The Spring/Summer 2026 season is likely to change the habits of consumers to be more decisive and disciplined. With higher metal prices, due to an unsteady global economy, longer retailer planning cycles, more selective consumer spending, the market is soon going to experience a shift in traditional buying habits.
You may be thinking that, as a retailer, you need to adapt to current trends – which of course you do! – But more fundamentally, it’s important that retailers are emphasising the price justification, wearability and longevity of the products they’re marketing. For retailers that are currently planning to launch collections around late Spring, these factors matter just as much, if not more, than aesthetic trends.
Key Product Categories for SS26
Mini Hoops and Huggies
Tiny hoops and huggies remain widely stocked because of their versatility, especially with stacking. It’s common that these items are purchased in packs and multiples.
Stackable Rings
Stackable rings are another example of consumer buyers in multiples. This focus on volume purchasing evidences price justification for the consumer, and designs like thin bands, light textures and Cubic Zirconia embellishments are bang on trend.
Simple Pendant Necklaces
Understated pendant necklaces are a common item purchased to display refinement and elegance. They can be symbolic and are very gift-oriented. With designs like Initials, Hearts, and Pearls, they have great mark-up potential.
Symbolic Jewellery
Symbolic items that visualise meaning to the buyer tend to maintain consistent year-round demand. Designs such as crosses, evil eye, infinity symbol and the tree of life are great designs for consistent consumer interest.
Children’s Ear Studs
Children’s ear studs are a great item for gifting. This category is known for being a huge repeat-purchase for consumers. Reasons include replacements and quick changing trends.
The Factors That Support Consistent Demand
Several key factors underpin the popularity of the items in these categories:
- Consumer interest in layered styles – drives consistent demand for lightweight pieces
- The lack of seasonality in symbolic designs ensures year-round performance
- Maintaining affordable & high quality stock to support repeat purchases
- Appealing to, and forecasting cultural trends
UK-based suppliers, such as SilverJD, provide affordable pricing structures that support retailers in managing their wholesale costs and increase their profit margin.
Financial Considerations
With current economic factors a huge driver in consumer activity, the pricing decisions being made by retailers are increasingly becoming shaped by response to the market. Ensuring that retailers price pieces affordably for their consumers, while also making a great enough margin to turn a profit is a vital factor in buying decisions.
It’s all well and good to promote a 10x margin on a item you’re retailing, but if the product is not of considerable quality, there is little chance of repeat custom. Ensuring that you’re sampling and buying a durable and quality product, and pricing it smartly, will result in repeat customers and customer satisfaction.
Summary
The SS26 season is going to be greatly influenced by high material costs in the jewellery market. Selective consumer spending, spend justification and durability of product are going to be the top deciding factors that businesses will need to adapt to in the forthcoming months. If taken into consideration, the advice outlined in the article, along with a reliable and well-set-up supply chain, should support businesses looking to navigate the market over the coming year.
