Trends

Post-Vegas Jewelry Trend Report: Big Beads, Western Flair, White Metals

TrendsJun 16, 2026

Post-Vegas Jewelry Trend Report: Big Beads, Western Flair, White Metals

Associate Editor Natalie Francisco lists the trends she spotted during Jewelry Market Week that will dominate the second half of 2026.

Lionheart Cactus Pendant
Among the many pieces seen on the Las Vegas show floors that embody current jewelry trends is Lionheart’s “Cactus” pendant ($3,850).
Las Vegas—During Las Vegas Jewelry Market Week, there was beautiful jewelry everywhere you turned and a through line connecting even the most disparate designs.

These trends, which will be seen throughout the remainder of 2026 and into 2027, are: Western wear, big colorful beads, alternative materials such as wood and leather, charms, white metals, and the gemstone of choice this year—turquoise.

See some of the pieces spotted at Couture and JCK Las Vegas that embody these trends in the slideshows below.

Western Wear 

Horse jewelry has become more popular this year as 2026 is the Year of the Fire Horse and the elegant equine fits perfectly into the larger trend of Western wear.

It’s not just horse motifs, but also horseshoes, cowboy hats, boots, belt buckles, spurs, cactuses, bolo ties, and materials like leather and turquoise that are trending in jewelry.

At Couture, award-winning designer Lauren Harwell Godfrey rode with this theme for her new “Gold Rush” collection, which reworks the brand’s signature geometry patterns with a Western flair.

She drew inspiration from the California Gold Rush for the collection, linking it to the gold rush we’re currently experiencing.


Turquoise 

Turquoise fits into the Western trend as the gemstone is often—but not always—mined in the Southwest United States and used in pieces with a Western flair.

There are many varieties of turquoise, from smooth blue Sleeping Beauty to the bold matrix of Egyptian turquoise, allowing for vastly different designs.

Turquoise was the gemstone of choice this year at Las Vegas Jewelry Market Week and not just because of the Western trend.

Yael Designs used turquoise in the high jewelry necklace the brand exhibited at JCK Luxury. The piece draws inspiration from architect Antoni Gaudí’s Casa Batlló building in Barcelona.


Big Colorful Beads 

Big and colorful beads were another trending style on the show floors in Las Vegas this year.

They’re a perfect fit for summer, with a bright color palette of different gemstones or a single type adorning the strand.

“Our most popular gemstones this year are definitely multicolor opal, mystic moonstone, and of course turquoise, as always. People are looking for a pop of color,” said Joanna Stein, vice president of sales at Anzie, on what beaded pieces were most popular for the brand at Couture.

Each style feels unique with graduated sizes, gold bead accents, or special clasps that tell their own story like Renna’s “Lobster” clasp or Edina Kiss’ face motif closure.

Designers like Beck also debuted big colorful pieces but instead of using colored gemstones, choose hand-blown Murano glass beads.

 Related stories will be right here … 

Alternative Materials 

The use of alternative materials was a trend seen across the jewelry shows, as designers experimented with different materials for their new collections in part because of the high price of gold.

The number of brands working with leather cords grew, while others utilized materials like wood, glass, plexiglass, and gold alternatives like bronze, carbon fiber, Modern Electrum, titanium, steel, and silver.

Eden Presley introduced matte steel for the first time in its “In The Black” collection, reimagining signature styles that were once crafted in 14-karat gold.

Lalaounis, a brand known for its substantial gold pieces, also went for a blackened metal, using oxidized sterling silver and pairing it with accents of 18-karat gold for its new capsule collection.

“We have been working with gold and silver since the ‘80s and felt this was a good time to expand the collection further and experiment with techniques and finishes the same way we do with gold,” said Demetra Lalaounis, CEO International at Lalaounis.

Designer Luis Morais chose bronze for a new chain he debuted at Couture.

“I made the necklace in bronze because I wanted people to fall in love with the design before asking what it was made of,” Morais said.

“It was also important to me to be price conscious, while still creating something worthy of being shown at Couture.”


White Metals 

Yellow gold is a staple that isn’t going anywhere, but the popularity of white metals is growing and not just on the red carpet.

There were many pieces spotted at the jewelry shows that were crafted in silver, platinum, and of course, white gold.

Ten Thousand Things ventured into platinum for its collaboration with Platinum Born, and Gurhan, another stalwart gold brand, added a silver collection for those who appreciate white metals.

“It is not a departure from Gurhan,” founder and designer Gurhan Orhan said of the brand’s use of silver.

“It is a new metal expression of the same bold design language, the same hand-crafted integrity, and the same distinctive character.”


Charms 

Charms, both big and small, have been trending for some time, and it’s all about styling many together to build a story.

Each charm embodies a characteristic, ethos, or mantra of the person wearing it, making the design deeply personal without being truly custom.

This makes the style great for gifting at the end of this year since clients will not have to go truly bespoke for a heartfelt gift.

Bijules launched its “Shoot It Hot” collection of sports-themed pearl jewelry at Couture, including a variety of charms where the pearl transforms into the ball from sports like volleyball, soccer, basketball, tennis, and golf.

The brand describes each piece as expressive, physical, glamorous, and unapologetically personal.

The Latest

Cartier bracelet and ring
CrimeNov 04, 2026
$250K+ in Undeclared Cartier Jewelry Seized at Philadelphia Airport

A Pennsylvania woman failed to declare a ring and a bracelet, discarding the boxes and receipts to conceal the purchases, officials said.

Pandora celestial chandelier earrings
FinancialsNov 04, 2026
Pandora’s Q3 Sales Up 7% Amid Focus on Design

New collections and relevant marketing pushed the company forward, while Pandora’s lab-grown diamond sales continue to lag.

NYC Jewelry Week Biolgems Jewelry Exhibition
Events & AwardsNov 04, 2026
NYC Jewelry Week 2026 Is the Largest Edition Yet

The citywide celebration, slated for Nov. 16-22, is set to host more than 175 events, including live jewelry-making demos.

overnight btyb 1026.png
Brought to you by
How Overnight Mountings’ Bridal Builder Makes Custom Engagement Ring Design Easier to Sell

With customization becoming more expected in engagement ring shopping, the Bridal Builder makes the process tangible.

Lanessa Elrod
MajorsNov 04, 2026
Bergdorf Goodman Names New President

Lanessa Elrod, former president and CEO of Louis Vuitton Americas, has stepped into the role as the retailer celebrates 125 years.

Weekly QuizOct 29, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Replica of Infinity Gauntlet
AuctionsNov 03, 2026
Infinity Gauntlet Set With 170+ Carats of Colored Gemstones Up for Auction

A replica of one of the most powerful objects in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the glove is heading to auction next month in Abu Dhabi.

Arthur Klein
IndependentsNov 03, 2026
Longtime Jewelry Marketer Arthur Klein Dies at 89

Klein, who had his own marketing agency and worked for Gabriel & Co. and Trans American Diamond, is remembered as a kind man.

DeBeersICONS_TITLE1_CUSTOMCONTENT_1872x1052 (1).jpg
Brought to you by
A Diamond Is Forever Launches 2026 Holiday Campaign Championing Natural Diamonds

A Diamond Is Forever's holiday campaign reimagines natural diamond icons for a new generation celebrating individuality.

Zadok Jewelers
IndependentsNov 03, 2026
Zadok Jewelers Toasts To 50 Years With Diamond Bracelet Giveaway

To enter the giveaway, locals can purchase a featured beverage from one of eight participating restaurants in Houston and Austin, Texas.

David Yurman Gem Awards Grant 2027 Graphic
Events & AwardsNov 03, 2026
David Yurman Gem Awards Grant Opens 2027 Applications

The grant recipient will be awarded $50,000 as well as mentoring meetings with executives at David Yurman and other industry executives.

Kirstin Viland, Joanna Kovacs, Shari Lukacs
Events & AwardsNov 03, 2026
NAJA, Instappraise Name 2026 Scholarship Winners

The winners include a non-NAJA member seeking training, a member beginning NAJA courses, and a member becoming a Certified Master Appraiser.

Sothebys Romanov sapphire
AuctionsNov 02, 2026
197-Carat ‘Romanov Sapphire’ Heads to Sotheby’s Geneva

The rare jewel, which has links to Russia’s Romanov dynasty, is estimated to fetch up to $2 million.

Fake Audemars Piguet watch
CrimeNov 02, 2026
Customs Seizes More Than 400 Fake Audemars Piguet Watches

It is one of several seizures of counterfeit jewelry and watches by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials in Louisville this year.

Jewelers of America new board members
MajorsNov 02, 2026
Lawrence Bock, Caryl Capeci, Amanda Coleman-Phelps Join JA Board

Jewelers of America announced the additions to its board of directors following its annual general meeting, held last week.

Kristi Yamaguchi Wearing Always Dream Collection
CollectionsNov 02, 2026
Olympian Kristi Yamaguchi, Heller Jewelers Expand ‘Always Dream’ Collection

The jewelry collection supports Yamaguchi’s Always Dream foundation, which provides reading and educational resources to families in need.

2026 AGTA Spectrum & Cutting Edge Awards Best Of Winners
Events & AwardsOct 30, 2026
Illuminating Carved Paraiba Pendant, Suite of Moonstones Wow at Spectrum Awards

Spectrum’s “Best of Show” honors went to a 101-carat Paraiba carved to look like Medusa that has a magnet-activated LED light.

Alexis Hoopes
MajorsOct 30, 2026
The RealReal Hires Former eBay Exec as New Chief Merchandising Officer

Alexis Hoopes expanded eBay’s “Authenticity Guarantee” program during her tenure.

Rolex store exterior Bellevue Washington
WatchesOct 29, 2026
Bucherer Opens Rolex Boutique in Washington State

The Rolex-owned retailer’s new 4,700-square-foot store’s façade honors the Pacific Northwest’s evergreen forests.

Ann Cahoon
MajorsOct 29, 2026
Gesswein Hires Longtime Bench Jeweler, Educator Ann Cahoon

Cahoon was appointed strategic account and educational program manager at Gesswein, which recently joined Continental Buying Group.

Tiffany & Co. Love Is a Gift Holiday Campaign with Amanda Seyfried
MajorsOct 29, 2026
Amanda Seyfried Stars In Tiffany & Co.’s Holiday Campaign

Tiffany & Co.’s latest ambassador makes her debut in its “Love Is a Gift” holiday campaign.

Graphic of cauldron and cat with jewelry in bubbles
EditorsOct 28, 2026
These Wicked Jewels Will Cast a Spell on You

For her annual Halloween story, Senior Editor Lenore Fedow highlights bewitching jewels fit for a witch that go from day to unholy night.

Jaythan Gilder and Stolen Tiffany & Co. Earrings
CrimeOct 28, 2026
Man In Florida Who Swallowed Tiffany & Co. Earrings Convicted

Jaythan Gilder was found guilty of robbery and grand theft after stealing and then ingesting nearly $800,000 worth of Tiffany & Co. jewelry.

Gas station
SurveysOct 28, 2026
Consumer Confidence Up in October as Gas Prices Ease

Consumer confidence remains on the long-term downward trend that’s persisted over the past few years, said a Conference Board economist.

Stuller Magic of the Moment Holiday Campaign
MajorsOct 28, 2026
Stuller’s Holiday Campaign Lets the ‘Magic of the Moment’ Shine

The holiday campaign includes key jewelry trends, a curated holiday gift guide, and resources to help jewelers prepare for holiday shoppers.

De Beers Desert Diamonds Icons Campaign Designer Showcase
SourcingOct 27, 2026
De Beers Celebrates the Holidays With New ‘Desert Diamonds’ Campaign

The “Icons” holiday campaign spotlights four classic diamond jewelry styles reimagined in “Desert Diamond” tones.

Mervis Diamond Importers store
IndependentsOct 27, 2026
Solomon Brothers Acquires Mervis Diamond Importers

Solomon Brothers, which has three stores in the Metro Atlanta area, said it may continue to acquire other independent jewelers.

Woman holding testing swab
IndependentsOct 27, 2026
Gabriel & Co. Supports Charity Partner DKMS With Gala, New Jewels

The fine jewelry brand raised $2.3 million at its annual gala that supports the nonprofit’s fight against blood cancer and blood disorders.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy