The Jewelry and Watches Show (JWS) has unveiled the defining design trends that will shape the jewelry industry throughout 2026, revealing a significant shift toward more expressive and individualized pieces that balance innovation with timeless elegance. Industry leaders and experts participating in the exhibition have reached a consensus that upcoming designs will prioritize personal expression, contemporary luxury, and distinctive craftsmanship that reflects the wearer’s unique identity and style.
The exhibition brought together prominent jewelry houses and industry specialists to discuss their visions for the coming year. Their collective insights point to a transformative period where jewelry transcends its traditional role as a mere accessory and becomes a powerful medium for self-expression, featuring designs that combine artistic vision with wearable sophistication.
The Resurgence of Color in Jewelry Design
Fabrizio Saini, Chief Executive Officer of Nevi Jewelry, announced during the show that 2026 will witness a powerful return of vibrant colors to the jewelry landscape. According to Saini’s official statement, the industry has recently gravitated toward neutral tones and muted grays, but Nevi is drawing inspiration from the plumeria flower—a symbol of renewal and radiance—to reintroduce color to the forefront of design.
The brand’s new collections feature deep jade greens and pulsing emeralds, designed to restore a sense of vitality, harmony, and hope. Saini emphasized that this color-forward approach extends beyond aesthetic appeal; it represents a design philosophy that recognizes colors’ ability to evoke emotions and add new dimensions to jewelry pieces. Experts at the show predict that 2026 will mark the beginning of an era where major fashion houses embrace bolder color choices, positioning jewelry as a personal expression tool that reflects the wearer’s aspirations and individual style.
Statement Pieces Take Center Stage
Exhibition organizers highlighted that the size and boldness of jewelry designs will be a distinguishing factor in 2026, with brands moving away from traditional minimalism toward more prominent, eye-catching creations. Marzia Bendini, owner of Salvatori, explained in official remarks that the brand’s philosophy focuses on designing pieces that provide a complete artistic experience, ensuring each creation possesses its own unique presence and distinctive expression.
Bendini noted that the rising demand for artistic jewelry reflects a broader consumer trend toward uniqueness and distinction. She emphasized that new designs aim to transcend jewelry’s conventional role as a complementary accessory, instead elevating it to a central element in defining an outfit’s overall aesthetic. Industry forecasters expect statement pieces to gain prominence in 2026 collections, with consumers increasingly seeking jewelry that resonates with their personal tastes and aspirations.
Mixed Metals in Contemporary Harmony
A clear trend has emerged for 2026 emphasizing harmony between different precious metals, particularly the combination of white gold and yellow gold in contemporary designs that exude understated elegance and appeal to diverse preferences. Manuela Scolco, Chief Executive Officer of the Italian jewelry house Balloo Gioielli Firenze, revealed that their latest collection incorporates dual-tone combinations and introduces elements such as pearls to create visual depth and complexity.
Scolco highlighted that the trend toward metal mixing reflects consumer desire for versatile pieces that adapt seamlessly across multiple occasions while maintaining a distinctive visual identity. This development represents an industry shift toward greater innovation in jewelry design forms, responding to market demand for contemporary creations that align with modern aesthetic preferences. The strategic blending of metals allows pieces to transition effortlessly between different looks while preserving their unique character.
Pearls Return with Modern Sophistication
The year 2026 is witnessing a significant revival of pearls in jewelry design, reimagined through a contemporary lens that bridges tradition and modernity. Rather than remaining confined to classical forms, pearls are being reintroduced through layered compositions, bolder sizes, and innovative configurations that revitalize this traditional gemstone with contemporary energy.
The “Grace” collection, inspired by Grace Kelly’s timeless elegance, reestablishes pearls as a symbol of purity, beauty, and enduring sophistication, presenting the gemstone through combinations that blend classical heritage with modern touches. According to exhibition participants, the increasing interest in pearls accompanies a broader movement toward pieces that unite refined simplicity with uniqueness, positioning pearls as a fundamental choice in 2026 jewelry designs while maintaining contemporary distinctiveness.
