Style & Culture

The 2026 diamond jewelry trends forecast: insights from designers and industry experts

Desert tones, mixed metals, vintage flair: meet the diamond jewelry trends rewriting all the style rules in 2026

Jordyn Ross | 12 min read
Published: December 19, 2025 | Last updated: December 19, 2025
B13.01 90 The 2026 Diamond Jewelry Trends Forecast Lead Image Kindred Lubecks Fancy Dark Yellowish Brown Diamond and Diamond Ring for Sothebys

What does 2026 look like for diamond trends? Expect experimental silhouettes, vintage touches and sandy-toned sparkle that’s more Marfa than Mayfair. This forecast cuts through the noise with insider intel from designers, tastemakers and trend analysts shaping the future of fine jewelry

Whether you’re a bride-to-be, a fashion magpie, or a quietly obsessive gem nerd, consider this your early access pass to the diamond jewelry trends of 2026. From the rise of Desert diamonds to a growing appetite for more unconventional and sustainable styles, 2026’s diamonds aren’t just pretty, they stand for something. As natural diamonds continue to evolve from classic status symbols into deeply personal expressions of style, this year’s trends are all about meaning, originality and a hint of the unexpected.

Are you ready for it?

What are the latest diamond jewelry trends?

In 2026, diamond jewelry is less about polish and more about personality. The biggest shift isn’t a single silhouette or setting, but a mindset: jewelry that feels intentional, expressive, and distinctly personal. “The overarching theme is intentional individuality,” says Olivia Cummings1, founder of Cleopatra’s Bling.

That sensibility shows up across the board, from playful charms and statement brooches to mixed metals, antique cuts, and the growing appeal of warm-toned Desert diamonds. Think jewelry that looks curated rather than coordinated, pieces chosen for meaning as much as impact. The trends defining 2026 don’t follow rules so much as rewrite them.

Charming charms

A gold charm bracelet featuring natural diamond charms
Today’s diamond charms are about meaning, movement, and modern wearability

Diamond charms are getting their sparkle back. From sleek pendants to symbolic talismans, these mini adornments are being reimagined for 2026 with modern silhouettes and luxe finishes. Think less Y2K nostalgia, more grown-up layering energy.

“Now it’s about meaning. Pieces that feel like heirlooms of the self,” says Cummings2. And charms are the perfect vehicle for that, easy to stack, style, and swap depending on your mood.

It’s that mix of meaning and wearability that’s driving the charm revival. Diamond-studded charms add just the right amount of shine to go from off-duty to out-for-the-night.

How to style diamond charm jewelry

Pick a base metal to unify your look, then layer in contrast with textures (think a high-polish diamond charm next to a brushed gold talisman) to keep things interesting but understated.

Brooches are back

A diamond encrusted bird brooch
A diamond brooch with attitude. Sculptural and expressive, this is how vintage glamour goes modern

Call it the grandma effect or a fashion fixation with all things vintage, but diamond brooches are officially back. On the Spring 2026 runways, they were everywhere: golden roses at Carolina Herrera, Art Nouveau pins at Tory Burch, pearl clusters at Simone Rocha and charm-draped knits at Prada and Miu Miu3.

Once relegated to heirloom boxes, diamond brooches are now high-fashion currency, and the 2025 Met Gala saw this style shine. Zendaya’s diamond-drenched Bulgari Serpenti coiled down her back; Chance the Rapper’s Schlumberger daisy sparkled with rubellites and serious carat weight; and Lewis Hamilton brought the drama in vintage Briony Raymond, set with tricolor diamonds4.

Designers are embracing the revival too, reimagining brooches with unexpected shapes, offbeat placements and mixed metals, making them feel modern, not mothballed. “A diamond brooch can transform something simple into something striking,” says jeweler Briony Raymond, “which is really the magic of great jewelry5.”

How to style diamond brooches

Try clustering a few on a blazer, pinning one to a scarf, or styling one in your hair. Select classic shapes like bows, florals, or fauna in gold or platinum. Always check that the clasp holds tight as you don’t want to lose your sparkle.

Mixed metals

The days of picking a side, gold or silver, are officially over. In 2026, it’s all about the mix. Yellow gold with platinum? Yes. Rose gold layered with white gold? Anything goes.

“There’s a new modernity in metal mixing,” says Anabela Chanvi6, founder of her eponymous label, who’s seeing a return to joyful maximalism and bold pairings. Blending different tones brings out new dimensions to diamond jewelry, making each piece feel more styled, more expressive, and more personal.

Spinelli Kilcollin sets the (gold) standard for mixed-metal pieces and makes a strong case for styling outside the lines7.

How to style mixed metal jewelry

Take a cue from Kilcollin and stack yellow and rose gold, sterling silver and pavé diamond bands on one finger. Or go off script with prong colors, one of Kilcollin’s standout bracelets sets natural white diamonds in a trio of 18k yellow, rose and white gold for a quietly dazzling finish.

Sustainable, smart choices

From traceable diamonds to recycled metals, ethical jewelry is no longer niche. Increasingly fine jewelry brands are embracing sustainability, from recycled gold and blockchain-backed sourcing to using antique gemstones (which gives preloved diamonds a new life and supports a more circular economy)8.

Gen Z’s influence is impossible to ignore. With endless access to information and a taste for meaning over marketing, they favor conscious pieces with real provenance9.

Designer Satta Matturi puts ethics at the heart of everything she does, sourcing traceable diamonds via blockchain and working exclusively with trusted suppliers. British goldsmith Jessie Thomas is just as intentional: she works with recycled gold, uses Fairtrade metals and crafts every diamond piece by hand10. For both, sustainability isn’t a buzzword; it’s built into the blueprint

How to build a more mindful jewelry collection

Future-proof your jewelry by opting for classic staples. A solitaire pendant, diamond studs, or a tennis bracelet never go out of style. Repurpose inherited gems and choose designers who recycle metals and source traceable gemstones.

Vibrant and unique: fancy colored diamonds

A selection of rings featuring Desert diamonds
Fancy color and Desert diamonds bring warmth, individuality and depth to 2026 diamond styling. | Jewelry top to bottom: Brown Diamond Gold Ring by Ara Vartanian; Jade and Brown Diamond ring by MING; Chocolate Diamond Eternity Ring by Ellis Mhari Cameron; Bespoke by A Diamond is Forever; Jarvis Eternity Band by Rachel Boston

In 2026, diamonds are getting a dose of color, think Champagne, Sunlit White, and warm Honey tones (we’re looking at you, Desert diamonds). These shades offer individuality without veering too far from classic, making them a go-to for modern, elevated designs.

“We’ve had a lot of demand for subtly colored diamonds,” says jeweler Rachel Boston. “Pale yellow, light champagne, cool grey, paired with white side stones, they feel timeless but full of character11.”

How to style fancy color diamonds

Lean into tonal layering. “I like monochromatic things,” says designer Sergio Hudson12 of the Desert diamond palette. “Seeing the same color family makes them stand out.” Try Champagne and Sunlit White diamonds in white gold for an elegant glow or go richer with Honey and Sand tones in warm yellow gold, for a classic look with a creative streak.

Variations on the classics: oval cut diamonds 

A bezel-set oval diamond ring and wishbone style wedding band
Oval diamonds continue to lead in 2026, especially when paired with modern details like east-west orientations, sleek bezel settings, or subtle hidden halos

Oval diamonds are still an important diamond jewelry trend in 2026, loved for their elongated shape and balance of elegance and edge. But the updates are where it gets interesting.

“We’re seeing oval cuts reimagined in east-west settings,” says Cummings, “It makes them feel a little less traditional13.” Designers are also choosing bezel settings for a sleeker finish and hidden halos for cool glitter.

Even newly engaged Alexandra Saint Mleux, fiancée of Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, is on board, with her classic oval solitaire on a pavé band, proof that the shape works whether you go minimalist or maximalist.

How to style oval diamonds for 2026

Try an east-west oval for something a little unexpected or go bezel-set for a modern twist (and a little extra security on the gemstone).

Vintage designs

Old mine-cut natural diamond ring set in a yellow gold bezel, featuring a vintage-inspired silhouette and hand-finished detailing.
Vintage design is back in focus, with old mine cuts, softly rounded bezels, and hand-finished details giving classic diamonds a modern sense of soul

From Art Deco settings to the soft glow of old-mine cuts, vintage design is having a high-fashion renaissance.

“It’s that blending of eras, the old made new again, that people are seeking,” says Cummings14, who’s seeing a surge in bezel frames, signet-style silhouettes and hand-engraved details. And it’s not just theory: Kindred Lubeck, the designer behind Taylor Swift’s old mine-cut sparkler from NFL star Travis Kelce, proves vintage energy is where it’s at.

“As lab-grown diamonds become more common, antique cuts provide something one of a kind,” says Zoe Bailey of M.S. Rau15. Brands like Single Stone embrace that rarity, setting old mine-cut and rose-cut diamonds into chunky bezels and vintage-style prongs that feel soulful and anything but standard16.

How to style vintage diamond designs

Try an antique-cut stone like an old mine-cut for full vintage impact. If you prefer a modern diamond, go for a cushion cut and pair it with vintage-inspired touches, think milgrain edges or a hand-engraved band, for that heirloom feel with a twist.

Will chokers still be in style in 2026?

Yes. Diamond chokers are still a major diamond jewelry trend, with stars like Zoe Saldaña, Elle Fanning and Selena Gomez all sporting statement versions at the 2025 Oscars17. No wonder jewelry designer Stephanie Gottlieb calls the diamond choker “the ultimate ‘I’ve arrived’ moment18”. From vintage Cartier to Bulgari’s 10-carat showstopper, the silhouette is back and more elevated than ever.

Celebrities like Taylor Russell, Zoey Deutch, and Amanda Seyfried all turned heads with Tiffany’s Bird on a Rock brooch pinned to velvet ribbons, a styling move that’s redefining the choker for 202619. Brooches on rich cords are the new-gen necklace, according to Liberty’s Ruby Beales, who loves how “rich cords and fine ribbons add texture and drama20.”

How to style diamond chokers

Fasten a velvet choker and add a diamond brooch for a look that’s equal parts red carpet and vintage treasure. Or try an eternity-style diamond piece for something classic, elegant and still totally 2026.

Engagement ring trends for 2026

Cushion-cut natural diamond engagement ring in a yellow gold bezel setting, paired with a diamond pavé band, showcasing antique-inspired design and modern proportions.
Cushion cuts and bold bezel settings are shaping engagement ring trends for 2026, favoring individuality, texture, and designs that feel personal rather than perfect

As a key diamond jewelry trend for 2026, expect antique cuts, bold color, and striking settings; basically, rings that feel utterly unique.

Cushion cuts are having a moment, thanks to stars like Zendaya and Zoë Kravitz. “I sense a revival of antique-style cushion cuts,” says Cummings, “stones that feel romantic, tactile and slightly irregular. There’s something deeply personal about a gem that doesn’t look like it came from a mold21.”

Couples are also choosing color: think pinks, yellows, and even Desert diamond tones like Ochre and Whiskey. And while prong settings still have a place, bezels are rising for their everyday practicality. “Bezel settings feel modern, secure, and suited to daily wear,” adds Cummings. She also notes the rise of thicker bands, hand-engraved details, and architectural cuts like the Asscher22.

How to style engagement rings in 2026

Consider the person wearing it and don’t be afraid to think outside the box. If you’re after something that feels timeless and on-trend, try a bezel-set cushion cut, play with color pairings such as Honey Desert diamonds and Sunlit White diamonds, or add hand-engraved details for a ring that feels intimate.

What are multi-shape diamonds?

Consider this the diamond equivalent of a great dinner party, a mix of personalities (and cuts) coming together to spark something special. Multi-shape diamond jewelry ditches uniformity in favor of contrast. You could mix-and-match pears, marquises, and emeralds.

“The idea of a ‘traditional’ diamond engagement ring is being steadily replaced with customers seeking unique designs that reflect their personality,” says Laura Kay of Tomfoolery London. “People are buying more playful, less conventional designs and a great way of doing this is with an asymmetric ring. You can mix cuts and colors to create a truly unique piece23.”

Can’t pick one diamond cut? Multi-shape designs let you wear them all

The appeal of multi-shape diamonds? They feel curated, not cookie cutter. Whether it’s a toi et moi ring pairing an oval and an emerald, or a cluster of different cuts set like a miniature mosaic, multi-shape designs let the diamonds do the storytelling. In 2026, when individuality is everything, that’s exactly the point.

How to style multi-shape diamonds

For a look that radiates individuality, try a toi et moi ring with a colorless pear and a Whiskey-toned marquise. Or go full maximalist with a mosaic-style band combining ovals, emeralds and pears for a look that sparkles like fireworks.

These pieces make a statement solo but also stack effortlessly with simpler styles. Pair a mosaic-style ring with a clean gold band or let a multi-cut tennis bracelet take center stage. Whichever way you wear them, multi-shape diamonds bring dimension, personality and a little drama in the best way.

What diamond cut is trending now?

If you’re curious about the upcoming diamond cuts set to define 2026, here’s the lineup gem lovers are excited about:

Oval

Still going strong. Longer and so elegant, oval-cut diamonds continue to reign, especially when paired with bezel settings or positioned east-west for a modern twist.

Emerald & Asscher

These step cuts are enjoying a resurgence because they balance timeless elegance with architectural appeal.

Marquise

A shape with vintage flair and dramatic presence, marquises are making their mark again as a bold, less conventional option.

Mixed shapes & antique cuts

Beyond any one cut, the trend is to mix things up, from combining shapes to embracing antique cuts like old mine or rose cuts. It’s all part of the move toward more individuality and less tradition.

According to industry insiders, the guiding mantra for 2026 diamond cuts is clear: individuality and craftsmanship come first24.


FAQs

Why are diamond engagement rings so popular?

They’ve symbolized love and commitment for centuries, prized for their beauty, durability, and meaning. Their design versatility only adds to their lasting appeal25.

Are diamond wedding rings for women still in style?

Absolutely. In 2026, diamond wedding rings are more personal than ever. The twist is that now they come with unique settings, pops of color, and deeply personal hand-engraved details.


Diamond jewelry trends with a lasting impact

If 2026 proves anything, it’s that diamonds are far more than tradition; they’re a canvas for self-expression. From antique cuts and creative color palettes to mixed metals and modern brooches, this year’s trends reflect a new era of thoughtful adornment. The most stylish pieces aren’t just beautiful; they’re personal, intentional, and built to last.

As consumers grow more conscious and creative, designers are responding with craftsmanship that prioritizes both individuality and sustainability. Those who tune in to these evolving codes of luxury, whether by choosing traceable diamonds, embracing vintage silhouettes, or daring to mix shapes, won’t just be on trend. They’ll be ahead of it.

Sources

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  5. www.naturaldiamonds.com/culture-and-style/diamond-brooches-guide/ ↩︎
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  7. www.glamourmagazine.co.uk/mixed-metal-jewellery-trend/ ↩︎
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  10. www.naturaldiamonds.com/responsible/sustainable-jewelry/ ↩︎
  11. www.whowhatwear.com/engagement-ring-trends/ ↩︎
  12. www.forbes.com/de-beers-launches-desert-diamonds-campaign-with-splashy-new-york-event/ ↩︎
  13. www.vogue.com.au/trends/engagement-ring-trends/ ↩︎
  14. www.vogue.com.au/trends/engagement-ring-trends/ ↩︎
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  16. www.singlestone.com/ ↩︎
  17. www.1stdibs.com/oscars-2025-chokers/ ↩︎
  18. www.naturaldiamonds.com/culture-and-style/diamond-choker/ ↩︎
  19. www.naturaldiamonds.com/culture-and-style/diamond-choker/ ↩︎
  20. www.forbes.com/jewelry-trends-youll-see-this-aw-25-vintage-color-and-nostalgia/ ↩︎
  21. www.vogue.com.au/trends/engagement-ring-trends/ ↩︎
  22. www.vogue.com.au/trends/engagement-ring-trends/ ↩︎
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  24. www.lorimat.ie/musings-from-a-purveyor-of-jewellery/top-diamond-ring-trends-for-2026/ ↩︎
  25. www.capetowndiamondmuseum.org/blog/why-are-engagement-rings-made-with-diamonds/ ↩︎