Bear Brooksbank, Photography: Alexandra Selby
Cleopatra's Bling
2026 is reshaping the language of wedding and engagement rings. The year leans into bolder shapes, sharper intentions, and a quiet confidence that doesn’t need to raise its voice to be felt. Expect a fusion of modern sculpture, subtle nostalgia, and pieces that feel as considered as they are symbolic. With insights from top jewelry brands, we’re breaking down the eight major trends leading the charge into a new era of sparkle.
Brutalist Shapes
Clean, commanding, and unapologetically bold, jewelry is taking cues from brutalist architecture in 2026. Inspired by its raw power, this trend embraces sculptural silhouettes, exaggerated proportions, and bold lines. Think statement chokers that double as wearable sculpture, thick, structured cuffs, and earrings with serious attitude. Perfect for couples with a fearless fashion instinct.
Tabayer
Tabayer
Erede
Fernando Jorge
Erede
Sauer
Custom-Coded
In 2026, individuality is everything, and jewelry is no exception. The team at Class A Jewellers, a jewelry brand with over 50 years of heritage, has seen a noticeable shift toward uniquely personalized pieces. “Couples are less focused on carat size and more interested in rings that feel custom, meaningful, or unlike anything they’ve seen before,” they note. “From tiny birthstone detailing to engravings on the outside of bands, couples who want more of a traditional design are adding elements to make it unique. One of our designs that has had a lot of interest is the Diba ring.”
Class A Jewellers
Uniform Object, Content: Diana Galimullina
Azlee
Bold & Chunky
Chunky rings are having a full-on moment, with couples choosing stronger, weightier silhouettes. “The demand for thicker, more metal-forward engagement rings is undeniable, especially with celebrity engagements such as Dua Lipa's bringing this style center stage,” explains VRAI, the celebrity-favorite jewelry house. Their standout pieces, the Cigar Band Solitaire and the Sculpture Bezel with VRAI created diamonds, channel this modern mood perfectly.
Uniform Object is seeing the same rise in statement-making styles. The New York-based jewelry brand, recognized for its craftsmanship-meets-avant-garde aesthetic, shares: “The look and feel of solid 18k gold that is never hollowed out and totally comfortable will definitely be a trend for 2026. It's important you can feel and enjoy the weight of your investment!”
Fie Isolde
Class A Jewellers
Yé Brand
Uniform Object
VRAI
VRAI
Jeweled Anklets
Think beyond the ring box: in 2026, the wedding look extends all the way to the ankles. Whether it’s a whisper-thin gold strand adorned with a single diamond or a gemstone-studded chain that glints with every step, the anklet is finding its place as a subtle yet striking finishing touch. Embrace this unexpected detail to bring a hint of playfulness, sensuality, or sparkle to your look. It’s the perfect match for barefoot ceremonies and high-slit gowns.
Anita B Jewelry
Mateo
Jimmy Choo
Vintage Cuts
Something old is shining brighter than ever. Couples are reaching further back in time for inspiration, falling hard for vintage engagement ring cuts that ooze with heirloom elegance. “Although Taylor Swift's old mine cut engagement ring made vintage diamond cuts the most sought-after look of the year, heirloom elegance has been growing in demand for multiple seasons,” says VRAI. The brand's Cut for You service gives couples the freedom to shape their own vintage-inspired center stone, such as an old mine cut, elongated cushion, and other heirloom-esque silhouettes.
Frank Darling
Bear Brooksbank, Photography: Alexandra Selby
Azlee
Natasha Schweitzer
Kinn Studio
VRAI
Royal Jewels
On your wedding day, you deserve to feel regal. And 2026 is bringing back royal energy in full force—dramatic gemstones, ornate silhouettes, and jewelry that basically crowns you on the spot. Cue deep sapphire blues, emerald greens, and ruby reds set in intricate metalwork. Who says jewelry has to be subtle when you can make an entrance worthy of a queen?
Damiani
Maison Margiela, Content: Olga Karput
Sophie Bille Brahe, Photography: Matthieu Lavanchy
Yellow Diamonds
Yellow diamonds are warm, radiant, and irresistibly eye-catching. Unsurprisingly, they’re emerging as a standout trend for 2026. These sunshine-infused stones are quickly gaining popularity for their bold yet refined appeal. “We’ve seen a significant increase in people searching for and asking about them, and Kira Kirby’s very unique yellow diamond engagement has undoubtedly helped spark that interest,” explain Class A Jewelers. “They offer a warmth and individuality that white diamonds simply cannot replicate, making them ideal for someone who wants a ring that stands out while still feeling timeless.”
Mark Broumand
Frank Darling
Artemer
Frank Darling
Grew & Co.
Mark Broumand
Material Play
In 2026, textural contrasts and material experimentation are taking jewelry into bold new territory. From unexpected finishes to sculptural surfaces, designers are pushing the boundaries of what fine jewelry can look—and feel—like. “We foresee a major jewelry trend of new and interesting materials and treatments being used,” shares Unform Object. “We find our clients are gravitating toward pieces that are completely unique.”
