Pantone’s 2026 Color of the Year, Cloud Dancer, may be muted, but the jewelry trends, it seems, are anything but. If the spring-summer runways are any indicator, new maximalism is on the rise. From the abandoned subway stations of New York to the hallowed halls of Paris, the message is clear: Adornment in 2026 is about intentionality, scale, and high-fashion function. Here’s a closer look at three of the top trends we’ll see in the new year.
The Metal Movement
The most obvious shift this season is that of sculptural movement, which treats precious metals more as fluid objets d’art than jewels. At Balenciaga, Pierpaolo Piccioli’s debut collection reimagined the necklace as modern armor, sending models down the runway in metal collars and thick gold links that wrapped their bodies with architectural precision. This move toward soft geometry was mirrored at Michael Kors and Ralph Lauren (pictured at top), where hefty golden pebbles and faceted silver shapes served as the focal points of otherwise minimalist looks.
The Totemic Pendant
The statement pendant has emerged as the lead note of 2026, specifically designed to be worn as a protective or sentimental totem. These long-line pieces were a staple on the runways of Michael Kors, Tory Burch, and Hermès, styled unexpectedly over everything from crisp white tops to sporty tees.
The Collision of Fashion and Function
In one of the season’s most practical turns, accessories are being integrated with utility. The utility belt trend dominated at Miu Miu and Coperni, where clips, key chains, and cases were transformed into central adornments. This fusion of high fashion and metropolitan necessity continued at Coach, Tory Burch, and Michael Kors, where wallet necklaces and turn-lock pouches were worn as pendants.
Top: Ralph Lauren (photo: Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)
Follow me on Instagram: @anniedavidsonwatson
- Subscribe to the JCK News Daily
- Subscribe to the JCK Special Report
- Follow JCK on Instagram: @jckmagazine
- Follow JCK on X: @jckmagazine
- Follow JCK on Facebook: @jckmagazine
