Jewellery Trends for 2026: What’s Shaping the Future of Fine Jewellery

Each new year brings a fresh wave of inspiration to the world of fine jewellery — and 2026 is shaping up to be a celebration of individuality, colour, and craftsmanship. From distinctive diamond shapes to vivid gemstones and sculptural silhouettes, this year’s jewellery trends are all about self-expression and timeless design.

At Sophie Flanagan Fine Jewellery, I’ve noticed clients gravitating towards pieces that balance trend and longevity — designs that feel modern yet still carry personal meaning. Whether you’re drawn to the romance of oval and pear-shaped diamonds, the depth of coloured gemstones, or the effortless elegance of minimal gold settings, 2026 is all about creating jewellery that tells your story.

Diamond & Stone Shapes: Fresh Takes on Classics

Elongated and Fancy Cuts

While round brilliant cuts remain timeless, 2026 is seeing increased interest in elongated and fancy shapes. Cuts such as pear, oval, marquise and emerald are gaining momentum — they offer elegance, visual lengthening of the finger and a distinct personality. 
For example:
Pear-cut stones are being selected more frequently for their elongating effect and modern-classic silhouette.
East-west settings (stone mounted horizontally rather than vertically) are becoming much more visible in rings and pendants 
Step-cuts (emerald, Asscher) and baguette side stones are enjoying a subtle revival, especially in engagement and heirloom pieces.

Black & White Diamond Contrast

Another strong movement is the use of contrasting black and white diamonds in the same piece — especially in pendants, bracelets, and statement earrings. These graphic contrasts make a bold yet elegant statement. This trend has already had its day back in 2010, but like everything, its coming back around for another generation to refine in their way. 

Gemstones: Colour & Story 

Vibrant and Unconventional Gemstones

“Safe” favourites are still wearable, but 2026 is leaning into stones that have personality, colour and narrative. Here are some key gemstone highlights:
Rich greens (emeralds, emerald ombrés) and ocean-hues like deep aquamarine and teal sapphires are trending under what some call the “Serenity” palette.

Stones such as spinel (in neon pinks, cobalt blues, lavender greys), zircon in brown/orange tones, turquoise matrix stones, and bolder alternative gems are becoming more mainstream.

Soft romantic shades — blush-morganite, pale citrine, lavender-amethyst — are also appealing, especially in stackable or everyday styles. 

Jewellery Styles & Settings: How to Wear it

Sleek, Modern Settings & Bezel Details

Minimalism with purpose is a major theme. Bezel settings (where the metal fully or partially encircles the stone) offer a clean, modern silhouette and excellent wearability. Settings are being designed for everyday wear, not just for special occasions. As a private jeweller, this is something to counsel my clients on — beautiful designs that are robust and wearable.

Organic, Sculptural Forms & Mixed Metals

Styles are becoming more fluid and artistic: organic curves, soft geometry, sculptural design and mixed metal combinations (yellow gold + white gold + rose gold) are rising. 
Stacking continues but with more intention: combine different widths, textures, metals and stone-shapes for a bespoke layered look.

Personalisation, Heritage & Meaning

Clients want jewellery that tells a story: heirloom redesigns, nature-inspired motifs (flora, marine, textured surfaces) and customisation (birthstones, engraving, mixed stones) are prominent. 

How to Work These Trends Into Your Bespoke Jewellery

As a private jeweller, I can help clients bridge trends with timelessness. Here are ways I can incorporate these 2026 directional cues into your bespoke piece:

Commissioned / Bespoke Pieces: Use one of the trend shapes (pear, marquise, emerald-cut) but anchor it with traditional settings and techniques, so it remains unique.

Remodelling Heirlooms: If you have a traditional round diamond or older piece, consider redesigning it into a bezel-set or east-west layout, or pairing it with a coloured gemstone to reflect the trend but retain wearability.

Balance Wearability & Value: One of the advantages of being a private jeweller is guiding clients about both style relevance AND investment value: choose good cuts, stones with quality, durability of setting and meaning.

Trends Serve, but Style Endures

Trends are exciting — they give us fresh inspiration and reflect cultural shifts in jewellery. But as I always emphasise at Sophie Flanagan Jewellery: the most important thing is to choose pieces that you will love, wear and keep. The trends of 2026 emphasise meaning, versatility and personal story, not just flash.

If you’re thinking of updating your collection, commissioning something unique, or remodelling a sentimental piece, consider working with a private jeweller who understands both craft and forward-looking style. We can help you interpret the trends, tailor them to your personality and ensure the piece you choose will still feel relevant beyond 2026. Get in touch and let’s start your 2026 story.