High-Profit Necklace Designs to Sell in Australia

Introduction

Australia’s jewelry industry is thriving, supported by strong consumer demand, cultural diversity, and growing interest in sustainable luxury. Necklaces—ranging from minimalist chains to bold bridal statement pieces—are one of the most profitable categories for retailers, designers, and wholesalers alike.

According to Statista, the Australian jewelry market is projected to surpass AUD 5.2 billion by 2027, growing steadily at an annual rate of 4.1%. Within this, necklaces account for nearly 30% of total fine jewelry sales, making them a high-revenue segment for brands and resellers.

But what makes certain necklace designs more profitable than others? The answer lies in a combination of consumer trends, cultural preferences, material costs, and brand positioning. In this article, we’ll explore the top high-profit necklace designs to sell in Australia, backed by market insights and sales data.

The Jewelry Market in Australia: Key Insights

Before diving into profitable designs, it’s important to understand the market landscape.

• Market Size: Jewelry sales in Australia exceeded AUD 4.6 billion in 2024, with steady year-on-year growth.
  
• Imports vs. Local Production: Over 70% of jewelry sold in Australia is imported, particularly from India, Hong Kong, and China, presenting opportunities for international manufacturers.

Consumer Preferences:

• 18–35-year-olds prefer minimalist and personalized jewelry.
• 35–55-year-olds are major buyers of gold and diamond necklaces for weddings, anniversaries, and investments.
• Multicultural influence (Indian, Middle Eastern, and Asian communities) fuels demand for bridal and traditional jewelry sets.

Materials in Demand:

• Gold (9K, 14K, 18K) is the most purchased fine jewelry metal in Australia.
• Lab-grown diamonds are gaining momentum, with over 40% growth in 2024
• Sustainable metals and recycled gold are trending among eco-conscious buyers.

High-Profit Necklace Designs in Australia

1. Gold Chains & Minimalist Necklaces

Minimalist designs are the backbone of Australia’s everyday jewelry market. Lightweight yet elegant, they appeal to consumers looking for versatility.

• Popular styles: snake chains, rope chains, box chains, curb chains.
  
• Trendy add-ons: layering sets with adjustable lengths.
  
• Price points: Affordable when made in 9K or 14K gold, but also scalable in 18K for luxury buyers.

Profit Insight: Retail margins on gold chains often range between 40–55%, especially when positioned as daily wear jewelry.

2. Diamond Pendant Necklaces

Diamonds remain the ultimate symbol of luxury and love in Australia. However, the shift towards lab-grown diamonds has expanded the customer base for diamond necklaces.

• Classic styles: solitaire pendants, halo pendants, cross pendants.
  
• Consumer shift: Lab-grown diamond jewelry is expected to make up 20% of Australia’s diamond sales by 2026 (De Beers research).
  
• Profit factor: Lab-grown options cost 40–60% less than mined diamonds, allowing higher markups.

Profit Insight: Diamond pendants are one of the highest-margin products in fine jewelry, especially for gifting and bridal markets.

3. Pearl Necklaces with a Modern Twist

Pearls are enjoying a comeback in Australia, thanks to TikTok and Instagram fashion trends. Unlike the traditional single-strand pearl necklaces, today’s designs mix pearls with gold and gemstones.

• Trending types: baroque pearls, layered pearl-gold combos, and choker styles.
  
• Demographic: Fashion-forward women aged 20–40 are the primary buyers.
  
• Profitability: Pearls sourced from Asia (e.g., freshwater pearls from China) are affordable, but retail markups often exceed 200%.

Profit Insight: A necklace retailing for AUD 500 may have a production cost as low as AUD 100–150, depending on sourcing.

4. Bridal Necklace Sets

Bridal jewelry is one of the most profitable categories in Australia, largely due to multicultural influences.

• Indian Bridal Jewelry: Polki, Kundan, and temple-style necklaces are popular among the large Indian diaspora.
  
• Western Bridal Jewelry: Diamond chokers, pearl strands, and elegant pendants dominate traditional Australian weddings.
  
• Profitability: Bridal sets often include necklaces, earrings, and headpieces, making upselling easy.

Profit Insight: Bridal jewelry commands premium markups of 100–300%, as buyers view them as one-time lifetime investments.

5. Statement & Gemstone Necklaces

Australians love gemstone jewelry, not just for beauty but also for spiritual and astrological significance.

• Popular gemstones: sapphires (Australia’s national gem), emeralds, rubies, and amethysts.
  
• Designs: bold chokers, multi-stone bib necklaces, oversized pendants.
  
• Profitability: Colored gemstones have lower production costs but can fetch luxury price tags when paired with gold or diamonds.

Profit Insight: The Australian sapphire market alone is valued at over AUD 150 million annually.

6. Personalized & Custom Necklaces

Personalization has become one of the fastest-growing jewelry trends worldwide, and Australia is no exception.

• Types: initial pendants, nameplate necklaces, zodiac symbols, and birthstone charms.
  
• Consumer appeal: Emotional connection drives higher willingness to pay.
  
• E-commerce boost: Online jewelry brands like Mejuri and Pandora have fueled personalization demand

Profit Insight: Personalized jewelry can be sold at 40–70% margins, especially since buyers value uniqueness over material cost.

Factors That Boost Profitability in the Necklace Market

Beyond design, profitability depends on strategy. Successful retailers in Australia leverage these factors:

1. Metal Choices: Offering flexible options—9K, 14K, 18K gold, sterling silver, brass, and even platinum—expands the customer base.
   
2. Diamond Options: Providing natural, lab-grown, and moissanite caters to different budgets.
   
3. Sustainability: Recycled metals and conflict-free stones increase trust with eco-conscious consumers.
   
4. Cultural Inclusivity: Stocking Indian bridal sets, Middle Eastern designs, and Western classics helps serve Australia’s diverse population.
   
5. Omnichannel Selling: Retailers with both online stores and physical showrooms achieve up to 30% higher sales growth compared to online-only sellers (McKinsey report, 2024).

Marketing & Sales Strategies for Australia

• Leverage Social Media: Jewelry discovery on Instagram and TikTok is growing rapidly. Hashtags like #AustralianJewelry and #BridalJewelryAustralia attract thousands of buyers.
  
• Content Marketing: Blogs and styling guides showcasing “How to Style Layered Necklaces” or “Best Bridal Necklace Sets” can drive organic traffic.
  
• Influencer Collaborations: Micro-influencers (5K–50K followers) in Australia deliver strong ROI for jewelry campaigns.
  
• Festive & Wedding Seasons: Sales peak during Christmas, Valentine’s Day, and wedding months (Sept–Dec).
  
• Flexible Payment Options: Offering buy-now-pay-later (BNPL) services like Afterpay has boosted jewelry sales by 25% in Australia.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Which necklace designs sell fastest in Australia?

Minimalist gold chains, diamond pendants, and personalized necklaces are among the top-sellers due to their versatility and affordability.

2. Are lab-grown diamonds popular in Australia?

Yes, lab-grown diamond jewelry sales grew by 40% in 2024, making them a profitable option for modern buyers seeking sustainability.

3. What is the best material for high-profit necklaces?

Gold (9K & 18K), sterling silver, and brass plated with gold offer the best balance between affordability and resale value.

4. What price range sells best for necklaces in Australia?

Most buyers look for pieces between AUD 300–1500, while bridal necklaces can range from AUD 2000–20,000 depending on materials.

5. How can small jewelry retailers compete with big brands?

By focusing on niche designs, cultural markets, personalized pieces, and ethical sourcing, small retailers can outperform large chains in profitability.

Conclusion: Partnering for Success

The Australian jewelry market is expanding rapidly, with necklaces standing out as one of the most profitable categories for retailers and wholesalers. From minimalist gold chains and diamond pendants to bridal sets and personalized designs, the opportunities are vast for businesses willing to adapt to consumer trends.

To scale profitably, partnering with a trusted manufacturer is essential.

At Nakassi, we specialize in creating custom necklace designs for global markets, including Australia. With expertise in gold, silver, brass, natural diamonds, lab-grown diamonds, and moissanite, we help jewelry brands deliver high-profit designs that resonate with their customers.

Looking to expand your necklace collection in Australia? Connect with Nakassi today to discuss your custom jewelry requirements.

Priyanka kale

Priyanka is a jewelry specialist with a passion for crafting stories as dazzling as the gems she adores. With years of experience in the industry, she combines deep expertise in design trends, gemology, and craftsmanship with a flair for creating engaging, informative content that resonates with jewelry enthusiasts and collectors alike.