Current Jewelry Fads: What's In and Out According to Style Experts

The past trend of minimalist gold chains and subtle studs is being swapped out for more daring choices in 2026.

The jewelry scene this year emphasizes vibrant hues, unique styles, and personal flair.

Fashion consultants and jewelers have noted a shift towards using accessories for individual expression. Outfits are now revolving around jewelry selections instead of vice versa.

Liz Teich, a seasoned stylist and creator of The New York Stylist, observes, "We are transitioning from understated luxury to displaying more personal style and fashion-forward designs. I anticipate 2026 will be a dynamic time for jewelry."

This is your moment to retrieve those vintage heirlooms and statement necklaces from your jewelry box, preparing for a season filled with artistic, eye-catching pieces.

Business Insider consulted with experts in the jewelry industry, including styled advisors and custom jewelers, to uncover the key trends for the year ahead.

Expect a Surge in Vibrant Stones

Bold and colorful gemstones are making a significant impact and are expected to remain a staple in future jewelry collections.

Stones like emeralds, jade, and white sapphires are gaining popularity for their ability to provide a dramatic splash of color, according to Ali Galgano, a jeweler based in New York and Greenwich, who founded Serpentine Jewels.

The trend towards lab-grown gems is making these vibrant pieces more affordable and widely available, as noted by Erin Noël, a Los Angeles-based stylist.

People may also look to runway trends and choose either costume jewelry or synthetic alternatives that mimic these brilliant looks.

Beads Enjoy Continued Popularity

Beaded necklaces and bracelets are once again in vogue, offering a simple way to infuse outfits with lively colors and textures, according to Noël.

This resurgence harks back to the early 2010s when substantial beadwork set the fashion tone, Noël explained. "We are witnessing a rebirth of that style," she added.

Brooches Make a Fashionable Return

As of 2025, adding brooches or pins has become a popular method to enhance the flair of ensembles or transform the way garments drape.

This trend shows no signs of dwindling.

Teich advises clients to display vintage brooches, often inherited from past generations, to add personal touches to their jewelry collections.

Emphasis on Sustainable and Vintage Jewelry

The demand for rapidly produced, low-cost jewelry has decreased. 2026 is expected to see a move towards pieces that emphasize longevity and sustainability.

Experts have noticed a growing fascination with vintage jewelry known for being not only eco-friendly but also unique.

Galgano mentions that her clients value the distinctive nature of vintage items, along with the assurance that these are singular, unmatched pieces.

Diminishing Demand for Obvious Personalization

While personalization in style is becoming more popular, 2026 is seeing a shift away from blatant personalized elements.

"Obvious personalized items like hefty nameplate necklaces and bright friendship bracelets are losing favor," mentioned Galgano.

There is a growing preference for subtle individual touches, such as little clusters of birthstones or engraved pieces for significant life events.

Bidding Farewell to Minimalist Jewelry

The trend is shifting from minimalistic elegance towards more adventurous and bold styles, as Noël highlights.

The bold styles from the early 2010s are returning, featuring mix-and-match earrings with distinctive shapes, standout necklaces, chunky bracelets, and statement rings.

Stylist predictions suggest a transition from delicate necklaces to more prominent, layered designs using tassels, beads, or pendants.

However, simple chains and delicate bangles shouldn't be discarded. Instead, consider layering various styles to create new looks.