1) Define Your Jewelry Niche
- Fine jewelry: gold, silver, diamonds, precious stones.
- Fashion jewelry: alloy, stainless steel, copper, plated designs.
- Handmade jewelry: beads, crochet, natural stones.
- Custom jewelry: logo-engraved, personalized pieces.
Clarify your niche to target the right suppliers and avoid mismatches.
2) Choose the Right Sourcing Platforms
- Wholesale Platforms
- 1688.com (domestic market pricing; usually needs a local agent for non-Chinese buyers).
- Alibaba.com (international focus, English support; MOQs can be higher).
- DHgate & Made-in-China (smaller MOQs, faster ordering).
- Physical Markets
- Yiwu International Trade Market: thousands of fashion jewelry stalls.
- Shenzhen: strong in fine jewelry and lab-grown/diamond settings.
- Guangzhou: major hub for fashion jewelry wholesale.
- Trade Fairs
- Canton Fair (Guangzhou): broad jewelry categories.
- Hong Kong Jewelry & Gem Fair: gems, diamonds, high-end pieces.
3) Verify Suppliers
- Check business license, years in operation, and export experience.
- Confirm material safety certifications (nickel-free, lead-free, cadmium-free) for your destination market.
- Review feedback and request factory photos or virtual tours.
- Order product samples to validate quality claims.
Tip: Consider using a China sourcing agent to vet factories, audit quality, and handle payments and logistics.
4) Order Samples
- Request 2–5 pieces from each shortlisted supplier.
- Evaluate plating durability, stone setting security, weight/comfort, and skin-contact reactions.
- Assess packaging quality (OPP bags, boxes, barcodes) and labeling accuracy.
5) Negotiate Price & MOQ
- Fine jewelry often has smaller MOQs (e.g., 10–20 pcs), but higher per-unit cost.
- Fashion jewelry usually has larger MOQs (e.g., 200–500 pcs) with lower per-unit cost.
- Ask for mixed models/colors within one order to test market response.
- Negotiate payment terms after a successful first order.
6) Ensure Quality Control
- Common issues: quick plating wear, stones loosening, incorrect labels/packaging.
- Use third-party inspection (random or full) before shipment.
- Define clear quality standards and AQL, plus packaging specs in your purchase order.
7) Shipping & Import Duties
- Small orders: express courier (DHL, FedEx, UPS) for speed.
- Bulk orders: air freight or sea freight for better cost per unit.
- Understand HS codes, duty rates, and any required safety/compliance documentation for jewelry in your country.
8) Build Long-Term Supplier Relationships
- Pay on time and share detailed feedback.
- Place regular orders to secure better pricing and priority production.
- Develop exclusive designs or private labeling once trust is established.