2026 jewelry trends are building on some of last year's biggest fashion moments, while adding a few new silhouettes. Door knock earrings, leather cords, and chunky necklaces in earth-tone shades are the new kids on the block for 2026 jewelry trends. Some of my favorite jewelry pieces are set to become even more popular this year, including my signature gold sculptural earrings and the cool girl fashion staple of the modern pearl necklace.
The new year is a chance to try something different, whether you’re switching metals or want to shift the focus of your outfits towards your jewelry. Door knocker earrings, a pearl necklace, and chunky gold earrings are just some of the essentials you’ll want to invest in this year.
I’m sharing 5 of the biggest jewelry trends for 2026 and my favorite ways to style them, whether you’re heading to the office, spending a lazy Sunday by the beach, or planning your outfit for a special occasion.
Chunky Gold Earrings
I raved about chunky gold earrings last year, and they’re just as big of a jewelry trend for 2026. Whether you’re having a bad hair day or want to dress up a simple outfit, these statement earrings will always make you look put together. The ‘Kia’ earrings will be your perfect match if you’re a minimalist at heart, but I love to bring out the ‘Bri’ earrings for those nights when I want something a little special.
If you’re still as obsessed with chunky gold earrings as we are, you can give them a fresh look for 2026 by styling them with a sleek bun or ponytail. Keep your makeup neutral and lean into warm tones to capture the natural shine of your gold earrings.
Modern Take on Pearls
I spent a lot of 2025 talking about how pearls have become the ultimate fashion girl accessory, and this jewelry trend shows no signs of slowing down this year. These aren’t your grandmother’s pearls, and this trend is all about reimagining pearls by showcasing them in their natural, sometimes imperfect, state. Instead of evenly rounded freshwater pearls, this 2026 jewelry trend is putting baroque pearls on center stage.
Give your 2026 closet an upgrade by elevating your basics with a modern pearl necklace, like our ‘Pearl Obsession’ or ‘Floating Pearl’ necklace.
Mixed Pearl Necklace
One of the newest jewelry trends for 2026 takes its inspiration from the pearl necklaces we saw all over social media last year. A chunky beaded necklace incorporates multiple trends, mixing pearls with different beads, stones, and crystals, for a bohemian look. Our ‘Terra’ necklace is the perfect choice for a beach babe, capturing the beauty of the oceanfront with its organic shapes, mismatched textures, and chic, unbalanced look.
Leather Cord Necklaces
Jewelry trends have been taking their inspiration from natural textures and this next trend is no exception! Leather has been dominating streetwear for decades, and it’s finally making a splash in the jewelry world. A leather cord is the perfect alternative to a gold chain and can give natural stones a more urban and contemporary look.
Door Knocker Earrings
Another emerging jewelry trend for 2026 is door knocker earrings. It’s a natural progression from last year’s chunky gold earring trend, taking inspiration from a vintage silhouette. This is a jewelry trend we’ve been seeing all over the feeds of our favorite celebrities, including Hailey Bieber, Rihanna, and Kim Kardashian. Add this 2026 jewelry trend to your closet with our ‘Rhea’ door knocker earrings.
Get ready for 2026 by shopping these 5 must-have jewelry trends at Cult of Sun. Want to learn more about the latest jewelry trends and styling? Check out these posts:
Gold necklaces for women: the ultimate 2026 investment piece
Pearl necklace, but make it fashion: the cool girl guide
How to stack necklaces like a fashion girl
