Custom and Private Label Jewelry Production FAQ's

The jewelry sector is consistently transforming. With the growth of new companies devoted to producing their exclusive collections of private-label jewelry, finding a reputable custom manufacturer is essential to achieve success in a jewelry business.

Custom jewelry manufacturing is a long-term process and includes more than just the creation of the final product. It encompasses design elaboration, CAD modeling, sampling, stone sourcing, metal selection, plating, quality assurance, packaging, compliance, and international shipping.

Finding a reliable manufacturing partner would facilitate the passage of brands from an idea to the production of guys jewelry.

At DWS Jewelry, we have been collaborating with different international jewellery brands, designers, retailers, wholesalers, and private label companies for developing and manufacturing jewellery based on specifications given.

What Is Custom Jewelry Manufacturing?

Custom jewelry manufacturing represents a process of producing jewelry according to the specific requirements of the customer regarding its design, characteristics, material, stones, finishing, and quality.

Instruments for custom jewelry manufacturing are as follows.

• CAD file
• Technical drawings
• Hand drawings
• Reference pictures
• Ready samples
• Concept visualization

In the custom jewelry manufacturing process the manufacturer performs CAD development, sampling, manufacturing, finishing, and quality assurance procedures.

This is why custom jewellery manufacturing is a good choice for the brands that want to create their own product identity instead of competing through the existing product lines only.Private-label jewellery enables businesses to sell pieces under their brand name without having to invest in their own manufacturing facility.

For developing jewelry brands, Custom jewelry manufacturing can be responsible for a number of advantages.

A jewelry manufacturer that specializes in private label can offer companies the following positive aspects:

• Product design
• Creative ideas
• CAD creation
• Sampling
• Gemstone procurement
• Jewellery production
• Plating and finishing stages
• Quality assurance
• Documents
• Shipping to any country

It enables businesses to focus on marketing, branding, and selling, which means that they have a partner that takes care of the manufacturing side of a deal.

How to Make Custom Jewellery?

The manufacturing process needs to be preceded by professional production.

Within DWS group, the process starts as soon as a client provides with their design or specifications.

1. Submission of Design

A customer has to provide either a CAD file or a sketch/reference photo or a technical drawing or a sample.

Then, our team will examine the project and understand its manufacturing needs.

2. Estimated Quotation

Estimated price will be calculated based on the following points:

• Weight of metal
• Dimensions of jewels
• Gemstone requirements
• Level of design complexity
• Special requirements for plating
• Manufacturing specifications
• Quantity of products ordered

However, the final price may differ from the estimated one in case the design or weight of metal or gemstone requirements change.

3. CAD Development

The process begins with development and creation of production ready CAD model.CAD technology transforms the design process of jewellery by defining:

• Size
• Appearance
• Stone position
• Thickness
• Construction
• Shape

Once completed, CAD goes through the approval process with the client prior to the start of production.

4. Sample Production

Approved CAD drawings set the stage for sample creation, which allows the client to actually see the appearance of the product rather than relying on blueprints.

The sample gives the company the chance to see how the finished piece will actually look rather than relying on a simply a digital drawing.

The clients are able to evaluate:

• Overall look of the product
• Fit and measurements
• Weight
• Finish
• Stone quality
• Coating
• Craftsmanship

Once the sample has been approved, the design enters mass production.

Importance of Minimum Order Quantity in Jewellery Manufacturing

An important aspect of the process of selecting a jewelry manufacturer is determining the minimum order quantity (MOQ).

MOQ is a system determining how many pieces need to be made before an order can be placed for a specific piece.

At DWS, we offer a flexible pricing system in making jewellery from both Brass and Sterling Silver, which includes:

• Cost of sample
• 10-25 pieces of jewellery
• 26-50 pieces of jewellery
• 51 and more pieces of jewellery
  
  

This flexible pricing system allows companies to order a smaller quantity of jewellery but still get a good price for them at the same time.

What is an MOA pricing?

For clients that make orders of large quantities comprising several designs, the MOQ allows greater flexibility.

Material selection is significant for designing jewelry because it determines the look, durability, price, weight, and positioning of a product.

At DWS Jewelry, our products are made of:

• 925 sterling silver
• nickel-free brass
• solid gold in respect of certain custom programs.
  
  

The manufacturers of plated jewelry offer wonderful varieties of plating made by famous brands.

There are available finishes from which to choose from: 

• yellow gold plating
• rose gold plating
• gold vermeil
• white rhodium
• silver plating
• protective coating options
  
  

Jewelry is made using nickel-free, lead-free, and cadmium-free materials according to relevant requirements.

Custom Gemstone Jewelry Manufacturing

Gemstones may define the identity of a jewelry collection.

Thus, jewelry manufacturers should have broad expertise concerning gemstone requirements so that the brands could select from a variety of stones.

DWS Jewelry collaborates with: 

• natural precious gemstones
• natural semi-precious gemstones
• lab-grown gemstones
• lab-grown diamonds
  
  

Gemstones can be procured according to customers’ requirements concerning color, size, shape, quality, treatment, and budget.

This makes the process of jewelry production more flexible.

How does a jewelry manufacturer protect exclusive designs?

For jewelry brands intellectual property rights and confidentiality of design are very important.

The design aiming solely at a particular brand ought to be protected against infringement involving other customers of the manufacturer.

DWS Jewelry is able to sign standard non-disclosure agreements including design exclusivity agreements covering confidential design, concepts, product information and business information.Our company has a separate section in our internal software that is dedicated to blocked designs, where we store blocked designs under the respective client code. This guarantees durability of jewelry items made especially for clients undiscussed in ordinary collection of any company.

How Is the Quality of Jewellery Controlled?

Quality control is important for jewelry production.

A good company should monitor the whole manufacturing process instead of doing quality checks at the end of the production only.

At DWS Jewelry, the quality control process includes:

• In-process inspections
• Inspection of finished products
• Checking dimensions
• Checking the process of stone-setting
• Checking surface finishing
• Checking plating thickness
• XRF metal analysis
• Checking product specifications
• Checking packaging
  
  

To analyse metals and achieve the check for the thickness of plating, we use FISCHER XRF testing device.

Clients have the option of ordering a third-party inspection.

Can the Manufacturers Provide Reports About the Thickness of Plating?

Yes, plating thickness checking may be a requirement for any brand producing plated products.

If necessary, DWS Jewellery provides reports about the thickness of plating based on the results of XRF testing.

These reports prove:

• Thickness of plating
• The composition of metal
• Fulfilment of conditions imposed on products
  
  

Vermeil can also be tested for compliance regarding the thickness of plating as per the customer’s request.

Responsible Jewellery Manufacturing & Compliance

With the increase in the number of jewelry manufacturers globally, the need for responsible manufacturing processes and obeying regulations is growing.

DWS Jewellery is RJC registered and operates SEDEX compliant facility within the standards of SMETA 4-Pillar Audit.Our jewelry is made from materials that are free of nickel, lead, and cadmium.

For those who require further compliance checks, we can arrange for third-party laboratory testing of the necessary regulations. This may include EU REACH testing for example.

By doing so, brands are able to receive the documentation that is needed when exporting jewelry internationally.

How long does it take to manufacture custom jewelry?

The production timelines depend on the product complexity and the customer approval process.

Timeframes are approximately as follows:

Sample Orders: around two to three weeks 

Large Orders – four to six weeks 

Timeframes can differ due to: 

• Complexity of the design
• Number of SKUs
• Quantity of the order
• Availability of the gemstones
• CAD approval
• Customer feedback
• Plating requirements
• Production schedule
  
  

To avoid any issues brands must consult their manufacturing partner about the launch date prior to placing the order.

What are the jewelry production capacities?

For brands that want to upscale their activities the manufacturing capacities become an important factor.

DWS Jewelry has the capacity of about 30,000 pieces each month, but this number may change depending on the type of ongoing programs.

Scalability can be essential for DTC brands, which can start off with low production volumes and gradually ramp up their production.

How jewelry is shipped internationally?Reliable logistics services are vital for international jewelry companies, especially those working with the USA, European countries, UK, Australia, and other marketplaces. DWS Jewelry depends on international couriers and logistics companies such as UPS and FedEx.

Shipping price is determined by:

• Item weight
• Item measurement
• Shipping destination
• Type of shipment
• Volume of the order
  
  

In case of small packages like samples and prototypes, shipping fee is usually around USD 50.

For bigger shipment, the charges typically start at about USD 150, while the actual price will depend on the shipment details.

After shipping, customers receive all the required documentation and tracking information related to shipping.

Available Payment Terms

For international clients, we have the standard payment terms:

Sample Orders: 100% in advance

Production: a 50% prepayment is required and the remaining 50% payment is needed before shipping our products.

For long-standing clients with successful business relations, payment by credit might be offered.

International payments are accepted via Bank Wire Transfer, PayPal, Wise, and Credit Card.

Reasons to Choose an Indian Jewelry Manufacturer

In addition, India has a long tradition of jewelry manufacturing with extensive experience in design, craftsmanship, and procurement of materials.

International jewelry companies can benefit from working with an expert Indian manufacturer thanks to:

• Rich engineering experience
• Custom jewelry offerings
• Expertise in gemstones
• Flexible manufacturing
• Low-cost production
• Large-scale manufacturing
• Experience with exports
  
  

However, the right manufacturer must be chosen not just on the basis of price but also according to its reputation, quality, reliability, level of communication, compliance, and marketing capabilities.

How Do You Choose the Manufacturer?

Prior to choosing a manufacturer, one should be able to find the answers for many crucial questions:

• Does a manufacturer provide computer-aided design services?
• Are there any samples produced prior to mass production?
• What are the MOQ?
• Can they get gems?
• Is the necessary plating type available?
• Is it possible to protect unique designs?
• What qc processes are used?
• Is testing done?
• Get the understanding of the manufacturer’s certificates and compliance.
• Can production be increased?
  
  

Taking these factors into account will help minimize possible risks when placing the order.

Work with DWS Jewelry for Custom and Private Label Manufacturing

Creating a good jewelry collection is not enough. Companies need a good manufacturing partner who can deliver quality, consistency, as well as development of the application for jewelry production.

DWS Jewelry service includes support to brands, designers, retailers, wholesalers, and private label companies.

If you are thinking of launching a jewelry collection or scaling your existing one, please contact us.