We Ask A Diamond Jeweller What Jewellery Trends Will Define 2026
refining the cut
A year after our first conversation, I sat back down with journalist-turnedjeweller Talitha Cummins, founder of the fine jewellery house, The Cut Jewellery, to find out where the past twelve months have taken her. She tells us the biggest challenges she’s faced this year (from navigating US tariffs to global expansion), how her design direction has shifted, and her predictions for 2026’s hottest jewellery trends.
Read to see which trends will make “the cut” (pun intended).
Hi Talitha! Since we last spoke a year ago, what have you been up to?
“It has been a busy time for us at The Cut Jewellery. We just launched our second location in Sydney, at the iconic St James Trust Building, no less. Our international business has also expanded, with the USA becoming a major market for us. We have just created a stunning engagement ring for a couple in Florida, USA, who then flew to Sydney to collect it in person! We’ve had a lot of traction over there, which has been very exciting for us.”
“After specialising in the lab-grown space, we have now expanded into natural diamonds and gemstones, and believe there’s room for natural and lab-grown diamonds to co-exist and thrive. Yet too often we still see brands cling to exclusivity, fuelling misinformation to protect old narratives. At The Cut, we reject that. We offer unbiased education because we believe customers deserve transparency and choice.”
“We also had some successful trunk shows in Melbourne this year and are very excited to be moving into that market early next year! Brisbane next!”
What have been some of the biggest learnings for you as a founder this year?
“The jewellery industry has faced many challenges this year – the rising gold price, introduction of Tariffs in the USA, and global uncertainty, which has meant that we’ve had to pivot and make adjustments where necessary and really be on top of our numbers. You have to hustle. It’s not just an ‘open the doors, and the clients will flow’ type of market anymore. You have to work for it. But I kind of love that part of it. I love the challenge.
“The biggest thing for me this year has been growing my team. With the first two years, the juggle was real. I was wearing every hat and doing every task, which, in fairness, is a great thing to do when you are starting out, so that you know how everything works and you can be part of putting all of the systems in place.”
“I have since hired people to help me do the tasks that don’t require my specific attention, and that has allowed me to keep growing the business, work with the team on the new ranges, create content for social media and be customer-facing.”
Has your creative direction or design philosophy shifted since we last caught up?
“When we started, I redesigned my engagement ring, and it features 12 ‘steps’ leading up to the top of the diamond. These represent the 12-step alcohol recovery program I’m part of. And the ring signifies the growth and resilience that builds throughout our lives. It’s very symbolic. Since then, we’ve really built on the ‘Contessa’ range, with pinkie rings, pendants and earrings. This is our core collection.”
“I love the discussions this collection has generated with clients from all over the world. Some are in recovery, some have different challenges they’re experiencing, and they love the idea of buying one of these pieces to signify their triumph through adversity. Of course, some just like the designs!”
“We’ve really expanded our offering and now work with everything from lab-grown to natural diamonds and natural gemstones, with the emphasis on education and craftsmanship.”
What were the major milestones or achievements for The Cut this year?
“Opening our beautiful new showroom in the historic St James Trust Building in the Sydney CBD. Finding amazing humans and growing a team of like-minded people who are driven to achieve excellence in serving our clients and creating high-quality pieces. I’m aware it’s very difficult to find, and I’m very grateful.”
“Observing a real shift in the way people are buying jewellery. Clients who were staunchly opposed to purchasing lab-grown diamonds a couple of years ago are now embracing the new technology, and it has been great to observe this changing tide.”
What’s been energising you personally this last year? Any rituals or routines shaping your creativity right now?
“I have to admit my schedule has been work-heavy. I wake up very early, around 4 AM, and respond to the overnight emails from our international markets. Then I have a trainer twice a week and lift weights. That’s a non-negotiable. I used to lift weights 4-5 times a week, but I get it in where I can now.”
“I love walking and listening to a business podcast. I learn so much from other founders’ experiences. Early next year, I’m taking my manager and myself to Vegas for a two-day business growth conference with Alex Hormozi.”
TRENDING
Which jewellery trends defined 2025 in your eyes?
- Cushion-cut engagement rings – these were a big one, due to all of the celebrity engagements from Taylor Swift to Zendaya
- Unique stones – another big one, from sapphires to emeralds and rubies, as more people are looking for something unique that speaks to their personality
- Bold statement jewellery – such as big gold bangles and earrings, and chunky rings
- Mixed metals with pops of colour
- A nod to vintage jewellery – we can thank Taylor Swift for that one
- Pendants for men
And which trends do you predict will dominate in 2026?
- Coloured stones – I’d love to see some more brave people selecting emeralds, sapphires, and other coloured stones for their engagement rings
- Pinkie rings – Like signet rings, they can be designed to suit your style and are often used as a tribute or to celebrate a milestone
- Bespoke engagement rings – especially with lab-grown diamonds, as they make it more affordable for people. I feel like chunkier, thicker bands will become more popular, too
- Layering mixed materials – layered textures, and stacking different types of necklaces and bracelets
- Tennis bracelets – in fairness, though, they are timeless
- Coloured diamonds – and organic gem cuts
- Redesigned heirloom pieces – last but certainly not least
Imagery: @thecutjewellery
