Lucky Charms: The Charm Necklace Is Fall 2026's Most Personal Jewel
Celine hung shells and pine cones from long chains, Chloé put charms over high necks, and searches for chunky charm necklaces more than doubled. How to build one that tells your story.
A charm is a memory you can hold between two fingers: a shell from a particular beach, a locket with a face inside, a little gold key whose meaning only you know. String a handful together on a heavy chain and you are wearing your own story. That is exactly why the charm necklace has become the most personal jewel of the season.
Are charm necklaces in style for fall 2026?
Yes. Charm necklaces are one of 2026's biggest jewellery trends. Harper's Bazaar UK reported that Google searches for "chunky charm necklace" more than doubled this spring, Celine showed long chains of oversized charms for autumn/winter 2026, and Chloé layered charms over high-neck tops. The FT reports that shoppers want pieces that feel collected over time.
From the runway
For autumn/winter 2026, Michael Rider made Celine's charm necklaces long and bold, with oversized charms, Harper's Bazaar UK noted; the FT describes shells, pine cones and bone tusks among the charms. At couture, Matthieu Blazy dripped Chanel's charm necklaces with pearls and colourful blooms. Who What Wear highlights Chloé's grown-up charms worn over high necklines, which is the easiest way to wear the look this winter.
Why now: jewellery with a history
Harper's Bazaar UK links the trend to sentiment: in a digital world, physically collecting meaningful objects feels more appealing than ever. Dua Lipa has been a champion, photographed in Chloé's Paddington necklace with alternating heart and locket charms. Ruby Beales of Liberty London told the FT that customers want personalisable, layered pieces that look as if they have acquired a history.
Build your own
The demand is increasingly for custom pieces. Harper's Bazaar UK notes that Astrid & Miyu's Story Chains take birthstones, numbers, initials or zodiac signs, and that Pandora collaborated with stylist Harry Lambert on limited-edition charms made from freshwater baroque pearls, which can be added to necklaces, bracelets and earrings. "Jewellery is a true form of self-expression," Astrid & Miyu's founder Connie Nam told the magazine.
How to wear a charm necklace
- Wear it over a high neck. A charm chain over a black roll-neck, as Chloé showed, looks deliberate and grown up.
- Mix the charms. Pearl, shell, heart and key together feel collected rather than bought as a set. See pearls, reconsidered.
- Make it the one piece. A charm necklace is a focal point, so keep the rest quiet. Read about one big piece.
- Go long. A longer chain gives the charms room to move. See our long pendant necklaces.
The takeaway
Start with a heavy gold chain and one charm that means something. Add to it over the years, and in time it becomes the piece you would save from a fire. More in Jewelry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are charm necklaces trending in 2026?
Shoppers want jewellery that feels personal and collected. Harper's Bazaar UK reported that searches for "chunky charm necklace" more than doubled this spring, and Celine, Chanel and Chloé all showed charm necklaces.
Which designers showed charm necklaces for fall 2026?
Celine under Michael Rider showed long chains of oversized charms, including shells and pine cones, Chloé layered charms over high necks, and Chanel's couture featured charm necklaces with pearls and blooms.
How do you wear a chunky charm necklace?
Wear it over a high-neck knit or plain neckline, and let it be your only statement piece. Mixing different charms makes it look collected over time.
Can you build your own charm necklace?
Yes. Brands such as Astrid & Miyu and Pandora offer necklaces you can customise with charms, from birthstones and initials to baroque pearl shapes.
