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sugarloaf emerald huggies in 18ct solid gold-Evelyn Gold

For decades, the "brilliant cut" has reigned supreme in the world of fine jewellery. But as we move through 2026, a quiet revolution is happening on the finger and the lobe. The modern connoisseur is moving away from the expected sparkle of traditional facets and toward something more tactile, more ancient, and infinitely more architectural.

At the heart of this shift are two distinct, historic shapes: The Sugarloaf and The Marquise. At Evelyn Gold, these aren’t just trends; they are the foundation of our "Modern Heirloom" philosophy.

Here is why these sculptural shapes are defining the aesthetic of the year.



1. The Sugarloaf: The Connoisseur’s Secret

The Sugarloaf cut is a rare variation of the cabochon. Instead of a flat or rounded top, it is polished into a four-sided pyramid with soft, rounded edges.

Why it’s Trending in 2026:

  • Tactile Luxury: In a digital world, we crave the physical. The Sugarloaf is a "puffy," high-profile cut that begs to be touched.

  • Colour Depth: Unlike faceted stones that reflect light off the surface, a Sugarloaf cut allows you to look into the heart of the stone. It highlights the natural "jardin" (internal inclusions) of an emerald, making every piece one-of-a-kind.

  • The "Quiet Luxury" Aesthetic: It doesn’t scream for attention with blinding sparkles; it commands it through volume and rich, saturated colour.


2. The Marquise: The Original "Floating" Spark

Named after the Marquise de Pompadour, for whom King Louis XV allegedly commissioned a diamond shaped like her lips, the Marquise is an elongated oval with pointed ends.

Why it’s Trending in 2026:

  • Effortless Elongation: The Marquise is famous for making fingers look longer and ears look more elegant. It’s a flattering, geometric shape that feels both vintage and futuristic.

  • The Tension Setting Revolution: At Evelyn Gold, we’ve reimagined this classic. Our Amour Marquise Ruby Hoops use a minimalist tension setting to suspend the stone in mid-air.

  • Maximising Fire: Because of its long surface area, the Marquise captures "fire"—flashes of colour—in a way that round stones cannot, especially when light is invited to flood the stone from the sides.


3. Sculptural Settings for Modern Life

The trend for 2026 isn't just about the stone; it's about how the metal holds it. We are seeing a move toward 14ct and 18ct solid gold settings that mimic the organic textures of nature.

When a geometric Marquise Ruby is paired with an 18ct gold arc, or sugarloaf emeralds are set in an architectural pavé, it creates a contrast between the precision of the gem and the raw beauty of the earth.


4. Sustainability Meets Artistry

Today’s collector wants a story. They want to know that their vibrant crimson ruby or lush green emerald was vetted by hand for its unique personality. By choosing less "traditional" cuts like the Sugarloaf, you are often supporting a more artisanal supply chain that values the individual beauty of a crystal over mass-market uniformity.

Furthermore, at Evelyn Gold, our commitment to using 100% recycled solid gold and planting a tree for every order through JUST ONE Tree ensures that your sculptural choice is also a conscious one.



How to Style the Trend

  1. The Statement Huggie: Wear a Sugarloaf huggie in your first lobe piercing to provide a "weighty" anchor to your ear stack.

  2. The Floating Duo: Pair a Marquise-cut ring with a textured Drift Wave Band to play with the relationship between sharp points and soft curves.

  3. Monochrome Magic: Look for stones in the same colour family—like a spectrum of rubies—but in different cuts to create a curated, professional look.

Final Thoughts

The trends of 2026 are clear: we are looking for jewellery that feels "forged," not "manufactured." Whether it’s the ancient pyramid of the Sugarloaf or the romantic arc of the Marquise, these shapes offer a way to wear art every single day. Explore our Earrings Collection.