As we look ahead to 2026, fine jewellery is blending heritage with innovation. Clients want pieces with story, craftsmanship and unmistakable personality. From the romance of old cuts to sculptural new silhouettes, Hatton Jewels foresees a year defined by individuality and enduring value.
Below, we explore six trends set to shape jewellery in 2026 and how to wear, and buy, them well.
1. Old Cut Diamonds
Old cut diamonds, including Old European and Old Mine cuts, are prized for their character. Unlike modern brilliants, they were shaped by hand, with broader facets designed to shimmer in softer light. The result is a warmer, more atmospheric sparkle and a presence you can spot across a room.
In 2026, the move toward old cuts is about more than nostalgia. Collectors are actively choosing stones that feel distinctive rather than clinically uniform. Expect to see old cuts set in refined, wearable designs, with low profiles, elegant claws and settings that celebrate the diamond’s natural charm.
How to wear it:
Choose an old cut as a solitaire for maximum impact, or look for two stone styles that feel romantic but modern.
2. Antique Jewellery
Antique jewellery continues to rise, not as a passing aesthetic, but as a serious collector’s choice. Each piece carries the hallmarks of its era, from delicate Edwardian lacework to bold Art Deco geometry, or Victorian motifs with rich, expressive detail.
The appeal is clear. Antique jewellery offers artistry, rarity and provenance. It is also a more sustainable way to buy fine jewellery, extending the life of exceptional materials and craftsmanship already in circulation. In an era where taste is increasingly personal, wearing something truly one of a kind is the ultimate luxury.
How to wear it:
Treat antique as your hero piece, whether that is an engagement ring, a cocktail ring, or diamond earrings that anchor everything else you wear.
3. Mixed Metals
For years, many people felt they had to choose between yellow gold and white gold, or silver and gold. In 2026, that rule is firmly gone. Mixed metals feel confident and current, and they also make real world styling easier. You can wear more of what you own, more often.
We are seeing more deliberate combinations, such as yellow gold with platinum, white gold against rose, and vintage pieces layered with modern staples. The look is curated rather than matched, like building a jewellery wardrobe, not a jewellery set.
How to wear it:
Start with a single mixed metal focal piece, then layer one or two supporting items in different tones. Keep the silhouettes clean so the contrast feels intentional.
4. Sapphires
Sapphires remain the connoisseur’s coloured stone. They are timeless, durable and deeply expressive. While blue will always be iconic, 2026 will continue to celebrate sapphires in a broader palette, from pale icy tones to velvety, saturated royal blues.
What is changing is the styling. Sapphires are increasingly set in streamlined designs that feel modern and architectural, allowing colour to do the talking. They also continue to dominate the conversation around engagement rings for clients who want something distinctive but classic.
How to wear it:
A sapphire cluster ring is an instant heirloom look. For a more contemporary feel, opt for a sapphire solitaire with sharp, minimalist lines.
5. Pinky Rings
The pinky ring is back, and it is no longer reserved for signets alone. In 2026, pinky rings sit at the intersection of personal style and subtle statement. They are small enough to feel effortless, yet bold enough to feel intentional.
We are seeing everything from traditional signets to diamond-set bands and gemstone accents worn on the little finger. It is also one of the most versatile trends across styles and genders. Elegant, slightly playful and surprisingly flattering.
How to wear it:
Keep the rest of the hand simple. A pinky ring looks best when it feels like a signature, one piece worn consistently, rather than a crowded stack.
6. Wave Designs
Sculptural, wave-inspired jewellery is set to build momentum in 2026. Think fluid curves, soft asymmetry and silhouettes that suggest movement, like ripples, folds, or gentle twists in metal.
Wave designs work because they are inherently flattering. They elongate the finger, catch the light beautifully, and feel modern without being harsh. They also bridge the gap between minimal and expressive, ideal for clients who want something different, but still refined.
How to wear it:
Wave rings are excellent everyday statements. They also pair beautifully with old cut stones, creating a blend of heritage sparkle and contemporary form.
The Hatton Jewels Perspective
What links these trends is a clear shift in taste. Clients want jewellery that feels chosen, not merely bought. Pieces with history, hand cut character, meaningful colour and confident styling will define 2026. Importantly, they will still feel relevant years from now.
If you are building a jewellery wardrobe for the long term, start with one investment piece that anchors your style, such as an old cut diamond ring, a sapphire statement, or an antique find with provenance. Then layer in modern touches like mixed metals or sculptural wave details.
