Jewellery Trends Summer 2026, Ruby & Onyx For July
27th June 2026
See us this Saturday, 27th June at London Luton Bead Fair, Stockwood Hotel, Luton LU1 3SS – just off M1 J10, 1/2-hour from North London.
Then Sunday 28th June at Worcester Bead Fair, Ombersley Village Hall, Sandys Road WR9 0DY. The latest semi precious beads by MrBead, seed beads & findings by Southampton Bead Shop and other trades.
Both Shows Free Entry & Refreshments. MrBead Shop: https://mrbeadshop.com. For all shows this year, click Bead Fairs 2026
Content:
Upcoming Bead Fairs
Summer Jewellery Trends
Ruby – July’s Stone
Onyx – Alternate July’s Stone
Summer Jewellery With Onyx
Enjoy a Bead Fair Soon
2026 Bead Fairs
Follow Us Online – Get Social!
On Facebook: MrBeadShop. We’re getting popular on Instagram! Tweet a link to all your followers – just click here. Join our 14,000 fans and follow us on X at MrBead@UKMrBead and Nigel at Nigel@NigelMckay
15% Off All From MrBead
Enjoy 15% off anything with no minimum order. Shipping is free too on UK orders over £45. International shipping from US$13.
Can only be used at the NEW shop & not with any other coupon. To get the discount Key TRENDS at checkout now, as offer ends Friday 3rd July 2026. Use at https://mrbeadshop.com.
Upcoming Bead Fairs
London Luton Bead Fair
This Saturday, 27th June at Stockwood Hotel, Castle Street, Luton LU1 3SS. Just off M1 J10 – 1/2-hour from North London. Click for details Here.
Worcester Bead Fair
This Sunday, 28th July at Worcester Village Hall, Ombersley Village Hall, Sandys Road WR9 0DY. Click for details Here. Semi precious beads & pearls by MrBead, crystals and seed beads by Southampton Bead Shop, and other traders.
Cambridge Bead Fair
The following Sunday we’re at the Cambridge Bead Fair, Harston Village Hall, Harston CB22 7PX. Just off M11 J11 – just 15-mins from Cambridge Centre. Click for details Here.
Summer Jewellery Trends 2026: Natural Beauty Takes Centre Stage
This summer, jewellery trends are all about colour, texture, and natural beauty. Semi-precious beads like amazonite, rose quartz, labradorite, and agate are favourites – helping jewellery makers create characterful designs.
Coastal-inspired designs are especially popular: shells, pearls, and ocean-toned beads. Soft blues, sea greens, sandy neutrals, and coral shades capture the relaxed spirit of summer.
Layering continues to dominate. With gemstone strings, delicate chains, and mixed textures worn together for a personalised look. Natural materials like wood, shell, and stone add an organic, bohemian feel.
Statement beads are making a comeback. With irregular shapes and natural finishes preferred. Customers are seeking jewellery that celebrates the unique beauty of natural gemstones.
From elegant gemstone designs to colourful beach-inspired creations, this summer’s trends offer endless inspiration for all jewellery makers.
Lincoln Bead Fair Report
Lincoln was terrible! Very quiet after the first hour. Lots of our regulars there didn’t come. We think the venue is too remote. Next year we’ll use a different hall closer to a large town. Maybe with the cost of fuel visitors don’t like travelling far – but many drive two-hours to other shows?
Norwich Bead Fair
Norwich was booming – one eager customer arriving early, filled her basket in 10-minutes! This show is always busy, but this was exceptional. Many new visitors, and busy from start to finish. We’ll be back in Norwich on Sunday 25th October – details at Norwich Bead Fair.
RUBY – JULY’S BIRTHSTONE
Like a perfect red rose, the Ruby’s rich colour speaks of love and passion. July’s birthstone is among the most highly prized of gems throughout history.
Ruby was considered to have magical powers, and worn by royalty as a talisman against evil. It was thought to grow darker when danger was imminent. Ruby is the hardest mineral after diamond.
The word Ruby comes from the Latin “ruber,” meaning red. It comes in hues from an orangey red to a purplish red, but the best are a true red – and is called a sapphire in any colour other than red.
Rubies were thought to represent heat and power. Ancient tribes used the gem as bullets for blowguns, and it was said that a ruby would boil water instantly.
It has been said that the ruby’s red glow comes from an eternal flame, making a gift of this stone symbolic of everlasting love. Powdered ruby was used as a cure for indigestion, and the ancients believed it would bring good fortune.
See our 2mm and 3mm faceted ruby, click Ruby Beads.
Onyx, July’s Alternate Stone
You can substitute expensive ruby for July jewellery with red garnet beads. These have similar benefits and looks.
However, the Romans had a different gemstone for July. They used Onyx. Onyx is a term for several stones. It’s been dyed since ancient times, with the popular pure black variety, being dyed microcrystalline quartz. Its natural colour is brown, white or grey.
Onyx in architecture isn’t quartz, but a type of limestone marble. Onyx is very similar to agate. With straight bands of brown, white or black, where agate has curved bands of many colours.
Although regarded as protective, onyx has a reputation as a stone of discord. Onyx was worn to cool the ardors of love, probably because it helps to balance the mind and emotions. Therefore avoided by lovers.
However, it does improve concentration and devotion, hence many onyx rosaries.
Onyx is a strength-giving stone, aiding confidence and useful for athletes. Its energy is a mental tonic and can help you cope with fears and worries, making you feel in harmony with your surroundings.
For Our Onyx and Obsidian Beads Click Here.
Summer Jewellery with Onyx Beads
Onyx beads may be known for their dark, moody allure, but with the right pairing, they can bring bold sophistication to your summer jewellery.
Whether you’re lounging on the beach or heading to a sunset party, onyx adds a touch of depth and contrast that makes bright colours pop and your design stand out. Break the rules. Mix the bold with the bright, and let your summer jewellery shine with the elegance of onyx.
Why Use Onyx Beads in Summer Jewellery?
• Bold Contrast: Onyx stands out beautifully against bright summer colours.
• Timeless Elegance: Adds a classy, polished finish to casual or beachy looks.
• Neutral Base: Pairs well with almost any colour, letting you get creative.
Palettes That Work Wonders
• Onyx + Turquoise: A fresh, striking mix of deep black and ocean blue.
• Onyx + Coral: The warmth of coral softens the boldness of black, creating an elegant tropical look.
• Onyx + Gold: Perfect for evening summer events or festivals – chic and timeless.
• Onyx + White + Yellow: A modern and playful contrast that feels like sunshine and shadow.
• Onyx + Rainbow Seed Beads: Let onyx anchor a playful, colourful strand of mini beads.
Design Ideas with Onyx Beads
1. Minimalist Anklets
• Use small round onyx beads spaced with gold or silver spacers.
• Add a single turquoise or shell charm for a beach-ready finish.
2. 
Stackable Bracelets
• Mix onyx with brightly colored seed beads in separate strands.
• Use elastic cord or memory wire for easy stacking.
3. Statement Earrings
• Combine a teardrop or faceted onyx bead with a pop of neon or pearl.
• Use geometric shapes (hexagons, bars) to keep things modern.
4. Chokers or Layered Necklaces
• Use onyx beads as the base strand.
• Add shorter layers of citrine, rose quartz, or coloured glass beads.
• Include small charms like shells, suns, or moons for a boho summer look.
For Our Onyx and Obsidian Beads Click Here.
Enjoy a Bead Fair Soon
Bead shows are great fun. You’ll love them! Bring a trolley, as beads get heavy. Take some cash, as a few venues have a weak signal for card payments. Talk to the vendors and other visitors to inspire new design ideas. Make a note of what you paid for beads, and keep exhibitors’ business cards and leaflets.
2026 Bead Fairs
We have booked 30 shows so far for 2026:
Sat 27th June: London Luton Bead Fair, Stockwood Hotel, Luton LU1 3SS – Just off M1 J10.
Sun 28th June: Worcester Bead Fair, Ombersley Village Hall WR9 0DY
Sun 5th July: Cambridge Bead Fair, Harston Village Hall, CB22 7PX
Sat 18th July: Welsh Bead Fair, Redwick Village Hall, NP26 3DE
Sun 19th July: Cornish Bead Fair, John Betjeman Centre, Wadebridge PL17 7BX
Weekend 25th-26th July: London Gem n Bead Fair, Kempton Park TW16 5AQ
Click For All Bookings: 2026 Bead Fairs
15% Off All From MrBead
Enjoy 15% off anything with no minimum order. Shipping is free too on UK orders over £45. International shipping from US$13.
Can only be used at the NEW shop & not with any other coupon. To get the discount Key TRENDS at checkout now, as offer ends Friday 3rd July 2026. Use at https://mrbeadshop.com.
MrBead Newsletter:
20 Years of Beading Newsletters 2005 to 2025. See all at Old MrBead Newsletters.
SubscribeUnsubscribe