Polly's Jewelry Journal

2026 Emmy Awards Jewelry Trends: Fine Jewelry Seen on the Red Carpet

Sep 17, 2026

2026 Emmy Awards Jewelry Trends: Fine Jewelry Seen on the Red Carpet

The 2026 Emmy Awards brought plenty of sparkle to the red carpet, offering an early look at the fine jewelry trends defining this year’s awards season.

From modern pearl pieces and warm yellow gold to classic diamonds and statement earrings, the evening showed that fine jewelry is continuing to move toward pieces that feel distinctive, dimensional, and personal.

Fashion played an important role in that story, too. Bright whites, rich metallics, and clean monochromatic looks made a strong appearance, giving fine jewelry the perfect backdrop to stand out.

Here are five jewelry trends that caught our attention.


1. Pearls Continue to Evolve

Pearls were one of the standout fine jewelry details of the evening, but the looks felt far from traditional.

Rather than appearing only as classic strands, pearls were incorporated into earrings, bracelets, and rings, often paired with diamonds for additional brilliance.

Zendaya wore pearl jewelry from Mikimoto, including earrings, rings, and a pearl-and-diamond bracelet. Against a highly detailed, embellished gown, the pearls brought softness and balance without competing with the rest of the look.

It was a perfect example of how pearls can feel both timeless and modern at the same time.

The Fine Jewelry Takeaway

Modern pearl jewelry offers an easy way to add something different to a collection without moving too far away from classic design.

Pearl drop earrings, pearl-and-diamond rings, bracelets, and necklaces can all create a more contemporary interpretation of this traditional favorite.

14K White Gold Diamond and Cultured Pearl Drop Earrings


2. Yellow Gold Remains a Red-Carpet Favorite

Yellow gold continues to have a major presence in fine jewelry, and the Emmy red carpet was no exception.

Selena Gomez leaned into warm metallic tones, pairing a gold gown with gold-and-diamond jewelry, including drop earrings, rings, and a bracelet.

The combination worked because the jewelry echoed the warmth of the overall look while diamonds added contrast and brightness.

This kind of tonal styling is becoming increasingly popular. Rather than using jewelry as a completely separate statement, the metal can become part of the overall color story.

The Fine Jewelry Takeaway

Yellow gold is no longer limited to simple, polished designs.

Textured finishes, sculptural shapes, chain-inspired details, and diamond accents are giving gold jewelry more depth and personality.

Whether in a statement ring, bracelet, necklace, or pair of earrings, yellow gold continues to be one of the strongest directions in fine jewelry.

14K Yellow Gold 1.59ctw Baguette and Pave Diamond Bangle


3. Bright Whites Put Diamonds in the Spotlight

One of the strongest fashion trends on the Emmy red carpet was the appearance of bright white gowns and clean, monochromatic looks.

The simplicity of white gave diamonds and cool-toned metals an especially strong presence. Against a crisp white background, diamond jewelry feels even brighter, allowing the sparkle itself to become part of the styling.

Nicole Kidman’s white Chanel look was a beautiful example. With plenty of texture and dimensional detailing in the gown itself, her diamond jewelry stayed refined and intentional.

The result was polished without feeling overly styled.

The Fine Jewelry Takeaway

White clothing creates the perfect canvas for diamond-forward jewelry.

Diamond studs, drop earrings, tennis bracelets, and delicate necklaces can add sparkle while keeping the overall look clean and elegant.

It is also a reminder that statement jewelry does not always need to be oversized. Sometimes contrast alone is what makes a piece stand out.

14K White Gold Twisted Diamond Ring


4. White Gold and Platinum Keep Things Clean and Modern

Cool-toned metals were also prominent throughout the evening, particularly when paired with diamonds.

White gold and platinum allow diamonds to remain the focus by creating a nearly seamless transition between the setting and the stones.

This was especially effective alongside the evening’s black-and-white and all-white fashion moments, where the jewelry felt crisp, polished, and cohesive.

Compared with the warmth of yellow gold, white metals create a noticeably different mood: cleaner, cooler, and more understated.

The Fine Jewelry Takeaway

White gold and platinum remain essential metals for anyone drawn to a polished, diamond-forward look.

They work especially well in tennis necklaces, diamond earrings, bracelets, and rings, and they can also be easily incorporated into mixed-metal collections.

While yellow gold may continue to dominate many jewelry trends, cool white metals remain just as relevant.

14K White Gold 5ctw Graduated Diamond Tennis Necklace


5. Statement Earrings Take Center Stage

Statement earrings were another major jewelry moment on the Emmy red carpet.

From diamond drops to sculptural designs, earrings were frequently used as the focal point of a look.

This worked especially well with cleaner necklines and more minimal silhouettes, where a bold pair of earrings could stand on its own without competing with a necklace or heavily layered jewelry.

It reflects a larger shift we continue to see in fine jewelry: one strong piece can often make just as much impact as a fully layered look.

The Fine Jewelry Takeaway

Statement earrings do not have to be reserved for formal events.

Diamond drops, gold hoops, gemstone earrings, and sculptural designs can all become signature pieces within an everyday jewelry collection.

The key is choosing a design that feels distinctive while still fitting naturally into your personal style.

14K Gold 1.07ctw Pavé Diamond Double Circle Drop Earrings


Fine Jewelry Trends We Expect to Keep Seeing

The 2026 Emmy Awards reinforced several trends already shaping fine jewelry this year.

Pearls are becoming more modern. Yellow gold continues to dominate. Bright whites are creating a fresh backdrop for diamonds, while white gold and platinum keep jewelry feeling clean and contemporary. Statement earrings are also becoming an increasingly important way to bring personality into a look.

What connects all of these trends is balance.

The fashion and jewelry seen on the red carpet worked best when they complemented one another rather than competed for attention. That same idea applies to everyday jewelry styling.

The right piece does not need to overpower a look. It simply needs to complete it.


Sources: Gabriel & Co., 2026 Emmy Awards Best Jewelry Looks, published September 15, 2026.