Introduction
Jewellery isn't just accessories - it's personal storytelling. Women's jewellery trends In 2025, women drive 70% of sales (self-gifting up 51% for millennials), while men's jewellery trends show purchases surge 30% for subtle, masculine pieces.
2026 personalised jewellery trends will build on 2025's core pillars (personalization, sustainability, and affordable sparkle) with emerging twists like AI-customized engravings and bolder gemstone mixes. Based on 2025 Q4 forecasts from industry leaders (e.g., GIA, MVI), expect 70-80% continuity in gender-split buys, but with Gen Alpha-driven "tech-heirlooms" and eco-upgrades gaining 25% share.
Whether you're treating yourself to a necklace or looking for affordable, meaningful gift for the family, these trends blend timeless elegance with modern personalization.
Gender Shopping Stats
Why jewellery makes the perfect gift (shopping statistics)
Women: drive 70% of global sales, self-purchase 75% - up 51% for millennials. The average order value $120 (£90) with 60% repeat purchases.
Men: at 30% growing 15% YoY sales, 90% mostly for partners, wives / fiancées. The average order value $250 (£185), +40% for engraved $350 (£260).
Age-Specific Insights:
Gen Alpha (0-12): -driven "tech-heirlooms" and eco-upgrades gaining 25% market share. The average order value $150-300 | £117-234). Parents: 80% buy what kids want!
Gen Z (13-28): 12-18% overall buys; women lead self-gifting (up 228% in gender-neutral trends); men 69% interest in designs.
Millennials (29-44): 35-57% of sales; highest spending ($250+(£185+) on average. Women 62% personalization; men 49% gifting (anniversaries 30%).
Gen X (45-60): 27% purchases; steady self-buy (women 73% loyalty).
Baby Boomers (61-79): 23% buys; men favour heirlooms, up 8.7%.
Authority Source: MVI 2025 Survey (5,000 respondents across US/EU)
Drawing from top industry insights, here's your gender-split trend guide to shop (or gift) smart this holiday season.
Table of contents
- Introduction
- Gender Shopping Stats
- Women's Trends
- Men's Trends
- Styling Guide
- FAQ
- Sources & Stats Verification
Jewellery Trends for Women: What’s Hot in 2025–2026
Women want meaningful sparkle: personalization + sustainability rule. Focus: lab-grown diamonds (ethical, 40% cheaper than mined) and stackable layers that tell your story. These pieces transition seamlessly from office to holiday parties.
1. Message Card Bracelets & Cuffs - popular for husbands, dads, and sons
Emotional jewellery is not just for women anymore. Men’s message bracelets and engraved cuffs are one of the fastest-growing gift categories, especially for birthdays, anniversaries and Christmas.
Must-buy style: Leather bracelet with message card - “Forever Yours”, “To My Husband”, or “Proud of You”
Price range: $70–$210 | £55–£156
Where to buy: Rattle & Buzz - Explore emotional message card jewellery gifts
2. Birthstone Stacking Rings - 62% personalisation surge
Birthstone jewellery has evolved from simple gems to meaningful stackable sets, often representing children, partners, or family members.
Must-buy style: Initial rings paired with matching birthstones
Price range: $50–$416 | £39–£310
Where to buy: Available from leading jewellers
3. Tennis Bracelets - +25% during holiday gifting
A classic luxury staple, the tennis bracelet is experiencing a modern revival thanks to minimalist “quiet luxury” aesthetics. Lab-grown diamond and cubic zirconia options now make this look more affordable.
Must-buy style: Lab diamond or cubic zirconia pavé tennis bracelet
Price range: $53–$2,015 | £40–£1,500
Where to buy: Available from leading jewellers
4. Pearl Revival - timeless meets runway
Pearls are no longer just formal jewellery. Baroque pearls in irregular, organic shapes dominate 2026 fashion, often styled with gold chains or mixed textures.
Must-buy style: Baroque pearl pendant or drop earrings
Price range: $47–$260 | £35–£195
Where to buy: Available from leading jewellers
5. Crystal Intention Jewellery - wellness-inspired gifts
Jewellery is becoming emotional and spiritual. Healing stones like rose quartz, amethyst, and obsidian remain popular, especially as meaningful gifts.
Must-buy style: Rose quartz heart pendant or chakra bracelet
Price range: $80–$200 | £62–£156
Where to buy: Available from leading jewellers
6. Marquise Cut Jewellery - the return of drama
Bold, elegant and vintage-inspired, marquise cut stones are trending across rings and statement necklaces. Affordable cubic zirconia options make it stylish without the high price tag.
Must-buy style: Marquise cubic zirconia cocktail ring
Price range: $30–$100 | £23–£78
Where to buy: Available from leading jewellers
7. Personalised Minimalism - Meaning with Subtlety
Personalised jewellery continues to dominate, but the trend is becoming more refined, elegant and minimalist. Engraved initials, delicate birthstone - birth flower charms and zodiac symbols. Sentimental gifts like anniversaries, birthdays and friendship keepsakes.
Must-buy style: Dainty 925 sterling silver, white gold - yellow gold with engraving
Price range: $30–$190 | £23–£140
Where to buy: Rattle & Buzz - Explore necklaces
Authority Sources: GIA 4Cs Blog | Gem Breakfast | With Clarity
Jewellery Trends for Men: Must-Have Styles This Year
Men crave subtle edge: unisex chains plus heirlooms. Self-buy up 13% for Gen Z; gifting to partners dominates 90% of purchases. Focus on pieces that work with suits, streetwear, and everything in between.
1. Message Card Pendants - 45% rise in searches
Emotional jewellery continues to dominate 2026, and message card necklaces are the strongest gift trend this year. Loved for their sentimental value and elegant simplicity, these pieces pair a necklace with a heartfelt message inside a gift box.
Must-buy style: “You Are Enough” or “I Love You Forever” pendant necklaces
Price range: $53–$120 | £40–£90
Where to buy: Rattle & Buzz - Explore emotional message card jewellery gifts
2. Minimal Ear Studs & Ear Cuffs - modern masculine jewellery
More men are experimenting with subtle jewellery, especially small earrings or ear cuffs that suit both casual and smart outfits. Gold remains timeless and can be simple or embellished with unique designs.
Must-buy style: Minimal silver ear cuff or black stud earring set
Price range: $33–$375 | £25–£280
Where to buy: Available from leading jewellers
3. Signet Rings - old-world elegance returns
Signet rings are back and stronger than ever, often worn daily as style statements or personalised heirlooms.
Must-buy style: Custom monogram signet ring with optional diamond or cubic zirconia accents
Price range: $70–$315 | £50 –£235
Where to buy: Available from leading jewellers
4. Minimalist Chains and Cross - clean, masculine style
The sleek, understated chain remains a top seller in men’s jewellery this year. Gold and stainless steel, Cuban link, box chains or rope chains lead the trend. Cross necklaces are a very popular and best-selling item for men, sons and boyfriends.
Must-buy style: 18" sterling silver chain or thicker curb chain
Price range: $60–$210 | £47–£156
Where to buy: Rattle & Buzz - Explore chains and cross necklaces
5. Beaded & Leather Bracelets - casual everyday wear
Men are embracing casual layered leather wristwear, often mixed with onyx, tiger’s eye or any decorative beads for a rugged but smart look. For a more expensive look Gold engraved spheres.
Must-buy style: Black onyx and brown or black leather bracelet combo
Price range: $26–$200 | £20–£150
Where to buy: Available from leading jewellers
6. Engraved Cufflinks - timeless and wearable keepsakes
Perfect for weddings, promotions and special occasions. Personalised cufflinks add a meaningful touch to a formal outfit. For a luxurious and sophisticated statement diamond on black onyx is a perfect pairing.
Must-buy style: Sterling silver cufflinks with initials or meaningful date
Price range: $26–$300 | £20–£225
Where to buy: Available from leading jewellers
7. Engraved Watches – sentimental and stylish
Watches remain a classic gift for men, but the new trend is engraving - short personal engravings like “To Dad - Love Always” or anniversary dates.
Must-buy style: Minimalist leather strap watch with case-back engraving
Price range: $70–$525 | £50–£390
Where to buy: Rattle & Buzz Explore engraved watches
Authority Sources: Pricescope | Lauren B | Borsheims
Styling Guide: How to Wear the Latest Pieces
Style for the occasion: Match your jewellery to your outfit's complexity. If your clothes are detailed and patterned, keep your jewellery simple. For solid-coloured or minimalist outfits, use bold jewellery to make a statement.
Mix your metals: The old rule of wearing only one metal at a time is out. Combining silver, gold, and rose gold in the same outfit adds depth and a modern touch.
Embrace colour: Don't shy away from vibrant, colourful jewellery. Look for bright enamel, coloured gemstones, and playful patterns.
Layer: The "more is more" approach is a major trend for both men and women.
Mix different lengths, textures, and styles to create a statement look. For example, combine a chunky chain with a delicate pendant and a beaded necklace.
Bracelets: Stack chunky bangles and cuffs with thinner chains and a watch for a layered effect on your wrist.
Core principles for maximalist jewellery styling
Layer with purpose: Rather than randomly piling on accessories, intentional layering is key to creating a cohesive, collected aesthetic.
Necklaces: Mix different chain styles, lengths, and pendant sizes to build a dimensional display. Start with a longer, chunky piece and layer shorter, more delicate ones to ensure each strand is visible and has room.
Bracelets: Stack chunky cuffs and bangles with thinner chains or beaded bracelets. Mix materials like metal, leather, beads, and even fabric for rich textural variety.
Mix textures and materials: Combine diverse materials for a tactile and engaging look. Pair smooth, polished metal chains with textured cuffs, beaded bracelets, or fabric accents. Layer different materials like feathers, resin, pearls, and glass beads to add depth and interest to your combination. Embrace bold, oversized pieces: Oversized and statement accessories are a signature of maximalism and can be the focal point of an outfit.
Earrings: Change from ear studs and choose dramatic, oversized earrings like chunky hoops, geometric designs, or chandelier styles. You can make a bold statement with earrings alone by keeping the rest of your jewellery minimal.
Rings: Create "stacks" by wearing multiple rings on different fingers, mixing various widths, shapes, and metals. A single chunky dome or signet ring can also make a powerful maximalist statement on its own.
Mix metals: Forget the old rule of sticking to a single metal. Maximalism encourages mixing gold, silver, and rose gold to create a dynamic, modern, and eclectic feel.
Juxtapose styles: Combine different eras, themes, or aesthetics within the same look. Pair vintage heirlooms with modern pieces, or mix delicate, classic items with quirky, contemporary finds. This approach tells a more complex story through your accessories.
Applying the maximalist mindset
Be fearless with colour: Use vibrant, saturated colours and gemstones to infuse energy and excitement into your ensemble. Feel free to clash hues or coordinate complementary ones for a cohesive look. Treat accessories as the main event: Rather than a simple finishing touch, your maximalist jewellery should be a central part of your outfit. For example, a "neck mess" of layered chains can announce your unique style before you even enter a room.
Let your personality shine: At its core, maximalism is about expressing your unique personality and creativity. The goal is to build a collection of pieces that have special meaning to you and tell your own personal story. Confidence is your best accessory: The most crucial element of maximalist style is owning your choices. A sense of confidence will ensure the look feels intentional and not chaotic.
FAQ: Common Questions About Jewellery Trends
1. What are the top 2025–2026 jewellery trends for women?
The biggest trends for women blend emotional storytelling with elegant style. Popular choices include birthstone stacking rings, message card pendants, cubic zirconia (CZ) tennis bracelets, marquise cocktail rings, crystal intention pendants, and bold pearls. These pieces are trending because they allow women to express meaning, identity and self-love through jewellery. To style them, layer delicate chains with a statement piece, stack rings on mixed fingers, and balance sparkle with softer textures like knitwear or silk.
2. Diamonds vs cubic zirconia – which is more popular in 2025–2026?
Cubic zirconia is growing rapidly in popularity because it offers high sparkle at a much more affordable price. Modern buyers love CZ for everyday glamour without financial stress. CZ also allows for bigger carat looks that still feel wearable. To style CZ in 2025, pair elegant CZ studs or a tennis bracelet with minimal jewellery for a refined, modern finish that feels luxurious but accessible.
3. What are the best 2025–2026 men’s jewellery trends?
Men’s jewellery is moving toward expressive but subtle style. Engraved watches, signet rings, silver chains, leather and bead bracelets, engraved cufflinks, and single-stud earrings are leading the trend. These pieces allow men to show personal identity without being flashy. To wear the look, pair one strong signature piece—like a signet ring or watch—with understated accessories for balance and confidence.
4. Why are message card pendants trending?
Message jewellery has become a powerful emotional trend because it carries heartfelt meaning. Whether it is a romantic gift or a reminder of self-worth, message pendants allow people to wear their story close to their heart. The appeal lies in emotional connection—many pendants hide personal notes on the back or inside. The best way to wear them is solo on a simple chain for everyday styling or layered with initials and charms for a personal story stack.
5. Are engraved watches popular gifts for men?
Yes, engraved watches are among the most meaningful gifts for men in 2025–2026 because they blend style and sentiment. A simple message like “Proud of You,” “To My Son,” or “Forever Yours” turns a watch into a legacy piece. To style one, men wear engraved watches with everyday shirts, business suits, or layered casual outfits. For added impact, pair with a matching chain or leather bracelet.
6. Who buys the most jewellery today?
Women continue to purchase the most jewellery—often buying both for themselves and as gifts. However, men’s jewellery is growing fast, especially in personalised and meaningful pieces. Both genders prefer jewellery that tells a story—representing love, identity or motivation. Meaning now matters more than brand prestige.
7. What is the best personalised jewellery gift for holidays and special occasions?
Message jewellery paired with a personalised element, such as engraving or a birthstone, is consistently a top gift choice. These gifts feel thoughtful, emotional and timeless. A strong combination is a message pendant with a matching bracelet or CZ tennis piece for added sparkle. To personalise it, include initials, meaningful dates, or a short engraved message.
8. How should men style engraved watches and chains together?
Men can layer jewellery without it feeling overwhelming by keeping the style clean. Wear a slim silver or black leather watch with a single 18–20 inch chain. For smart outfits, tuck the chain under a shirt. For casual looks, wear the chain outside a T-shirt. If adding bracelets, choose just one—leather or beaded—to maintain balance.
9. Why are pearls popular again?
Pearls have made a strong comeback because they now offer a fresh, modern aesthetic. Instead of classic symmetry, today’s trend embraces baroque and irregular pearls that feel natural and artistic. Pearls are loved for their connection to femininity and timeless beauty. Style them with modern pieces—like chunky chains or CZ accents—to avoid looking old-fashioned.
10. Will these jewellery trends continue into 2026 and beyond?
Yes. The biggest shift in jewellery is emotional storytelling and personal meaning. Trends now focus on connection—initial necklaces, engraved pieces, family birthstones and love messages. These are not seasonal fads but long-term buying behaviour. Expect 2026 to continue the move toward personalised, meaningful, affordable luxury.
Sources & Statistical Verification
This article includes jewellery market insights supported by independently verified research data from reputable industry sources:
Grand View Research (2025, Global Market Overview)
Consumer jewellery behaviour study (12,000 respondents):
74.8% of women purchase jewellery for themselves, while 89.2% of men buy jewellery as gifts for women.
Authority source: Jewellery Market Overview from Grand View Research
Carat Trade Insights (2025, US/UK Jewellery Trends Report)
Reports show over 70% of jewellery purchases are self-gifting, with 90% of men buying jewellery for partners or family.
Authority source: 2025 jewellery industry global us trends
THE MVEye / MVI Research (2025 Consumer Purchase Behaviour Study)
Survey of 5,000 jewellery shoppers reports 73% buy jewellery for themselves, while 92% purchased jewellery as a gift in the past year.
Authority source: The mv eye public research reports
Verification updated: 17 October 2025 – All data sources align consistently around a 70% self-purchase trend and approximately 90% gift purchase trend.