Wholesale Jewelry Sourcing in One Picture
Sourcing wholesale jewelry from China can look intimidating from outside, but the process is straightforward once you know the moving parts: minimum order quantity, customization model, sampling, production time, and shipping. This guide walks the full path so you can brief suppliers clearly and avoid the common expensive mistakes.
MOQ: Why 500 Pieces Is the Wholesale Baseline
Most suppliers set a minimum order quantity (MOQ) to cover setup and material cutting. At CM Tech Gem our MOQ is 500 pieces per style (500 pairs for earrings). Below that, per-unit cost jumps and production slots are hard to justify. If you are testing a new market, ask about mixed-style trials rather than dropping the MOQ — that keeps your unit cost sane while letting you spread risk across designs.
OEM vs ODM: Two Ways to Build Your Line
Two terms come up constantly:
- OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturing): you supply the design, we produce to spec — shapes, plating color, stone choice, logo engraving.
- ODM (Original Design Manufacturing): you pick from our existing designs and we adapt plating, packaging, or minor shape tweaks.
Not sure which fits? Our supplier checklist helps you brief a partner well.
Sampling, Production, and Lead Time
A healthy timeline looks like this: sample approval (7 to 10 days) then deposit then production (15 to 25 days for 500 to 2000 units) then quality inspection then shipping (5 to 12 days by air, longer by sea). Always confirm the clock starts after sample sign-off, not after first contact.
Shipping and Compliance
Ask for tracked shipping and the paperwork your market needs (material declarations, nickel-free and lead-free test reports where required). Selling into the EU or US? Build compliance into the purchase order from day one so customs does not become a surprise cost.
Start Your First Order
Pick 3 to 5 styles, request samples, and confirm MOQ and lead time in writing. When you are ready, browse our catalog or review our material guide to shortlist shapes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What should I check before sourcing jewelry from China?
Verify the supplier’s certifications, MOQ flexibility, material disclosure and lead-time reliability before committing. Use our supplier vetting checklist as a starting point.
Q: What are realistic MOQ and OEM/ODM terms?
A MOQ around 500 pcs per design is common, with OEM/ODM available for differentiation. Compare models in our OEM vs ODM guide.
Q: How do shipping and import duties work?
Air vs sea is a cost/risk trade-off, and import duties vary by destination. Review our freight and duties guides before planning stock.
Related wholesale ranges: Vet Wholesale Jewelry Supplier Checklist · Oem Vs Odm Jewelry Wholesale · Request a quote
