Everything you need to know about creating a successful fine jewelry brand in 2022

We’ve created this article on how to find a jewelry manufacturer because we know finding a reputable, reliable, and high-quality jewelry manufacturer is an imperative part of any jewelry design process. Your product is the most important part of your brand, and without real quality, you put your reputation at risk. Once people get an idea in their head about a subpar product, it’s often difficult to change their minds, so it’s important you start as strong as possible. 

The foundation for any successful jewelry launch is a reliable manufacturer. Many business owners go through multiple manufacturers until they find the right fit. It’s difficult because there are so many to choose from, and of course, they will all present themselves as the best option. The key here is doing your research, so you don’t have to depend on anyone telling you what you need or don’t need from a manufacturing deal.

Keep reading to find out how to find a jewelry manufacturer for your vision and business needs.

Identify your needs

If you’re looking for a fine jewelry factory, there are some things you should keep in mind. Every brand is different, so the circumstances you start looking for a manufacturer will also vary. For example, are you already a well-established brand looking to expand further? You might have a newer company with less potential order volume if not.

Here are some things to consider when trying to identify your needs. All of these factors will determine how to find a jewelry manufacturer that’s best for your needs:

– Your business model

– How long you’ve been in business.

– Current revenue

– Current order quantity

– Future business projections

– Metal type (i.e., sterling silver jewelry, gold jewelry, plated, vermeil, filled, etc.)

– Type of jewelry (i.e., necklaces, pendants, chains, bracelets, rings, earrings)

You want to be always prepared to scale your business, and the best way to do that is by ensuring you work with a manufacturer that can support you even if your business grows. Many companies fail because they can’t keep up with orders, which is probably one of the worst ways to watch your vision go down the tubes. When you take the time to look for the right jewelry manufacturer, you’re already improving your chances of success. 

Where to look

If you’re ready to find someone to bring your designs to life, you might be at a loss for where to start. With so many manufacturers, it’s hard to tell which ones you should trust. Before the pandemic, trade shows were widely popular and were a great way to make connections in the jewelry industry. Even if you already have a manufacturer, participating in trade shows is a great way to grow your business. However, with the pandemic preventing people from traveling freely, you’ll probably get more options when you source online.

It might sound scary to delve into the depths of the internet looking for a manufacturer, but the truth is your best option might not have a way to get to a trade show near you. With that in mind, you should always do thorough research on each option you come across. You should have no problem finding a fine jewelry manufacturer if you adhere to certain standards. 

While you can look at accreditation organizations, such as the RJC—the Responsible Jewelry Council, we wouldn’t avoid organizations that are not part of these organizations. These organizations usually charge a fee or a percentage of revenue, so many reputable jewelers don’t need the accreditation.

What to look for

When choosing a fine jewelry manufacturer, there are a handful of critique points to keep in mind. You can’t go into this process without any preparation or research. Far too many people out there trying to profit off your ambition, and choosing the wrong partner could result in great financial loss. One big red flag to look out for is if a manufacturer claims they can make anything, from high to low. If you want fine jewelry like 14K and 18K gold, semi-precious and precious stones, you need to go to a wholesale jewelry manufacturer that specializes in it. Most fine jewelry companies won’t also do costume jewelry. This is because fine jewelry requires a high degree of specialization. When working with fashion jewelry, often that increased skill level is not needed. Be wary of jewelry manufacturers that work with precious metals and stainless steel.

·      Product quality: If you’re developing a fine jewelry line, you already know how important quality is. The better the quality, the more impressed your customers will be, making them more likely to turn into a returning customer. Recurring business is one of the best ways to build any business, so this isn’t something to take lightly. A lack of quality could deter people from repurchasing your product, and it’s much harder to win back a disappointed customer. Not all gold vermeil, plated, and gold-filled products are created equal. Ask questions to understand the gold color they create and the durability. Quality products are not just about metals and gemstones. The jewelry-making craftsmanship is a huge part of it. Make sure to ask for samples before making a bulk order. Also, be sure to understand their quality control process. Some pieces will inevitably break or not come out as expected. It is always a good question to ask how these pieces will be treated. Reliable jeweler manufacturers will be able to answer this.

·      Customization: This is the part where your brand shines through. You may need a jewelry manufacturer with more specialized customization capabilities depending on your design needs. Not all jewelers can handle custom jewelry manufacturing. Always check with the manufacturer what their options are for packaging and labeling, as well as engraving, color selection, materials, and other custom options. Some manufacturers will have their logo on labels and other packaging items, so make sure you know what to expect before you place any orders.

·      Jewelry production: It is important to understand the capabilities of your jeweler, besides from the customization process. Some jewelers will be able to engrave, cad design, enamel, rhodium, and polish. The point is to know the capabilities you will need and ask about them. It’s helpful to ask about their entire manufacturing process, including their stone sourcing process. Turn around times are important to understand because that will impact your required stock levels or your business model. Many jewelry designers have switched to made-to-order to avoid keeping inventory.

·      Minimum order quantity (AKA MOQ): When it comes to wholesale business, minimum order quantity is key. Some manufacturers won’t sell to you if your order quantity isn’t large enough. You never want to put yourself in a position where you order more than you need. Holding too much inventory is the fastest way to go out of business. 

·      Online reputation: Before you commit to a manufacturing company, make sure you do your due diligence and check out any available testimonials. You want to work with a company that cares enough about its brand to keep up with customer satisfaction. Be mindful that some reviews can be biased, both positive and negative. If you have any hesitations, ask the manufacturer about it when you contact them. You don’t want to miss out on a great business relationship because of something that might be exaggerated or untrue. While meeting in person might not be possible, we always recommend a video chat to understand who you’re working with.

·      Shipment: As you would probably assume, shipping costs can add up quickly and become a massive part of your company’s overhead. When it comes to shipping, you must consider where your manufacturer is located. The best way to cover your bases is to find a manufacturer with global and domestic factory locations. You can’t do anything with your product if you don’t have an efficient order fulfillment system, so reliability is critical when it comes to shipping. Make sure to ask about the shipping cost when getting a quote.

·      Additional business perks: When seeking a jewelry manufacturer, be on the lookout for extra services outside of creating your unique designs. They might also offer design services. Sometimes you’ll get lucky and find someone who has business expertise they’re willing to share. Once you have a manufacturer with reliable distribution, you can move on to other areas of your business, focusing on growth.

Madison 501 Fine Jewelry Manufacturing

If you’re looking for a fine jewelry manufacturer that hits all the points above and then some, Madison 501 Jewelry is your solution. Founded by Karen Edbril, Madison 501 Jewelry operates with the mission to create cost-effective, high-quality fine jewelry and help designers successfully navigate the industry. Not only does our company provide superior manufacturing capabilities, but we help scale jewelry businesses and provide support as each client’s brand grows. 

With a stellar track record in business development, Karen takes jewelry manufacturing to the next level, with over 40 years of mentoring clients to reach their professional goals. We know how important it is to stand out as an individual and in business. So, whether you’re a small business, a designer, a retail store owner, or a social media influencer, Madison 501 Jewelry was created to meet your unique needs. We’ve helped some of the nation’s largest departments and eCommerce stores create private label fine jewelry in a retail setting. Madison 501 is a reliable jewelry manufacturer with production capabilities in Thailand and New York City.

Understanding the design process on such a large scale is crucial for any successful and reliable wholesale jewelry supplier. Additionally, and more recently, we provide design and business expertise to social media influencers to help them monetize their platforms. With social channels being such a real way to earn income these days, it’s becoming more and more common for younger professionals to create a store with social media accounts rather than a traditional eCommerce website.

You can rest assured that your jewelry pieces will be designed with integrity and strong adhesion to your brand’s aesthetic and goals. When you work with us, you can expect your pieces to stand out from the rest and make a statement. With over 70 years of design history, the Madison 501 family takes pride in innovation, attention to detail, and a keen ability to make our clients’ visions come to the forefront. If you’re searching for how to find a jewelry manufacturer, we’re happy to chat further!

How To Find A Jewelry Manufacturer Conclusion

Part of scaling your business is repeat customers, which you won’t have any chance of getting without doing your due diligence in selecting the right jewelry manufacturer. Sourcing can be time-consuming and often a thankless task, and you might wind up losing money before you find the right fit. Instead of wasting your valuable resources, use the guide above to consider your options.

If you’re looking to create beautiful fine jewelry at cost-effective prices and quality that will have customers coming back tenfold, contact the team at Madison 501 Jewelry. At the end of the day, if you care about quality, you need your jewelry to reflect that, and we make it our mission to bring your vision to life and beyond.