Are you in the field of jewelry design and find yourself at a point in your business where outsourcing your jewelry production is the next logical step? The stage of your business can vary greatly from that of others, and the starting point may not be the same for every brand.
You could be a fledgling jewelry designer, with designs that are ready to be transformed into physical samples. Conversely, you may be an established jewelry designer who is finding it difficult to keep pace with the increasing demands of your customers. Even well-known jewelry brands require an ongoing awareness of alternative suppliers when their current ones are not meeting their quality and production standards.
Regardless of which stage you find yourself in, this article will take you through the essential steps to help you locate the ideal jewelry manufacturer that suits your requirements.
1. Identify Your Needs
When searching for a jewelry manufacturer, there are various factors to consider. So where should you start? Your initial step should be to define your requirements. To achieve this, you must ask yourself a few key questions:
Are you interested in producing fashion/costume jewelry or fine jewelry?
Identifying the type of jewelry you plan to make is vital in selecting the right manufacturer. It may seem evident, but you must locate a manufacturer who specializes in the kind of jewelry you intend to produce. Therefore, it is essential to determine the materials and techniques you intend to employ in your jewelry production.
Will you be using your manufacturer’s designs, or will you have your design prototypes?
If you opt for the latter, it is vital to ensure that your manufacturers possess in-house design capabilities and are knowledgeable about the latest fashion trends and 3D technology. Their 3D designers will be able to assist you right from the beginning of the process.
2. Where to Look for the Right Manufacturer?
Certainly, jewelry manufacturers can be located worldwide, but how can you guarantee that you find the most trustworthy and efficient one? One effective approach is to identify trade shows, attend jewelry networking events, and fairs organized by jewelry associations. These events provide an excellent opportunity to network and locate numerous manufacturing companies in one location.
Do not be afraid to ask any questions or voice any concerns you may have regarding their capabilities. The majority of manufacturers will offer samples that exhibit their production abilities and specialties. For individuals new to the jewelry trade, these events provide an excellent opportunity to learn about the industry!
3. The Screening Process
Once you have identified and selected potential manufacturers, there are a few more aspects to consider before making your final choice.
a. Capacity and Timing
Depending on the quantity of your project, you will need to select either larger or smaller manufacturers. While it may seem apparent, keep in mind that bigger companies often have higher minimum order quantities (MOQ) than smaller companies. These companies may not be as flexible regarding fulfilling small orders, so ensure that the company you choose can cater to your desired production scale.
Another critical aspect to consider is timing. Companies will have varying lead-times based on the style and order size. This is especially crucial if you are a brand that operates with retailer cancel dates!
b. Exclusivity
Suppose you seek exclusivity; ensure that the jewelry production is carried out in-house, as this will help maintain protection of your intellectual property. Some manufacturers may not have intellectual property rights, meaning that your designs and styles could be duplicated or replicated without your consent.
c. Quality Control
Inspect the quality of the materials used and the craftsmanship. Does it meet the standards of your brand? Why not take a look at the production they have done for other clients? To better evaluate the quality, you can visit the manufacturing site. This will also give you a better understanding of their processes and ways of working. In any case, you should partner with manufacturers who uphold excellent quality control standards, such as rigorous internal inspection procedures, in-line inspection of all incoming raw materials, and final inspection according to strict criteria and testing (AQL).
Furthermore, it is essential that your manufacturer adheres to European and US regulations to ensure the safety of your customers.
d. Social Compliance and Environmental impact
Finally, an essential factor to take into account is the manufacturer’s social compliance and environmental commitment. The process of making jewelry can have negative effects on both the environment and the lives of those involved in its production. Therefore, it is crucial to choose manufacturers who prioritize responsible practices and transparency. Ensure that your manufacturer conducts regular social audits that align with your company’s values. These audits are crucial in verifying that your manufacturer’s working conditions comply with international labor standards. Some examples of social compliance audit firms are:
· Intertek*
· ELEVATE
· SGS
· TUV SUD
