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Our SVP, Your Jewelry Trend Expert
Annie Chen is a self-described fashion-obsessive who has channeled her passion into a career in merchandising, with 15+ years in retail as an expert in buying, strategy and design. The opportunity to set a higher standard for the jewelry industry, as well as the chance to bring her expertise to a category she has always loved, is what excites Annie about her role as SVP of Merchandising and Design at Brilliant Earth.
What Are the Latest Jewelry Trends?
As we move into 2026, jewelry takes center stage as the ultimate personal statement. This year marks a clear shift toward pieces that speak volumes about individual style — without saying a word. From the vibrant appeal of bold gemstones to the quiet confidence of perfect diamond essentials, the jewelry landscape offers rich territory for self-expression. What's interesting isn't just what's new, but how these pieces are being reimagined and styled in ways that feel distinctly fresh.
Crafted with the same precision and vision that defines our jewelry collection, consider this exclusive guide your insider's perspective on the pieces that will define the year ahead — and perhaps your personal style for years to come.
Top Jewelry Trends
Color Theory
1. Statement Gemstones
Vibrant gemstones are having their moment in 2026, with rich greens, deep blues, and stunning purples leading the way.
"Green gemstones are particularly popular this year," notes Chen. "Their natural vibrancy brings life to yellow gold settings, creating pieces that feel both timeless and distinctly modern."
These statement pieces work beautifully for both special occasions and everyday wear, adding a touch of color to business attire or elevating casual weekend looks. When selecting a gemstone piece, look for colors that complement your wardrobe while offering that perfect pop of brilliance.
The fashion set has embraced these colorful statements as the perfect counterpoint to the streamlined silhouettes dominating ready-to-wear collections. A single emerald ring against a backdrop of monochromatic separates creates that perfect note of visual intrigue that defines truly considered style.
Sculptural Silhouettes
2. Bold Hoops
The humble hoop undergoes a dramatic reinvention this season with more substantial designs, making it the must-have silhouette of the year. These aren't your basic hoops in delicate whispers of gold — 2026 demands substance and presence. These are hoops with gravitas: thick, weighted, and confidently bold.
The most coveted iterations feature interesting architectural elements, like sharp angles that catch the light, hammered textures that add dimension, or unexpected proportions that frame the face with artful intention. Their substantial presence eliminates the need for additional adornment — these are one-and-done pieces that instantly elevate any look.
Style insiders are pairing these statement hoops with sleek, pulled-back hair to create a striking silhouette that's equal parts refined and fashion-forward. The effect is clean, modern, and effortlessly chic.
According to Chen, “Bold hoops are the ideal way to elevate simple outfits, adding instant polish to everything from business attire to weekend basics. Their versatility makes them a smart addition to any jewelry collection.”
The New Minimalism
3. Diamond Essentials
In a design landscape often drawn to maximalism, there's something refreshing about the perfect diamond essential. Timeless favorites like tennis bracelets, diamond pendants, and stud earrings continue their reign as the foundation of a discerning jewelry collection.
“What's notable is the fresh approach to styling these classics,” comments Chen, “Diamond studs no longer stand alone but anchor a curated ear featuring smaller accent pieces. Tennis bracelets mingle with chunkier chains in unexpected pairings that feel deliberate rather than decorative.”
In a world of fleeting trends, diamond essentials remain the cornerstone of any thoughtfully curated jewelry collection. The appeal lies in their versatility — these pieces transition seamlessly between boardroom meetings and evening events, between casual weekends and formal occasions. They represent the kind of thoughtful investment that defines mature style: pieces selected not for their trend value but for their lasting beauty and adaptability.
Written in the Stars
4. Celestial Motifs
Astronomy meets artistry in 2026's most personal trend. The appeal of cosmic imagery continues its evolution, with zodiac medallions, constellation patterns, and celestial symbols transcending trend to become modern classics with spiritual undertones.
"Zodiac jewelry resonates because it's both personal and beautiful," Chen explains. "These pieces tell a story about the wearer while offering distinctive style that works for everyday wear."
The most compelling zodiac pieces feature intricate detailing that elevates them beyond novelty — think expertly engraved signet rings or medallion necklaces suspended from substantial chains. Many incorporate subtle gemstone accents corresponding to astrological elements, adding even more depth and meaning to these personal talismans.
There's something undeniably intimate about wearing one's zodiac symbol — it's perhaps the most wearable form of personal storytelling. These pieces resonate on a deeper level, offering both beauty and significance in equal measure.
Layered Looks
5. Chains
Chain jewelry commands the narrative this season, with distinctive link designs becoming the defining characteristic of the most coveted pieces.
Unmistakable link styles are becoming the defining characteristic of necklaces, bracelets, and even earrings. Paperclip chains with their elongated, rectangular links offer clean, modern lines, while herringbone patterns create a sleek, fluid appearance against the skin. Rope chains add texture and substance, creating immediate impact whether worn alone or layered with pendants.
“These aren't delicate accent pieces. Today's chains are substantial and designed to be noticed,” remarks Chen.
Fashion editors have long embraced the layered chain moment, mixing lengths, link styles, and metal finishes to create a curated effect that appears collected over time rather than purchased as a set. The result is a distinctive personal signature that adapts and evolves.
All in the Details
6. Personalized Pieces
In 2026, the most luxurious jewelry tells an individual story. Name necklaces, custom engravings, and birthstone jewelry transform beautiful objects into meaningful keepsakes. Engravable pendants and bangles provide space for important dates, coordinates, or messages, while birthstone jewelry highlights these meaningful gems in sophisticated, contemporary settings.
These pieces go beyond trends to become modern heirlooms, often commemorating relationships or milestones. Their value comes not just from fine materials and craftsmanship, but from the personal significance they hold. Or as Chen says, “Personalized jewelry represents the most authentic form of luxury: items valued not just for their material worth but for the stories they tell and the emotions they evoke.”
The appeal is clear: These pieces go beyond adornment to become wearable memories and connections.
Sleek Sophistication
7. Bezel Set Jewelry
The bezel setting — where metal fully encircles the stone — has emerged as 2026's most influential design detail. This technique creates a sleek, contemporary aesthetic that manages to feel both minimal and substantial.
“The bezel approach brings clean lines and architectural precision to jewelry design,” states Chen. “The visual effect is decidedly modern — a perfect complement to the structured silhouettes dominating fashion.”
The bezel setting offers both style and practicality. Its streamlined silhouette keeps gemstones secure while maintaining a refined appearance that works beautifully for everyday wear. It's this marriage of form and function that makes bezel-set pieces so relevant to contemporary life — beautiful objects designed to be lived in rather than saved for special occasions.
