Our Jewellery Forecast for 2026

As we step into 2026, the jewellery landscape continues to evolve with new trends that blend tradition with contemporary innovation. But before we gaze into our crystal ball for the year ahead, let's take a moment to reflect on how our 2025 wedding jewellery forecast held up - and celebrate just how right we were.

Last year, we boldly predicted that 2025 would be defined by two seemingly opposite aesthetics: soft and romantic designs alongside avant-garde and edgy pieces. And we're pleased to report - we nailed it.

Our forecast for soft, romantic engagement rings featuring oval, cushion, round brilliant, and pear cuts proved spot-on. Taylor Swift's engagement ring showcases an elongated cushion-cut diamond, perfectly embodying the romantic aesthetic we predicted. Zendaya debuted her engagement with a 4-carat, east-west–set elongated cushion-cut natural diamond, confirming that these softer shapes would dominate celebrity choices and trickle down to everyday couples.

On the edgier front, we correctly anticipated the rise of cocktail-inspired rings, thicker bands, and unconventional shapes as wedding bands. The trend toward avant-garde design has only intensified, with couples increasingly seeking pieces that reflect their individual personalities rather than following traditional templates. Mixed metals, asymmetrical designs, and bold statement pieces have all flourished exactly as we predicted.

Our fairytale and fantasy-inspired forecast also proved prescient, with leaf-and-vine style accent stones and ethereal pavé settings continuing to capture the hearts of those seeking whimsical, romantic pieces.

As we turn our attention to 2026, a multitude of powerful jewellery trends are already emerging, driven by celebrity influences, and a growing desire for personalisation. Here's what we predict will define engagement rings, wedding bands, and fine jewellery in the coming year.

Thanks to Taylor Swift and Zendaya both sporting elongated cushion-cut diamonds in their engagement rings, this once-niche cut is set to dominate 2026. We predict that Taylor's elongated cushion cut will ignite a fresh wave of interest in this vintage-leaning style.

The elongated cushion combines the best of both worlds: the soft, romantic corners of a traditional cushion cut with the finger-flattering elongation of an oval. For couples seeking a distinctive engagement ring that still feels timeless, the elongated cushion is the perfect choice.

The bezel setting has emerged as one of the most influential design elements of 2026, creating a sleek, contemporary look while providing protection for the centre gemstones.

The Daya Elongated Cushion East West Bezel combines multiple 2026 trends - perhaps this will be our most popular style next year. Similarly the Arlo Oval East West Bezel Frame Solitaire Ring is a mixture of the classic silhouette of an oval centre stone with the modernity of the bezel setting, as is the Matisse Emerald Bezel Frame Solitaire Engagement Ring.

What makes bezels particularly exciting for 2026 is this adaptability. From the minimalist bride seeking a sleek solitaire to the bold trendsetter wanting an east-west set statement piece, bezel settings work beautifully across all aesthetics.

While classic diamonds remain in style, 2026 is going to be all about colour, with a huge surge in demand for vibrant gemstones. We're predicting a significant shift away from traditional white diamonds toward coloured lab diamonds, sapphires, and coloured moissanite.

Emeralds are making statements in chunky rings and bezel pendants, while sapphires are appearing in light blues and pinks. This trend reflects a broader cultural shift toward pieces that tell personal stories rather than simply following convention.

Coloured stones allow couples to incorporate birthstones, favourite colours, or symbolic meanings into their engagement rings.

Wide Bands and Bold Statements

Wedding bands are no longer playing second fiddle to engagement rings. Chunky wedding bands, particularly those featuring interesting textures like hammered finishes or hand-engraved patterns, create a presence on the hand.

Some couples are even opting for wedding bands that rival or exceed their engagement rings in visual impact, particularly when incorporating diamond pavé or gemstone accents throughout wider band designs.

Stackable and Customizable Sets

The wedding ring market in 2026 will be defined by versatility. Rather than committing to a single wedding band, couples are building collections of stackable rings that can be worn in different combinations depending on mood, outfit, or occasion.

This approach allows for evolution over time, with anniversary bands and milestone pieces naturally integrating into an existing bridal set. Curved bands designed to nestle against engagement rings remain popular, but we might also see increased interest in straight bands that create interesting negative space when stacked.

Yellow Gold Dominance

After years of white metal dominance, yellow gold is firmly back in the spotlight. This resurgence reflects a broader return to warmth and tradition in design. Yellow gold flatters virtually every skin tone and provides a beautiful backdrop for both white diamonds and coloured gemstones. It also pairs beautifully with the vintage-inspired aesthetic that's defining 2026.

Lab Grown Diamonds Go Mainstream

Eco-conscious and budget-savvy couples are embracing lab-grown diamonds like never before, with lab grown options offering clarity, carat, and colour at a fraction of the cost. What was once considered an alternative choice has become a primary option for conscious consumers.

It’s also allowing jewellery lovers to have more creative freedom, and not be bound by being unable to find the stones or colours they need for their desired design, as well as being able to create more avant-garde designs in a stricter budget.

That's our wrap-up of 2025 trends and our predictions for 2026. Look for our 2027 predictions next year and take what resonates, leave what doesn’t, and remember: the best “trend” is the one that feels unmistakably you. Whether you’re drawn to timeless solitaires, bold statement settings, or thoughtful details, 2026 is all about personal meaning and considered craftsmanship. If you’re ready to start exploring styles, comparing stones, or bringing a custom idea to life, our team is here to guide you from first inspiration to the final fit.