While you were decking the halls and frantically scrolling through gift guides to try to find the perfect last-minute present for your mother-in-law or significantly-younger cousin whose name you drew for White Elephant, your friendly neighborhood shopping editors (hi, me!) were getting ready to drop off the final gift of the year. What’s that? Oh, just the definitive guide to all of the best trends of 2026. You know, things to keep an eye out for when you’re using those gift cards you got over the holidays! Shoe trends, bag trends, fashion trends, and, of course, 2026 jewelry trends.
Sneak peek: In the new year, we’ll be seeing a lot of accessories that call back to decades (or centuries) past, from ’90s necklaces with grit and texture to vintage timepieces that look like family heirlooms and costume jewelry inspired by the Victorian era. So whether you’re shopping for your new-year-new-me glow-up or trying to find something to buy with the store credit you got for returning the weird necklace your dad got you, I have five of the biggest 2026 jewelry trends that you need to know as we ring in the new year.
Cords Galore
Time to pull out the old jewelry box at your parents’ house, because to say that long, ’90s-inspired cord necklaces are having a big moment would be an understatement. The fashion set has been gravitating towards longer necklaces for awhile now (see our list of 2025 jewelry trends for proof), so just make it a leather cord necklace with a resin charm, organic metal pendant, or funky statement bead hanging at the end to really nail the trend.
She Sells Seashells
Consider this your permission to bring beachy energy to your outfits long before the temperatures are tolerable again. Seashell jewelry (think everything from simple necklaces to intricate earrings like this Chloé pair worn by Cosmo cover star Doechii) in both natural materials and metal versions are taking the spotlight for 2026.
Sacred Stones
While I’ll stand ten toes down on lab-grown diamonds being very much real diamonds, it’s hard to deny that the abundance of sparkly-white bling could lead to earthy, colorful stones having a huge moment as a sort of counter-trend. There’s been a rise in demand for “desert diamonds” (in rare shades of sand, champagne, and yellow) and other natural stones that have an earthy, natural feel to them like Tiger’s Eye, quartz, carnelian, abalone, and moonstone.
Victorian Flair
This one is for the period drama lovers! Cameos and brooches have been trending this past year, so it’s only natural that other Victorian styles like romantic chokers, intricate filigree, and sentimental lockets have their moment, too.
Vintage Timepieces
What time is it? Time for you to get a vintage watch—something with a slim silhouette, maybe a silver mother-of-pearl beauty or a mixed metal watch with a chic rectangular face. Stack it with bracelets or secure it over a flared sleeve to add a touch of heritage to your look.
Hannah is the Shopping Editor at Cosmopolitan, covering all things from chic home decor to trendy fashion finds, TikTok products that are actually worth your $$$, and the perfect gift to buy for your boyfriend’s mom. She previously wrote for Seventeen and CR Fashion Book. Follow her on Instagram for hot takes on red carpet fashion and pictures of her office outfits that nobody asked for.