4 Jewelry Trends That Are Firmly Outdated In 2026

There's something so fabulous about jewelry as a key part of dopamine dressing. It can instantly lift the mood and take an outfit from so-so to so so good. As we saw with spring 2026 fashion trends that were everywhere, big is in, and that extends to jewelry as well. Now that the quiet luxury trend is currently feeling outdated, we're looking to update our jewelry collections, or bring out pieces that have been sitting in the bottom of the jewelry box — which naturally means that there are some pieces that need to be stashed away.

According to our expert, stylist Jordan Stolch of MiKADO Personal Styling, the outdated jewelry trends we're discussing lost traction "because they became too common and predictable ... Consumers are craving jewelry that feels more personal and expressive." She tells us exclusively, "This is part of a broader fashion shift away from uniformity and toward individuality, craftsmanship, and pieces that tell a unique story about the woman wearing them." Stolch also tells us, "Trends always lose momentum, not because they're now 'bad' or 'wrong,' but because the industry moves in cycles."

According to personal stylist Jordan Stolch, people are increasingly tired of looking like millions of other women online. "The biggest shift we're seeing in 2026 is consumers replacing highly curated, social media driven jewelry with pieces that feel more personal and expressive," she tells Glam exclusively. That's right, instead of scrolling to find jewelry to add to your collection, figure out what speaks to you instead. Things that were all over Instagram in the past few years, like coquette-inspired pieces with bows and pearls, now feel outdated.

If you like the idea of finding something completely unique, looking for something vintage is a great option, Stolch suggests, adding, "Consumers are increasingly drawn to styles that feel collected over time rather than purchased as part of a matching set." Statement vintage jewelry is also one of the summer 2026 accessory trends perfect for older women. And it seems as though the bigger the statement, the better.

A couple of years ago, paperclip necklaces started trending big time, becoming a popular purchase at jewelry retailers, mall accessory chains, and Costco alike. But expert stylist Jordan Stolch says it's time to move on from these pieces for now, especially the budget buys with no emotional significance. "Mass-produced paperclip chains no longer hold the same fashion relevance they once did," she tells Glam in our exclusive chat.

Instead, take your necklace game down a bolder path in 2026. For starters, if you love layering necklaces, ditch the minimal pieces and stack chunky ones instead. Long necklaces are also extremely hot right now, especially ones with details like tassels on the end. Wallet necklaces are another item that's trending this year. If you're not familiar, picture a small coin purse on the end of a necklace, making it functional and fashionable. Big colorful beads are another trend to try in '26, which feels particularly fresh and lively for summertime.

You're probably getting the idea that big is in and the opposite feels tired in terms of jewelry trends for 2026. "We're seeing a general fatigue around the dainty, delicate, minimalist pieces that defined the quiet luxury era of a few years back," stylist Jordan Stolch tells us exclusively. Whereas layering petite bracelets and wearing dainty earrings was on-trend in years past, now the look feels outdated. "We're seeing demand for sculptural metalwork, statement cuffs, oversized earrings, bold rings, and jewelry with an artistic, out-of-the-box aesthetic," Stolch says.

If you lean into silver and gold when it comes to jewelry, consider incorporating some colors and new materials into your repertoire. For example, colorful gemstones are big right now, as are different materials like resin and wood. The bigger and more sculptural, the better. "Consumers are embracing pieces that spark interest and reflect their authentic personal style," says Stolch.

A few years ago, Y2K-inspired crystal jewelry was the Claire's tease we'd been missing. But for now, the trend has run its course. Jordan Stolch tells Glam exclusively, "Another category losing momentum is overly trend-specific Y2K jewelry, particularly pieces that feel costume-like rather than elevated." It's time to store or give away the cartoon-y pieces in your collection that may read as cheap. The late '90s and early 2000s look isn't dead, however. "While nostalgia remains influential, the 2026 interpretation is more refined and intentional, as opposed to the playful maximalism that has now since peaked," explains Stolch.

That means that beaded necklaces that you might have bought in the little girl's department and worn as a playful throwback can now be replaced with giant colorful spheres. Or the butterfly earrings you playfully wore can be swapped out for gemstone-encrusted chandeliers, which are more elevated but still colorful. The quirky emoji beaded bracelet can be switched with a colorful resin piece instead for a sophisticated upgrade.