Gem Nails Are the Most Nostalgic Nail Art Trend of 2026
ulhmts on 16 September, 2025 | No Comments
Courtesy of @acenails_andbeauty, @sansungnails, and @banicured_Save this storySave this story
Gem nails capture our collective desires in 2026: the craving for more color, joy, and a time when we were less plugged in. “They are a nod to our whimsical childhoods, but also high fashion,” says Bana Jarjour, a New York City-based nail artist. Celebrities have been all over this trend this spring, including Kylie Jenner (whose nails have been studded with floral nail art made from rhinestones) and Khloé Kardashian (whose recent gemstone manicure featured stars, moons, and flowers).
The look features a rainbow of rhinestones placed on a solid, often beige, base. They hark back to grade-school art class, as well as the ’80s and ’90s, when everyone seemed to have a Bedazzler at home. This doesn’t mean gem nails have to be childlike or loud, though; today’s styles feature daintier stones that shine brightly and are more refined than bulky, costume gems. The look can be as minimalist as gems sprinkled on the tips of neutral nails or as bold as clusters of various stone sizes in intricate formations.
Gem nails can also feature beads and sequins, merging multiple creative outlets, explains San Sung Kim, a nail artist whose beaded- and gem-encrusted designs have been gaining attention on social media. “So many people love to craft,” she points out, “so these looks combine people’s love for both traditional crafting and nail art.”
Ahead, find our inspiration for the best gem nails—the looks that truly sparkle with joy.
Gem-nail inspiration
Classic gem nails with rainbow rhinestonesCourtesy of @heygreatnails
Courtesy of @banicured
Courtesy of @nailedbyjulianne
Courtesy of @banicured
Courtesy of @1.800.nailmeFrench manicure with gems
Courtesy of @sansungnailsRainbow rhinestone-encrusted tips
Courtesy of @acenails_andbeautyCourtesy of @vibewminailsGem nails with flowers
Courtesy of @sansungnails
Courtesy of @sansungnails
How to create gem nails at home
If you’re a crafter who enjoys hands-on projects (I, for one, spend hours bedazzling books), you might find your nails are a new canvas for creativity. “This is one of the easiest looks to achieve if you’re meticulous and patient,” says Kim. (If you're neither of those things, we have some product recommendations for you if you want to jump to the end.) Below are some nail artist tips for getting this design at home.
Carve out enough time to create your look. Says Kim, “The simpler looks can take around 30 minutes, but the more complex looks can take five hours or more.”
Before you head to a craft store, look through your own stash. Kim suggests digging through your drawers or old arts-and-crafts bins to find objects that are small enough to glue onto your nail.
Use gel formulas. Sure, you can glue a gem individually onto a base of regular polish, but Los Angeles-based nail artist Sarah Chue warns that your mani probably won’t last long. Both she and Kim recommend using gel polish and a non-wipe builder gel to better adhere your embellishments. “After applying your color and curing, polish the nail with a layer of builder gel,” says Chue. “Place your gems in the style you would like, then cure.”
Secure your gems. “Depending on the size of the [rhinestones], you may have to secure them a bit more around the edges with the builder gel,” Chue adds.
Lay out your design. For more complex looks, Kim paints the design onto her nails with colored polish, then places the gems and beads on top of her outlines.
Try press-on nails. If you’re not into tactile hobbies (we get it), there are still ways to get gem nails at home. Below are some of our picks for the most on-trend gem-nail press-ons.
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Olive & June
Rainbow Rhinestone French Press-Ons
Olive & June
Target
Olive & June’s spring collection features a French manicure with colorful decals.
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Lost Angels
Lucky You
Lost Angels
Lost Angels—founded by Brittney Boyce, a Los Angeles-based nail artist—has a variety of gemmy looks you can shop from. Her newly-launched Lucky You set is inspired by a look she created for Megan Fox.
Courtesy of @nails_of_la
Etsy also has a variety of colorful rhinestone nail press-ons for all nail lengths. If you prefer your nails short, this set is for you.