Red carpet to real life: 6 jewelry trends to try at home
Lifestyle
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3:05 PM on Thursday, March 26
By Jackie Dowling for Jewelers Mutual, Stacker
Red carpet to real life: 6 jewelry trends to try at home
From the Golden Globes and the Grammys to the SAG Awards and the Oscars, the glamour of the 2026 awards season did not disappoint. The red carpet looks were a showcase not only for fashion and style, but also for the evolving art of jewelry design.
According to a Jewelers Mutual trends forecast, jewelry is a reflection of the moment we live in, but red carpet moments are more than fleeting fashion; they reveal broader trends that influence how consumers select, wear, and protect their own jewelry.
Red carpet jewelry trends at the Academy Awards
The Academy Awards, honoring Hollywood’s best films, took place on March 15, 2026. While the Oscars awarded achievement in acting, writing, directing, editing and more, the red carpet show was fashion’s moment to shine.
“Jewelry was big and bold at 2026 Oscars, with celebrities favoring large-scale pieces that caught—and held—the light via constellations of dazzling diamonds occasionally accented by colored stones,” said Emili Vesilind, Jewelers Mutual’s Jewelry Trends Expert. “This was a sea change from past Oscar red carpets, when jewelry looks relied more on the mix—stacking smaller pieces to create impact. This year it was all about bold, one-and-done styles.”
This year’s red carpet saw a variety of trends emerge.
“Trends on the red carpet included spectacular diamond collar necklaces — see Elle Fanning’s vintage diamond Cartier necklace, Priyanka Chopra’s colored gems-and-diamond Bulgari collar, and the incredible vintage diamond Tiffany & Co. necklace Teyana Taylor wore,” said Vesilind.
“Another trend: chunky brooches glittering with gems, as worn by the women (costume design winner Kate Hawley for “Frankenstein” pinned three opulent gemstone brooches to her opera coat), and especially the men (see Wagner Moura’s Modernist geometric brooch, Adrian Brody’s giant Elsa Jin creation, and Hudson Williams in a diamond-encrusted gold bird from Bulgari),” said Vesilind.
Key takeaways from 2026 jewelry trends forecast
The award show looks this year illustrated a growing emphasis on intentional, high-impact designs. These will be reflected in consumer jewelry trends throughout the year, according to a new trends forecast from Jewelers Mutual.
The new 2026 jewelry trends forecast noted six distinct trends expected to be popular throughout this year:
- Trend #1: Soft geometry and fluid shapes: Jewelry with fluid curves, off-kilter silhouettes, and a sculptural edge is on the rise and set to hit the mainstream in 2026.
- Trend #2: Modern stacking: Expect stacking to feel more deliberate and refined this year, with cleaner looks replacing bold contrasts in favor of cohesive, theme-driven styling.
- Trend #3: Quiet luxury and minimal opulence: quiet luxury champions subtle elegance. In jewelry, it’s defined by impeccably crafted pieces that prioritize quality over showiness.
- Trend #4: Timeless gems, modern settings: Traditional stones like emeralds, sapphires, and rubies are being reimagined with a fresh, contemporary look.
- Trend #5: Mixed metals: No longer a faux pas, mixing metals has emerged as a go-to jewelry trend, set to shine even brighter in 2026. Blending yellow, white, and rose gold introduces subtle dimension to minimal styles.
- Trend #6: Fancy cuts and unique combinations: In 2026, stone shapes take a bold turn. Traditional oval and round cuts endure, but eye-catching styles like marquise, kite, hexagon, and custom free forms are gaining popularity.
Growing interest in costume jewelry
One way to bridge the gap between high-end fine jewels and everyday pieces that consumers can afford is to look to costume jewelry. Once thought of as old-fashioned or merely for “dress up” play, interest in costume jewelry as art is a growing trend in 2026.
Costume jewelry is a budget-friendly way to mimic the looks of the red carpet. Instead of precious medals and jewels, these pieces are constructed using more everyday materials like glass, rhinestones or even plastic. That doesn’t mean they can’t be a stylish choice, though.
Fashion icon Coco Chanel popularized wearing costume jewelry in the mid 20th century, saying: “Costume jewellery isn’t made to provoke desire, just astonishment at most. It must remain an ornament and an amusement."
For consumers looking to capture bold red carpet-worthy looks, costume jewelry offers an affordable way to achieve an award-worthy look for less.
Protecting your own “red carpet” collection
For most people, the multimillion-dollar fine jewelry worn by celebrities on the red carpet is not within their grasp. However, that doesn’t mean it isn’t important to safeguard the pieces that do hold significant value (both financial and emotional).
Milestone pieces, such as engagement rings or inherited family heirlooms, should be insured and protected. Steps to consider include:
- Regular appraisals: Gold/silver prices fluctuate depending on market conditions; this necessitates a reappraisal every two to three years.
- Specialized coverage: Homeowners' insurance may not cover the full value of high-worth pieces; these should be covered by a specialized jewelry policy.
- Routine maintenance: Precious jewelry should be checked twice a year for wear and tear. Make sure prongs are not loose and bands are not becoming too thin or misshapen. One trick? Sweep a ring past a sweater. If it catches, a prong may need tightening.
Bringing red carpet-inspired jewelry into your everyday style is less about copying the look and more about making it your own. These trends offer a way to translate standout moments into pieces that feel personal and wearable.
Jewelry is both a reflection of your story and a lasting investment; one that, with proper care, can evolve from today’s favorite pieces into tomorrow’s heirlooms.
Note: Brands and individuals mentioned are for editorial commentary only and do not imply endorsement or affiliation.
This story was produced by Jewelers Mutual and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
