Jewelry news 2026: materials, brands and trends

2026 overview

2026 confirms the jewelry industry shift that began early in the decade. Three forces combine: growing demand for traceability, consumer expertise rise and material innovation driven by European startups.

Historical groups no longer set the pace. Mid-size ethical brands, often French, define the codes that larger groups follow with 18 to 24 months delay.

New materials

The season is marked by the massive arrival of implant-grade ASTM F136 titanium on the mainstream market. Historically reserved for medical and professional piercing, it now dominates daily earrings and layering pieces.

ASTM F136 titanium

Certified recycled gold

Recycled gold from certified chains (Fairmined, RJC) now represents 40% of the European jewelry market, versus 12% in 2020. The recycling premium stabilizes around 8 to 12% of the new gold price.

Reclaimed platinum

Platinum, long marginal for price reasons, regains a place of choice thanks to industrial reclaiming. Its price stays 30% above 18k yellow gold but its hardness and immutability attract the high-end customer.

Emerging brands to watch

Five French brands structure the ethical and editorial market in 2026. Each with a distinctive positioning.

These brands stand out through supplier transparency, local production (France, Italy, Spain) and lifetime repair policies.

Structuring trends

Ear layering

Layering remains the strong trend. 70% of 2026 earring sales focus on pieces designed to be combined. Details are in the trendy earrings 2026 .

Return of body jewelry

After two decades of retreat, body jewelry reclaims majority in spring-summer collections. Waist chain leads, followed by anklet and back jewelry. See the complete body jewelry guide .

Raw natural stones

Untreated or cabochon-cut stones gradually replace classic brilliant cuts. Labradorite, white opal, pink tourmaline and rutilated quartz dominate.

Genderless

Unmarked collections now represent 30% of new releases. Sculptural shapes, mid volumes, matte metals.

Trade shows

Sector shows remain the most reliable thermometer for what will reach stores 6 to 12 months later.

These shows announce for 2027 a rise of small-format custom jewelry, made accessible by titanium 3D printing.

Regulatory evolutions

Nickel norms

European REACH regulation imposes since January 2026 a stricter nickel ceiling (0.15 microgram/cm2/week vs 0.5 before). Consequence: gradual disappearance of low-end fashion alloys in favor of titanium and solid gold.

Mandatory traceability

The European digital product passport applies to jewelry from January 2027. Brands will have to justify the origin of every component (metal, stone, pearl). The pioneers have already launched their QR-code traceability systems.

What to buy this season

To capitalize on 2026 trends without missing, a few reference pieces by brand:

1. A 14k gold oversize hoop at Atelier Paulin or Anthologie Paris: wardrobe center piece.
2. A sculptural ear cuff at Ofée or Anthologie Paris: versatile, no piercing commitment, yellow gold or rhodium titanium finish.
3. A solid gold waist chain at JEM or Atelier Paulin: long-term investment, Fairmined traceability.
4. An ASTM F136 titanium stone labret from specialist high-end piercing brands: to start or enrich a daily layering.
5. A fine colored piece at Emmanuelle Zysman: tourmaline, sapphire or opal set in yellow gold.

To dive deeper into each ear placement and matching jewelry, read the ear piercing guide .

Editorial calendar

This calendar serves as a reference for brands and consumers who want to anticipate their purchases.