The Jewellery Box

Top Jewellery Trends For 2026 | Gerard McCabe

Written by Gerard McCabe | Dec 19, 2025 4:38:18 AM

The jewellery world is ever evolving, and 2026 is set to bring some of the most exciting jewellery trends yet. Timeless classics are being reinvented, forgotten favourites are returning to the spotlight, and contemporary designs are pushing boundaries with bold confidence. Whether you’re searching for an engagement ring, a meaningful gift, or a statement piece to elevate your everyday wardrobe, this year’s emerging trends offer something beautifully fitting for every style.

Here are the top jewellery trends for 2026 that are set to shape the year in sparkle.

THE ART OF RING STACKING

If the past few years have seen bracelet layering dominate, 2026 is shaping up to be the year ring stacking truly takes centre stage.

What makes ring stacking so appealing is its versatility. You can create a wearable, everyday ensemble with our selection of linea rings, or make a bold statement by combining rings from our antique and vintage collection with cocktail ring designs from our contemporary range. Our customers are increasingly drawn to stacking not only for aesthetic appeal but also for sentimental reasons. Each ring can represent a milestone, a memory, or a loved one, transforming the stack into a meaningful story worn on the hand.

From bridal stacks layering engagement, wedding and anniversary or eternity rings, to experimental combinations of antique and modern styles, ring stacking is all about individuality. With so many textures, metals, and gemstones to explore, it’s a jewellery trend that invites creativity and a touch of personal storytelling.

Shop Linea Rings | Gerard McCabe

Jewellery for Men: A New Era of Expression

Men’s jewellery in 2026 is more expressive, personal, and adventurous than ever before. In the realm of men’s antique and vintage jewellery, we’ve seen a surge in interest for items with history and gravitas, including signet rings, cufflinks, pocket watches and more. Brooches, too, are making their way onto men’s lapels. Our assortment of antique and vintage brooches has found a new audience among those looking to add personality and flair to contemporary tailoring.

At the same time, men’s engagement rings are stepping confidently into the spotlight. Our selection of bold men’s rings, ranging from mixed-metal bands to striking yellow or white gold pieces accented with diamonds, has resonated with modern couples who want to celebrate commitment in a way that reflects both partners’ styles. These pieces, traditionally worn as dress rings, are increasingly chosen as engagement symbols in their own right, marking a shift towards inclusivity and self-expression in men’s jewellery.


Shop Men's Antique & Vintage Jewellery | Gerard McCabe

Brooches Are Back

In a world obsessed with reinvention, few pieces have enjoyed as dramatic a revival as the brooch. Once tucked away in jewellery boxes, brooches are now front-row favourites, propelled into the spotlight by red-carpet appearances and the unforgettable brooch-studded ensembles at the 2025 Met Gala. This renewed visibility has sparked a growing fascination with antique and vintage brooches, as clients increasingly look beyond singular statement pieces to experiment with curated stacking and unexpected placements.

As our Antique Buyer Belinda Bown observes, “Brooches are one of the most versatile pieces of jewellery; they can be a subtle glimmer to one’s ensemble or be worn boldly, stacked and oversized to make a statement.” Traditionally worn on lapels or gowns, brooches are now being styled in refreshingly modern ways. “Not only adorning jackets, blouses, scarves and hats,” Belinda notes, “brooches can be used to transform hair accessories, handbags and belts.”

Worn by any gender and celebrated for their adaptability, antique and vintage brooches are redefining contemporary style. As Belinda explains, they are “turning a classic ornamentation into bold modern fashion statements,” cementing the brooch’s place as one of the most playful yet sophisticated jewellery returns of 2026.

Shop Men's Antique & Vintage Jewellery | Gerard McCabe

Bezel-Set Jewellery

For those seeking understated elegance without sacrificing durability, bezel-set jewellery has emerged as a leading trend. The smooth rim of metal that encircles the gemstone offers a secure, streamlined finish, making it ideal for everyday wear. We’ve seen growing interest in pieces such as our Florence Diamond Bezel Set Stud Earrings, which showcase how beautifully a bezel can frame a stone without overpowering it. Our Echunga Bells Hill Diamond Necklace also combines a sleek bezel setting with the growing hidden halo trend, creating a subtle sparkle that feels both contemporary and timeless.

For those seeking a statement engagement ring with a modern edge, our Bezette design is a perfect choice. This contemporary piece showcases a central diamond or gemstone in a sleek bezel setting, blending minimalism with bold, architectural lines.

Whether paired with coloured gemstones or classic diamonds, the bezel setting offers a polished, modern look that fits seamlessly into everyday styling.

Shop Bezel Set Jewellery | Gerard McCabe

COLOURED GEMSTONE JEWELLERY

Coloured gemstones are taking centre stage in 2026, as clients look to move beyond traditional all-diamond pieces in favour of jewellery rich in colour, character and individuality. From vibrant statement dress rings to colourful earrings and pendants, gemstones are increasingly embraced for their expressive quality and individuality. As Co-Managing Director Jessica McCabe-Moran explains, “Gemstones with colour-changing properties are increasingly desirable as they are so unique,” reflecting a broader shift towards jewellery that feels personal, dynamic and distinctive.

This growing appetite for individuality has brought particular attention to gemstones celebrated for their depth of colour and natural variation. “Gems like tourmaline, tanzanite and Australia’s parti sapphires top the list for their rich, multi-hued tones,” Jessica notes, a sentiment echoed in the rising demand we are seeing for these stones. Whether set as a centrepiece or paired with diamonds for contrast, natural gemstones add warmth, individuality and a splash of colour to your jewellery box.

Each gemstone in our collection is carefully hand-selected for its exceptional quality and colour, ensuring every piece feels truly one-of-a-kind. As clients seek jewellery that feels personal and expressive, coloured gemstone designs are emerging as one of the most exciting trends of 2026.

Shop Coloured Gemstone Jewellery | Gerard McCabe

With 2026 shaping up to be a year of bold, beautiful, and expressive jewellery, there has never been a better time to invest in designs that are as unique as you are. From bold statement pieces to delicate everyday designs, these up-and-coming styles offer limitless ways to express yourself and your individuality. Whether you are searching for a showstopping engagement ring, a piece to elevate your everyday style, or a future heirloom, both our contemporary collection and our antique and vintage range showcase the very best of these trends. Now is the perfect time to get ahead of the curve. Visit our Adelaide boutiques or explore our online store to discover these trends for yourself.