Gold Experts Say Record Prices Are Reshaping Fine Jewellery Demand — and 9k and 18k Gold Are the Winners

SYDNEY, Australia — With gold reaching record highs above US$5,400 an ounce in early 2026, Australia's jewellery retailers are watching a structural shift in what their customers buy. Searay, one of Australia's largest wholesale suppliers of 9k and 18k gold jewellery, believes the rising gold price is not dampening demand for fine jewellery — it is redirecting it.

Global data backs this view. The World Gold Council reported that while jewellery demand volumes fell 23% year-on-year in Q1 2026 under record prices, consumer spend on gold jewellery actually rose 31% — a clear signal that buyers still want gold, but are choosing pieces that deliver presence and wearability at an accessible price point. Internationally, retailers are expanding their 14k and 18k ranges as buyers move down from higher caratages.

"Every time gold sets a new record, the headlines say jewellery demand should fall. What we see from our retail partners is different — customers walk in wanting gold more than ever, because the price rise has reinforced gold's status as a store of value," said Ron Loccisano, Director of Searay. "The conversation at the counter has simply shifted to 9k and 18k, where a retailer can still put a substantial, beautiful piece in front of a customer at a price they'll say yes to."

Searay's forecast: a strong second half for 9k and 18k

Searay forecasts that 9k and 18k gold popularity will accelerate after tax returns are lodged from the end of June, when Australian consumers traditionally redirect refunds into considered purchases. The company expects two trends to dominate the second half of 2026:

1. The continued rise of 9k and 18k gold as the sweet spot between precious metal value and retail price point — particularly in Italian-made chain, where craftsmanship lets lighter pieces wear like heavier ones.
2. Designs that look and feel heavy — bold curb chains, paperclip links, wide hoops and solid-look bangles — continuing to grow in popularity as customers seek maximum visual weight for their spend.

"Designs with real presence — pieces that look and feel heavy on the wrist or neck — will keep growing through this year," Loccisano said. "Our job as a wholesale supplier is to make sure Australian jewellers have those designs in the safe before the customer asks for them."

As a gold chain supplier and wholesaler importing Italian-made chain alongside its own ranges, Searay stocks more than 4,500 products across 9k and 18k gold — from belcher, curb, figaro, rope and paperclip chains to bangles, earrings, pendants and rings — with same-day dispatch for trade customers across Australia and New Zealand.

About Searay

Searay is an Australian wholesale jewellery supplier and one of the country's largest 9k and 18k gold chain suppliers, serving jewellery retailers, custom jewellers and pawn shops since the 1990s. Searay manufactures, imports and wholesales high-quality gold chain and fine jewellery — including Italian-made chains — and works strictly with trade businesses. For wholesale enquiries, visit searay.net.au or email info@searay.net.au.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is 9k gold jewellery becoming more popular in Australia?

Record gold prices have pushed retail prices for high-carat pieces up sharply. 9k gold offers durability and genuine gold content at a significantly lower price point, letting retailers offer substantial-looking pieces customers can afford.

Is 18k gold still worth stocking at record gold prices?

Yes. 18k remains the preferred caratage for premium and bridal-adjacent purchases, and worldwide data shows consumer spend on gold jewellery rising even as volumes adjust. 18k is typically 20–25% cheaper than higher caratages, making it the value option in the luxury segment.

What gold jewellery designs are trending in 2026?

Bold, heavy-look designs: chunky curb and paperclip chains, solid-look bangles, and wide hoops. Customers want pieces with visual weight; semi-solid construction in 9k and 18k delivers that look at accessible prices.

Where can Australian jewellery retailers buy wholesale gold chain?

Searay is a wholesale gold chain supplier with over 4,500 products in 9k and 18k gold, including Italian-made chain, supplying trade-only customers across Australia and New Zealand with same-day dispatch. Retailers can apply for a wholesale account at searay.net.au.

Will gold prices keep rising in 2026?

No one can predict prices with certainty. Gold set records above US$5,400/oz in January 2026, and many analysts remain positive, but jewellery retailers should plan around design and price-point trends rather than speculate on the metal itself.