Jewellery trends in Australia are always shifting, but in 2026 the biggest theme is clear: people are looking for pieces that feel personal, meaningful and a bit different from what everyone else is wearing. Rather than fast-fashion accessories that come and go, jewellery lovers are choosing fewer, better pieces - often from small Australian jewellery brands - that tell a story and really feel like 'them'.

I'm Simone Walsh, an Australian jewellery designer who has been creating and selling silver, gold and gemstone jewellery for 30 years.

Over the decades I've seen how Australian jewellery lovers are increasingly drawn to designs that stand out in a thoughtful way and pieces that are made to be worn and loved for a long time.

In this guide, I'll look at the key jewellery trends in Australia for 2026: from meaningful, symbolic designs and nature-inspired pieces through to the return of silver, the rise of mixed metals and a renewed focus on texture and craftsmanship.

You'll also find practical ideas for how to wear these trends, plus examples from our own Australian jewellery collection to help you style them in a way that suits your personality and your wardrobe.

Not sure what jewellery really suits you and your personality? Then take a step back and check out our must-read Jewellery Styling Guide to figure it all out. It will also help you fall back in love with the jewellery you already have.

Whether you're refreshing your own jewellery collection, choosing a special gift or just curious about what's coming next, think of this as a friendly, down-to-earth overview. It's not about chasing every passing fad, but about understanding the wider trends so you can pick out jewellery that feels like a perfect fit in 2026 and well beyond.

---

2026 Jewellery Trends

1. Personal & Symbolic Jewellery

Personal meaning continues to be one of the strongest themes people are looking for in their jewellery, and in 2026 it becomes even more central. Jewellery lovers are increasingly gravitating towards pieces that tell a story: birthstones, botanical elements, talismans and designs that represent milestones or personal values.

This shift reflects a desire for jewellery that feels intimate rather than generic. Instead of wearing trends for the sake of it or pieces that are all surface and no meaning, people want jewellery designs that express who they are. It's no surprise that handmade and small-batch jewellery is thriving in this space - the artistry and intention behind each design adds another layer of meaning on top of those within each piece.

Much of our collection fits naturally with this trend: from botanical and nature-inspired motifs through to birthstone jewellery and meaningful jewellery designs. These pieces offer a way to tap into 2026's personal storytelling movement while choosing something distinctive.

See our Amulets: Symbolic Jewellery a suite of meaningful pieces which are designed to be mixed and matched.

2. Artistic Maximalism (but Refined, Not Over-the-Top)

Minimalist jewellery has dominated for years, but happily 2026 brings a renewed interest in pieces with bolder silhouettes, sculptural forms and expressive artistry: less boring, more engaging. This isn't gaudy or oversized fashion jewellery - it's more about wearable art: unusual shapes, organic contours and thoughtful details that elevate an outfit.

Australian jewellery wearers increasingly want something unique rather than mass-produced, and artistic maximalism offers that sense of individuality without overwhelming the wearer. It's a perfect trend for people who enjoy unique jewellery that sparks conversation.

My designs often lean into this territory, with etched surfaces, textured finishes, botanical silhouettes and pieces that look hand-wrought rather than factory-smooth. They're a natural fit for anyone wanting to make a refined statement that still feels personal and approachable.

If you're curious about our approach to creating distinctive, expressive pieces, have a look at our article Why We Don't Do Boring Jewellery, which explains why we prefer designs with personality over plain, factory-style minimalism.

Looking for inspiration? Take a peek at our Statement Earrings and Statement Necklaces. Also see our handy guide to How to Wear Statement Jewellery.

3. Colourful Jewellery Returns

After years of predominantly gold and neutral tones, colour is making a definite comeback - and colourful jewellery is a great way to add interest to even the most neutral outfit.

Gemstones are leading the way - especially amethyst, opal, turquoise, citrine and other vibrant stones that catch the light. Even subtle colour pops are becoming a favourite for adding personality without going full statement.

There's also renewed interest in enamel-like finishes, lacquer accents and designs that incorporate colour through texture or inlay. This often ties into seasonal styling: fresh, summery colours in warm months and deeper tones in winter.

Gemstone jewellery has always been a core part of our range, and these pieces align beautifully with this colour trend. They offer a simple way to brighten up an outfit or introduce a new accent shade into your jewellery rotation.

4. Sustainable Jewellery with Transparency

Sustainable and ethical jewellery has moved beyond being a nice-to-have: customers now expect clarity about materials, processes and sourcing. In 2026, transparency is as important as the materials themselves. It's more important than ever for customers to know how metals are recycled, where stones come from and how jewellery is produced.

This trend reflects a broader shift towards conscious consumption in Australia. People are buying less, choosing better, and expecting brands to demonstrate their values openly.

Simone Walsh Jewellery has long used recycled precious metals, ethically sourced gemstones, safe studio practices and eco-friendly packaging. Rather than needing to adjust to this trend, we're simply foregrounding the work we already do.

We truly do hope to help jewellery lovers make eco-friendly, ethical, and informed choices. Learn more about our Eco-Friendly & Ethical Jewellery practices.

5. Silver Jewellery's Comeback

Silver is enjoying a well-deserved resurgence in jewellery in 2026. After several years where gold jewellery dominated, shoppers are rediscovering how versatile, modern and expressive silver can be.

The rise of bold textures and sculptural designs is helping silver reclaim the spotlight, as these styles often look particularly striking in a cooler-toned metal. Its neutral tone pairs effortlessly with gemstone colours and with other metals.

Silver also offers a more accessible price point while still delivering longevity and beauty, making it ideal for gifting and everyday wear. With the staggeringly steep rise in the price of gold recently, it's not surprising that silver is having a comeback.

As sterling silver jewellery is central to our collection, this trend aligns naturally with what we already create. It's a great moment to explore new silver jewellery designs or revisit classic favourites.

Learn more about silver in our guides to What is Sterling Silver? and discover How to Choose the Best Silver Jewellery. If you own silver jewellery, then you'll also need to know How to Properly Clean Silver Jewellery.

6. Mixed Metals & Multi-Tonal Styling

Rigid 'only gold' or 'only silver' rules are well and truly gone - hooray! In 2026, mixed metal styling is not just accepted but celebrated.

Wearing gold and silver together creates visual depth and makes a jewellery collection feel more flexible and less matchy-matchy. Learn more in our guide to How to Choose: Gold or Silver Jewellery?.

Australians are increasingly comfortable layering pieces from different eras, metals and textures to build a personalised look. This is especially popular with stacking rings, earrings worn in multiple piercings and layered necklace sets.

Our stacking rings, layering necklaces, and mix-and-match jewellery designs make it easy to create your own metal combinations. Starting with one dominant metal and layering in contrasts is a simple way to play with this trend.

7. Texture as a Jewellery Design Feature

Texture is becoming a major focal point in jewellery design: hammered finishes, engraved motifs, etched surfaces, embossed patterns and organic edges are all gaining popularity. These details add richness without relying on large stones or overly bold shapes.

The beauty of textured jewellery is how it interacts with light: subtle surfaces shimmer in different ways, giving a piece dimension and character. For people who prefer understated styles but still want something interesting and eye-catching, textured designs are perfect.

Many of our jewellery designs feature etched patterns, embossed textures and hand-finished surfaces, so this trend integrates effortlessly with our existing collection. Browse our range and you'll find texture everywhere.

8. Nature-Inspired Jewellery

Australian design often had a strong connection to nature, and in 2026 that influence continues to grow in jewellery design particularly.

Think stylised leaves, flowers, seed pods, ocean motifs, celestial shapes and fauna-inspired pieces. These aren't literal replicas - they're artistic interpretations that bring a touch of the natural world into everyday adornment.

Nature-inspired jewellery resonates because it feels familiar and grounding. It also makes for meaningful gifts, especially for people who love gardening, wildlife or coastal life.

Botanical designs are a hallmark of my designs, from wattle motifs and floral silhouettes, to coral reef and ocean-inspired pieces. They fit seamlessly within this trend while often offering a distinctly Australian feel. Take a peek at our Australian Flora Jewellery and Bouquet: Flower Jewellery ranges for a unique and meaningful array of floral jewellery designs. Also see our Seaside: Beach Jewellery range for pieces inspire by the seaside and ocean.

9. Quiet Luxury (Handcrafted & Thoughtful Jewellery)

Quiet luxury has been one of the biggest global fashion movements, and in 2026 it evolves into something more grounded and craft-centred - which is of course something I strongly support!

Rather than logo-driven prestige, the focus is now on high-quality materials, careful workmanship and designs that feel refined but not flashy.

In Australia, this translates to pieces that feel special and well-made, yet easy to wear every day. Jewellery that looks considered rather than mass-produced is becoming increasingly sought after.

Our Australian jewellery collection naturally sits within this space: small-batch production, hand-finished details and designs intended to be worn for years. Customers who value craftsmanship over logos will find plenty to love in this trend.

10. Longer Necklaces & Layered Styling

Layering necklaces continues to be a strong jewellery habit in Australia, and in 2026 longer necklaces return as a key styling tool.

Long necklaces add vertical length, balance an outfit and pair well with both minimalist and statement pieces. Longer chains also make it easier to build multi-length necklace stacks without feeling cluttered.

Even if you don't reach for long statement necklaces often, adding one to your collection can open up new styling possibilities. Pairing a longer piece with mid-length pendants or chains creates depth and movement.

While our current collection focuses more on mid-length necklaces and pendants, many of the designs layer beautifully together and most of our necklaces allow you to change their length, especially if you add a necklace extender. For an extra long necklace, be sure to see our striking Handmade Sterling Silver Chain, which is available in a long version.

Need help with your necklace layering game? Check out our Necklace Length & Styling Guide for top tips.

Seasonal Jewellery Style Notes for 2026

While the major jewellery trends for 2026 are broad and long-lasting, Australians also tend to shift their style with the seasons. Rather than trends changing every few weeks, it's more about choosing pieces that feel right for the weather, colours and occasions happening throughout the year.

From bold winter layers to summery gemstone pops, seasonal styling is an easy way to refresh your jewellery look without replacing everything you own. If you’d like more detailed ideas for each season, you'll find our full style guides linked below.

Summer Jewellery

Summer in Australia calls for jewellery that feels light, bright and effortless. Colourful gemstones, ocean-inspired designs and simple necklaces that pair with warm-weather outfits are especially popular. This is also the time of year when people look for festive pieces that work for both Christmas and New Year celebrations.

For inspiration, see our Summer Outfit Ideas guide, which includes seasonal styling tips, festive suggestions and warm-weather jewellery combinations - which in Australia will see you through Christmas, the New Year, holidays, and parties.

Autumn Jewellery

Autumn brings deeper colours, richer textures and a shift back towards layered looks. It's an ideal season for experimenting with mixed metals, textured finishes and pieces that add warmth to your wardrobe. Many people start rediscovering their favourite necklaces and rings as the weather cools.

Explore our Autumn Jewellery & Style Guide for outfit ideas and jewellery pairings that suit the transitional months.

Winter Jewellery

Winter is when statement jewellery really comes into its own. Chunkier pieces stand out beautifully against knits, scarves and structured coats, while long necklaces and bold earrings help balance heavier fabrics. This season also works well with silver and textured finishes, which add interest without competing with layered clothing.

For more insights, take a look at our Winter Jewellery Trends in Australia article.

Spring Jewellery

Spring is all about fresh colours, floral-inspired designs and lighter combinations after the darker shades of winter. It’s the perfect time for botanical motifs, delicate chains, gemstone accents and pieces with a sense of movement and lightness.

You'll find more ideas in our Spring Jewellery Style Guide, including ways to refresh your look for the new season.

How to Choose Jewellery That Lasts Beyond Trends

Even though trends help guide what's popular in a particular year, the best jewellery choices are the ones that feel personal, meaningful and versatile long after the trend cycle shifts.

Thankfully jewellery lovers are increasingly choosing pieces that balance individuality with longevity - designs that might well feel current now but certainly won't look out of place in five or ten years.

One of the simplest ways to build a long-lasting jewellery collection is to figure out what suits you and your personality - which pieces you will actually wear again and again for years to come.

Taking the time to work this out for yourself will stand you in very good stead (and stop you buying things that you won't wear). Visit our Jewellery Styling Guide to learn how to take a step back and figure out what types of jewellery will truly work for you - and what you have on hand already that is worth keeping and wearing again.

Another good way to ensure you have a great jewellery collection is to focus on quality materials and craftsmanship. Sterling silver, solid gold and well made gemstone pieces age beautifully, especially when they're designed with thoughtful details rather than logo-driven and trend-obsessed styling. Textured finishes, organic shapes and nature-inspired motifs also tend to have lasting appeal because they're rooted in artistry rather than fast fashion.

Above all, choose pieces that feel like 'you'. Whether that’s a meaningful birthstone, a botanical pendant, a favourite pair of silver earrings or a ring stack you wear every day, your own taste is far more important than any short-lived trend. When jewellery reflects your style and story, it naturally becomes timeless.

Final Thoughts on 2026 Jewellery Trends

The jewellery trends shaping Australian style in 2026 reflect a broader shift toward individuality, meaning and thoughtful design.

Rather than following fast-changing fashions, people are choosing pieces that feel personal, expressive and made to last - whether that's through symbolic motifs, rich textures, sustainable materials or creative, nature-inspired artistry.

If you're refreshing your jewellery collection or choosing a special gift, these trends offer a helpful guide without limiting your options. Look for designs that speak to your own style, pair well with what you already wear and bring a little joy every time you put them on. When a piece feels like it belongs with you, it naturally becomes timeless.

If you'd like to explore Australian-designed jewellery that fits many of the themes we've talked about here, you'll find plenty of ideas across our silver, gold, gemstone and botanical collections. I hope this guide helps you feel inspired to try new combinations, revisit old favourites and discover pieces that you'll love well beyond 2026.

---