are here to explore the standout styles, materials, and designs that are set to shape the year ahead.

Opera aesthetic

Jewellery takes centre stage in Pinterest’s Opera aesthetic trend this year.

Rooted in romance and old-world grandeur, this look is all about statement accents like chandelier earrings, strings of pearls, and intricate metalwork. Drawing from artistic movements like Baroque and Rococo, the trend features ornate detailing and decorative craftsmanship, with soft and swirling motifs replacing sharp, angular lines.

This move towards decorative, antique-inspired jewellery is partly fueled by a renewed interest in gothic and period storytelling. Recent and upcoming film remakes like Frankenstein, Nosferatu, and Wuthering Heights have brought historical fashion back into the spotlight, and jewellery plays a big role in setting the tone. In Frankenstein, Elizabeth’s opulent jewellery pieces — full of vibrant stones and intricate detailing — are a perfect example of the kind of bold, theatrical jewellery this trend celebrates.

2010s nostalgia

If you’ve been on social media lately, you might have seen a flood of throwback posts revisiting moments from 2016. After years of Y2K nostalgia, the focus is now shifting forward to the styles and jewellery trends that defined the 2010s.

The mid-2010s were known for choker necklaces, oversized hoop earrings, stacked rings, and statement pendants — pieces that are now reappearing, updated with a more considered, modern feel. Jewellery fans are embracing the confidence and playfulness of the era, pairing bold pieces with contemporary accessories to create a fresh, wearable look.

Cool colour palettes

Jewellery’s colour story in 2026 is moving beyond warm and neutral metals into a realm that feels more futuristic and otherworldly. Searches for terms such as ‘alien core aesthetic’ are on the rise, with cosmic and celestial-inspired visuals trending across beauty and fashion — from luminous, dewy makeup looks to sparkling, holographic nails.

In jewellery, this translates to cool‑toned metals and gem palettes that evoke moonlight and starlit skies. Icy silvers, white gold, and platinum-toned metals paired with iridescent stones such as opal, mother‑of‑pearl, and moonstone are particularly well aligned with this mood. Blue gemstones are also grabbing attention, with sapphire, aquamarine, and topaz offering a fresh alternative to traditional diamonds.

Mixed metals and gold alternatives

The price of gold has risen by over 80% in the last year, prompting more budget-conscious jewellery lovers to seek out better value alternatives (Yahoo Finance). We can expect to see a rise in mixed-metal pieces combining silver, gold, and even rose gold, which allow wearers to achieve a premium look without the cost of investing in multiple gold pieces.

Pure gold alternatives are also gaining traction, with vermeil and ion-plated gold options offering the appearance of solid gold at a more accessible price-point.

Alternative engagement jewellery

Expect to see engagement rings evolving beyond traditional diamond solitaires in 2026, as spouses-to-be increasingly seek out ethical, sustainable, and individualised alternatives.

Lab-grown diamonds are surging in popularity, offering the same sparkle and durability as mined stones but with a smaller environmental footprint and a friendlier price tag that appeals to millennial and Gen-Z couples.

Many couples are discarding diamonds altogether in favour of coloured gemstones for engagement rings. Sapphires, emeralds, and even some more unusual choices like topaz and spinel allow couples to reflect personal style and sentiment in their engagement jewellery.

Brooches

Searches for ‘maximalist accessories’ are up 105% on Pinterest, according to Pinterest Predicts, reflecting a new ‘more is more’ jewellery ethos that encourages playful combinations and bold arrangements — with brooches highlighted as a key focal point of the trend.

Once considered a traditional or vintage accessory, brooches are being reimagined as a modern accessory this year, appearing on everything from lapels and ties to handbags and even hair. Statement motifs, including floral clusters, abstract shapes, and gemstone-encrusted designs, give wearers the chance to showcase personality and creativity in unexpected ways.

“Looking at the trends for 2026, what stands out is a desire to blend artistry, personality, and intention. Jewellery lovers are drawn to pieces that feel meaningful, whether through colour, texture, or design, and they are not afraid to mix eras and styles to create something unexpected.

“This year also reflects a wider shift in what young people value, from choosing ethical and sustainable materials to seeking designs that celebrate craftsmanship and personal expression. Jewellery is increasingly seen as a way to tell a story, mark milestones, and experiment with imaginative ideas, showing that style and substance can absolutely go hand in hand.”