Here's the most unexpected jewelry trend of 2026

October has arrived and fashion week season has finally wrapped up, and this year, the jewelry looks we spotted on the streets of London, New York, Milan and Paris - on and off the catwalk - completely blew us away.

In the last year, the jewelry looks on the world’s most fashion forward have shifted shape a bit: people are more creative with their jewelry - opting for unique vintage pieces, huge statements, many colourful gemstones, and unexpected materials such as wood or resin. The designers of the big fashion houses are also getting experimentive - the statement headpiece with a matching belt that walked down the Louis Vuitton runway, designed by Nicolas Ghesquière, is a prime example.

But there was one trend, in particular, that caught our attention. Alongside the colourful statement rings and the big sculptural hoops, jewelry of a very specific colour seemed to be wherever we looked.

Black jewelry is, without doubt, the most unexpected jewelry trend of this autumn.

Image credit: WhoWhatWear

Why black jewelry?

There’s many contributing factors to black - which most would consider perpetually in style - seems to be so in fashion this season, and it’s been a slow build up for all of 2026. As so often before, it appears to have trickled down from catwalks, where 54% of designers showing for AW26 showed at least one full-black look back in February.

During spring, Disney’s “Love Story” opened up a whole new generation’s eyes to the style of 90’s icon Carolyn Bette, who in the mini series was played by Sarah Pidgeon. Bessette famously dressed in mostly a neutral colour palette, with the colour black being integral to several of her most iconic looks - and suddenly, everyone in the world seemed to be going back to basics: simple cuts, clean lines, lots of black.

The most fashion forward in the world have cemented the trend - with model and artist Gabbriette wearing a black engagement ring as the ultimate proof. Rumor even has it that Miranda Priestly, played by Meryl Streep, wore a black Engelbert Knot Ring in the Devil Wears Prada 2, so if you’re watching it - keep an eye out!

Gabbriette in her black diamond engagement ring

Why you should jump on the trend

In jewelry, black has always been considered incredibly chic - with Carrie Bradshaw’s black diamond engagement ring being the epitome - but there’s something else to the trend: it seems the coolest thing you can do now is to be creative, and unexpected, with your jewelry. A black piece of jewelry is an excellent way to play with light and contrast in your look.

And if you don’t know where to start - we know just how to help. Keep scrolling for our favourite pieces of black jewelry right now.

Helen Mirren in September 2026.

Jennifer Lawrence in a gorgeos black and pavé necklace by David Webb.

Here's our favourite black jewelry pieces right now:

Legacy Knot Ring - Engelbert

This mysterious, dazzling ring comes to you from the Engelbert Absolutely Knot line of jewelry. Crafted in 18 karat whitegold with pavé-set brilliant cut black diamonds. View the black Knot Ring here.

Mini Moon Star Black Earrings - CbyC Jewelry

Mini Moon Star Earrings are like miniature works of art that capture the magic of the night. Crafted in black rhodium plated sterling silver with black zirconias. Find them here.

Black Diamond Bracelet - AKIND

This bracelet from AKIND is a more subtle option. Made in 14K solid recycled white gold with a brilliant cut ethically grown lab-grown diamond in a bezel setting by AKIND.