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

Interior of Dick’s Sporting Goods store
SurveysAug 21, 2026
These Are 2026’s Hottest Retailers, Says NRF

The retailers at the top of the list offer affordable products and fun, discovery-fueled experiences.

Daniel Bing
WatchesAug 21, 2026
Bremont Names Former Vacheron Constantin Exec CMO

Daniel Bing was formerly the marketing director for the Americas at Vacheron Constantin.

Bijules x Kamyen Topspin Tennis Bracelet in Grass Green
CollectionsAug 21, 2026
Bijules, Kamyen Serve Up ‘Topspin’ Tennis Bracelet Ahead of US Open

In our Piece of the Week, the designers reimagine the tennis bracelet with green enamel wrapped around a strand of “Desert Diamonds.”

Cover.jpg
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk About

Submit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.

Graphic for Episode 8 of the My Next Question podcast
PodcastsAug 20, 2026
Episode 8: Diamond Industry Update With David Bonaparte & Ronnie VanderLinden

The industry veterans join the podcast to discuss diamond marketing, the FTC Jewelry Guides, and lobbying for lower tariffs.

Weekly QuizAug 20, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Gemstone AI app screenshots
TechnologyAug 20, 2026
A New AI-Powered Gemstone Identification App Is Here

Founder Vik Westermann said the app is a “starting point” to inspire people to work with appraisers and gem labs, not replace them.

Verdura unicorn brooch
AuctionsAug 20, 2026
Storied Unicorn Brooch Up for Auction Gallops to New Home

The Verdura brooch, which belonged to the late Virginia Fortune Ryan Ogilvy, was sold to a private collector in Asia.

1872-x-1052-July-ad (1).png
Brought to you by
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying Events

Retailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.

Lianna Carter, Lauren Edwards, Thomas Koslowski, Erin Perry, Heran Wang
Events & AwardsAug 20, 2026
MJSA Education Foundation Names 5 Scholarship Winners

The five students were awarded a total of $10,000 through the nonprofit’s 2026 “Future of Jewelry Making” scholarship.

The Plumb Club 2026-2027 Executive Committee and Board Members
MajorsAug 20, 2026
Plumb Club Elects 2026-2027 Board

Steven Lerche is now beginning his term as the youngest member to become president of The Plumb Club’s elected executive committee.

Mike Alexander and Scott Murphy
MajorsAug 19, 2026
Mike Alexander To Succeed Scott Murphy as Jewelers Mutual CEO

Murphy will retire at the end of the year and Alexander, currently the company’s president, will take over at the start of 2027.

Spinelli Kilcollin Trade-In Bar Program Imagery
Policies & IssuesAug 19, 2026
Spinelli Kilcollin Embraces Dupes With Trade-In Program

The jeweler is encouraging customers who own lookalike rings to come into the store and trade them for credit towards an authentic piece.

Woman wearing Zales jewelry
MajorsAug 19, 2026
Zales Wants You to Wear Fine Jewelry Every Day

The new campaign, “You Are The Occasion,” discourages shoppers from saving their fine jewelry for special occasions only.

Former GJEPC Chairman and second-generation Indian diamantaire Vasant Mehta
SourcingAug 19, 2026
Vasant Mehta, a Dedicated Diamond Industry Leader, Dies at 81

Mehta led India’s GJEPC through the 2008 financial crisis and was respected worldwide for his wisdom, integrity, and knowledge.

Alfredo Colmenero-Martinez and Jarren Frazier
CrimeAug 18, 2026
2 California Men Arrested in Fatal Vehicle Smash Robbery

One is the driver who allegedly crashed a car into a Sacramento jewelry store in April, striking a 71-year-old employee who later died.

The Retail Smiths Principal Partner and National Jeweler columnist Peter Smith
ColumnistsAug 18, 2026
Peter Smith: The IKEA Effect and Bridal Branding

In a new column, Peter Smith posits that people actually enjoy putting together IKEA furniture, and the same is true for engagement rings.

Police car with lights on
CrimeAug 18, 2026
Thieves Snatch $1M in Jewelry From New Jersey Jeweler

9lakha Jewelers in Iselin, New Jersey, was the target of a smash-and-grab robbery on Aug. 8.

Ring Concierge x 818 Tequila Bridal Giveaway
Lab-GrownAug 18, 2026
Ring Concierge, Kendall Jenner’s Tequila Brand Collab on Giveaway

The jeweler has partnered with 818 Tequila to gift lab-grown diamond studs to a bride-to-be and their bridal party.

Louis Comfort Tiffany Poppy lampshade drawing
Events & AwardsAug 17, 2026
Exhibition on Louis Comfort Tiffany’s Studios to Open at The Met

The exhibition will feature more than 100 drawings of stained-glass lampshades, windows, and more, many created by women and émigrés.

Spinelli Kilcollin Inara Ring
CollectionsAug 17, 2026
Marquise Diamonds Dance in Spinelli Kilcollin’s ‘Wren’ Collection

Marquise-cut diamonds in drop charms are the center of the new collection, reflecting the movement of a dancer in modular styles.

Ft. Lauderdale Jewelry, Antique, & Object Show logo
Events & AwardsAug 17, 2026
There’s a New Jewelry Show Coming to Florida

The inaugural Fort Lauderdale Jewelry, Antique, & Object Show will be held from Jan. 28 through Feb. 1, 2027.

Karl Getschel and Bob Yanega of Smyth Jewelers
IndependentsAug 14, 2026
Smyth Jewelers to Open Fourth Location

The family-owned jeweler will open a new showroom in Bel Air, Maryland, this fall.

Stock image of a gavel
CrimeAug 14, 2026
Wife of Man Convicted in Jeweler’s Murder Sentenced for Conspiracy

Amanda Ileana Hernandez is married to Carlos Hernandez, one of two men in prison for the 2024 murder of Michigan jeweler Hussein Murray.

Cover.jpg
Supplier BulletinAug 13, 2026
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk About

Sponsored by American Gem Trade Association

Two Pandora Talisman pendants
FinancialsAug 13, 2026
Pandora’s ‘Talisman’ Collection Shines, Lab-Grown Diamond Sales Fall

In the United States, second-quarter sales were flat amid soft consumer sentiment and lower in-store traffic.

Cuckoo Cuckoo Cadbury Conundrum egg
AuctionsAug 13, 2026
This Gold Cadbury ‘Conundrum’ Egg Set a World Auction Record

The 22-karat gold egg, sold at Batemans Auctioneers in the U.K., was part of a 1980s treasure hunt ad campaign for Cadbury Creme Eggs.

Picture of 2,488 carat rough diamond next to tweezers, a golf ball, and a loupe
SourcingAug 13, 2026
2,488-Carat Diamond, Largest Found in Botswana, Has a New Owner

Lucara Diamond Corp., which recovered the “Motswedi” diamond from the Karowe mine, sold the stone for an undisclosed amount.

×

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