IN PHOTO: For Chanel’s Spring/Summer 2026 show a model wore long necklace of metal, freshwater pearls, mother-of-pearls & glass pearls and silver (left)/ Francesca Villa’s whimsical pendant depicting a big truck. Made in gold and embellished with diamonds and stones ranging from lapis lazuli to turquoise, the pop culture-inspired pieces are also fringed with a flame motif (centre)/Dior’s Diorissima haute joaillerie collection exemplified this trend with its dazzling array of coloured stones (right)


High jewellery is commanding renewed attention in 2026. At a time when gold and silver prices continue to soar, collectors are gravitating towards exceptional pieces that prioritise craftsmanship, rarity and artistic storytelling. Recent showcases and auctions, including the Couture Jewellery Show in Las Vegas, high-jewellery sales in Geneva by Christie’s and Sotheby’s, and Dior’s latest Diorissima haute joaillerie (high jewellery) collection, have highlighted some of the key trends shaping the category this year.


KEY TRENDS

• Cord necklaces with supersized pendants
  Statement pendants are getting bigger and bolder, often woven into chords. High-jewellery brands such as Emily P. Wheeler and Uniform Object showcased oversized gemstones and pendants suspended from leather, velvet and rubber cords, while Francesca Villa and Lalaounis made the pendant the focal point of the entire look at the Couture Jewellery Show 2027.
• Quirky, playful shapes
  From popsicles and seashells to fish and Egyptian Pharaohs, designers are embracing whimsy. Van Cleef & Arpels’ 2026 High Jewellery collection paid tribute to the world of the Egyptian pharaohs through whimsical, sculptural motifs and unexpected forms.
• Coloured gemstones
  Richly hued gemstones, like emeralds, rubies and sapphires, remain a defining feature of high jewellery. Dior’s Diorissima haute joaillerie collection exemplified this trend with its dazzling array of coloured stones.

• Larger-than-life designs
  Maisons are embracing scale and spectacle. Bvlgari’s Eclettica collection 2026 celebrated eclecticism through bold, wearable works of art, while Chopard’s Miracles collection translated nature’s small wonders into cinematic, one-of-a-kind jewels.
• strands of beads, pearls & gems
  Long necklaces featuring colourful beads, pearls and gemstones are having a moment. Chanel’s Spring/Summer 2026 collection highlighted the trend with layered strands that added colour, texture and movement.