Chunky bracelets on public transport, layered necklaces over tank tops, and that viral pair of mismatched pearl earrings everyone seems to be sporting—jewellery in 2025 is anything but timid. Walk through the Sydney CBD or scroll Instagram for five minutes and it’s clear: the old rules have been tossed. Instead of blending in, people want their accessories to shout a little (or a lot). Let’s crack into what’s hot, what’s emerging, and how you can pull it off without looking like you raided your grandma’s attic or a kid’s dress-up box.
What’s Lighting Up 2025: Jewellery Styles Everyone Wants
I’ll start with something offbeat—did you know chunky silver is outselling gold for the first time in over ten years in places like Australia, the UK, and the US? That’s not some made-up stat; it came from a Sydney jewellery trade report back in May. People are obsessed with weighty rings, wide linked chains, and bold sculptural bangles. If you want jewellery that gets noticed, you cannot miss the chunky silver trend—think thick curb chains, oversized hoops, and big, shiny cuffs. Designers like Alighieri and local favourite Sarah & Sebastian are betting big on this look for another season at least.
Naturally shaped gemstones are making a huge splash too. Instead of overly polished and perfectly cut crystals, you’ll spot baroque pearls, raw turquoise, jagged onyx, and even tumbled jasper (yep, like my own name!) showing up in necklaces and drop earrings. These pieces give you individuality; no two are the same. An interesting tidbit—a 2024 study by Australia’s National Gemstone Council recorded an 18% surge in sales of uncut and natural-finish stones compared to just three years ago. People love them for their uniqueness and tactile vibe. If you’re looking to feel a real connection with a piece, go for one that’s got bumps, waves, or spots rather than something that’s perfectly smooth.
What about colour? Aussie summers are known for their energy, and 2025’s jewellery is definitely following suit. Pastel enamel, colour beads, and vibrant resin have crashed back from the 90s and early 2000s. Candy pinks, seafoam greens, and electric blues in stackable rings and bracelets are everywhere. Miu Miu and local Sydney designers are stacking up on these. Don’t be shy to clash a few colours—it’s half the fun.
Another big trend: asymmetry. Earrings don’t have to match—one shoulder-grazing earring, one subtle stud. Designers are letting you customise your look, so mixing shapes, colours or even metals is fair game. Just look at Emma Chamberlain, the YouTube superstar, mixing and mismatching her ears at Paris Fashion Week earlier this year. Asymmetry makes your style personal.
| Jewellery Trend | Popularity Increase (2021-2025) |
|---|---|
| Chunky Silver Pieces | +27% |
| Natural Gemstone Accessories | +18% |
| Colourful Enamel/Beads | +22% |
| Asymmetric Earrings | +15% |
For guys, there’s fresh energy too—think pearl chokers, layered leather, and engraved rings that aren’t afraid to look pretty but still feel masculine. Even foot chains and anklets are showing up on Bondi Beach, styled with slides or even bare feet. Gender-neutral designs are finally mainstream, making it feel less like breaking rules and more like just having fun.
Here’s a quick list of must-try trends if you want to keep things modern but wearable:
- Wide silver chains and bold cuffs
- Mismatched, oversized earrings
- Personalised charms with initials or birthstones
- Bright enamel rings and beaded bracelets
- Layering delicate chains with chunky pendants
- Stacked anklets (yes, really!)
- Pearl pieces for any gender
There isn’t a single age group driving these trends either. Gen Z’s pushing playful looks, but you’ll spot professionals (and grandparents, honestly) rocking sleek bold chains or earthy stones. My neighbour, a 70-year-old retiree, wears a moonstone pendant that knocks it out of the park.
Material Magic: What’s New and What Lasts
Remember when gold used to be the one-size-fits-all king? Now, the material menu has exploded. Silver’s clearly having a moment, but stainless steel has snuck in for people who need something tough, budget-friendly, and unfussy. It’s hypoallergenic, it won’t tarnish, and you can buy beautiful pieces for under $50 at nearly any shopping centre. My mate grabbed a chunky steel signet ring two months ago—still looks brand new after non-stop wear, gardening and dish washing included.
Sustainable materials are another biggie in 2025. Recycled gold and silver, especially pieces made from old broken jewellery, have become cool—almost a bragging right. Stores like Mejuri and smaller local artists have started offering trade-in schemes for worn-out items, so you can recycle your not-so-loved jewellery and snag something modern. No surprise: about 34% of buyers in the last year say they were drawn to brands offering greener options, according to Australia’s major online shop research.
A new favourite? Bio-resin. It looks like enamel, feels light, lets you wear psychedelic colours and funky patterns, and is made with plant-based ingredients. A few studios in Melbourne launched their own bio-resin lines early this year, making it a name to watch. If you want pieces that pop but still feel good ethically, this is the material to try.
Gemstones are evolving fast. The hot stones right now: opal (our Aussie classic), malachite, and sunstone. They’re popping up in everyday wear, not just show-off pieces. Opal, in particular, is super local—Australia supplies around 95% of the world’s opal, mostly from outback towns like Lightning Ridge. Fair-trade gemstones and recycled materials are selling out quickly, especially online.
- For hypoallergenic wear, stick with stainless steel, titanium or pure gold.
- Pearls (not just white, but pink and even lavender) are back—gritty, quirky, and imperfect is the new shiny and uniform.
- Watch for up-and-coming enamel art—local designers are painting rings and earrings by hand for truly unique looks.
- Leather is popping back up, especially plaited or mixed with metal for a contemporary edge.
Technology has snuck into the jewellery scene too. Some brands are adding microchip tags to premium jewellery, so you can trace where your gem came from and even register it against theft. If you care about origins or want proof that your diamonds aren’t conflict stones, this tech is changing the game.
Sydney’s street markets and indie stores are a goldmine for finding unusual combinations—think recycled copper with locally found shells, seed beads with recycled glass, or fabric-wrapped bangles. “Mix everything so your jewellery feels as individual as your playlist,” is what a local designer told me last month. It’s a solid way to play by nobody’s rules but your own.
Tips for Wearing, Shopping, and Caring for Trending Jewellery
So, you’re stoked to try bold, mind-bending jewellery—how do you wear it without feeling like you’re cosplaying? Start by picking one standout piece: a fat silver chain, a candy-bright ring, or a dramatic raw gemstone pendant. Let that piece do the talking, and go subtle elsewhere if you’re not used to loads of shine.
If you’re layering, think about texture and scale. Mix ropey chains with smooth ones, throw in a tiny pendant or two, and space them out. Rule of thumb: 2-3 necklaces layered works well for most people. Same for bracelets—mix widths and finishes, but don’t overload one wrist with all the heavy stuff unless you want attention locked to your arms.
Earrings can be fun and weird now, so don’t worry about symmetry. Want to try the mismatched style? Wear a stud on one side and a giant hoop or pearl drop on the other. It can look deliberate and cool, especially with slicked-back hair or a middle parting (trust me, Luna the cat often paws at my danglier picks—if your pets are interested, you’re doing something right).
Shopping for jewellery? If you want bang for your buck, check out local markets and online platforms before dropping cash at a big name store. Look for authenticity stamps (925 for sterling silver, for example), and if you’re buying gemstones, ask where they’re sourced. Don’t be scared of costume pieces if you’re trying wild trends—especially bio-resin and stainless steel, since they last ages and cost less. If you or someone you know has sensitive skin, stick to hypoallergenic metals. And if something looks too good to be true (like “gold” for $10), it probably isn’t real and might turn green in a week.
Don’t ignore jewellery care. Even the best stuff needs TLC. Here’s my quick routine:
- Take off rings when you wash hands or cook, especially if you’ve got gemstones or mixed materials.
- Store silver separately to stop it from scratching or tarnishing—pouches or sectioned jewellery boxes work best.
- Buff enamel and resin with a soft dry cloth, never soak or scrub them.
- If you’ve got pet hair everywhere (like me, thanks Sparky and Luna), a lint roller works wonders for chains and fabric bands.
- For pearls, just wipe them gently with a damp cloth—no harsh detergents.
Here’s a stat from a big Sydney cleaning service in early 2025: about 40% of jewellery repairs come from water or chemical damage that could have been avoided. If in doubt, take it off before swimming, cleaning, or using perfumes/sprays. Better safe than sorry… you’ll keep your favourite pieces looking good for longer.
Looking for that *it* factor? Personalising is on trend: engravings, birthstones, or custom charms mean your jewellery isn’t just on-trend, it’s yours. People don’t want clones; they want conversation-starters. Plus, if you’re gifting, unique picks definitely beat generic stones or plain chains.
If you’re chasing trends in 2025, you’re spoilt for choice. Go bold with silver, play with enamel and beads, mash up metals and stones, and bring your own story into the mix. The only real rule now—make it suit your mood, and don’t be afraid to try something new. That’s what style in jewellery is all about this year.
