Importing Jewelry from China

Estimated reading time: 16 minutes

The jewelry accessories and materials niche stands out as a lucrative business opportunity. Many entrepreneurs are drawn to this market because of its inherent advantages:

• High Value: Jewelry products often carry significant profit margins.
• Small Volume: Compact items mean less storage space and easier inventory management.
• Low Shipping Costs: Lightweight products reduce logistics expenses.
• High-Profit Potential: With the right sourcing strategy, this niche can yield excellent returns.

However, most buyers have little experience in how to operate within this niche market. Whether you are buying your jewelry supplies online or visiting suppliers in China, this article will be an indispensable asset for you.

Here, we cover everything you need to know to start as a first-time jewelry importer. This guide explores everything, from sourcing suppliers to shipping. Continue reading for a thorough overview of jewelry importation from China and costs.

Importing Jewelry from China – Get it at a glance:

Importing jewelry from China is a hassle-free process provided you go through these key steps:

1. Locate a Good Supplier

• Research and identify reliable suppliers on platforms like Alibaba as well as at trade fairs.
• Request samples to assess product quality to ensure they meet your standards.

2. Agree on Terms

• Discuss prices, MOQs, and delivery timelines.
• Ensure that the terms of payment are clear, including deposits and final payments.

3. Place Your Order

• Verify the product details: designs, materials, and packaging.
• Re-check your purchase order before proceeding to avoid misunderstandings.

4. Organize Shipping and Customs Clearance

• Select air, sea, or express based on cost and urgency.
• Collaborate with a good freight forwarder that will handle customs clearance and paperwork.

5. Pay Duties and Taxes

• Research which duties and taxes are levied on jewelry imports in your home country.
• Budget for it to avoid any unnecessary expenses.

6. Get Insurance

• Insure your shipment against possible loss or damage in transit with comprehensive insurance.

7. Comply with Regulations

• Follow Chinese export laws and regulations of your country’s import for a trouble-free transaction.
• Check if your products require any special certification or labeling.

How to Find Reliable Chinese Suppliers

Sourcing suitable Chinese suppliers can be a hassle. You must go through many rigorous steps to find the one that clicks. The type of supplier you get depends on the type of importer you are. If you want a select style, there is one way to find suppliers. Here, we address the different types of importers and suitable suppliers. 

1) Importers Without A Specific Style 

Some importers want trendy jewelry to sell during every season. These importers typically don’t have any style in mind. They rely on the suppliers to offer recommendations. If you fall into this category, here’s how to find suppliers: 

E-commerce Sites

Through direct search or the RFQ tool, Alibaba can help you find the necessary suppliers. 

• Direct Search: Use keywords to find suppliers quickly.
• RFQ Tool: Submit a Request for Quotation to get customized offers from multiple vendors.

Visit Guangzhou or Yiwu Market

You can also visit two of the biggest markets in China and find local jewelry markets. Here, the jewelry styles are usually in line with the trends. You can get a much lower MOQ if you are into small-quantity imports. 

Going to Jewelry Factories

Going to local markets might not be enough for larger purchases (e.g., 2,000 units per style). You need to visit jewelry factories equipped to handle large orders like that. 

consider working directly with large factories. These factories typically:

• Have in-house designers creating trendy, original styles.
• Provide tailored recommendations based on market demands.

Trade Fairs for Reliable Suppliers

For large-scale sourcing, attend renowned trade fairs such as:

• Hong Kong Global Sources Fair
• Canton Fair

2) Importers With Their Style

If you have a style you want to incorporate into jewelry and sell, here’s how to get started. For large MOQs, you can use unique large or medium-sized companies/factories. The suppliers are more equipped to meet your requirements. 

Moreover, you can find them at large fairs. For smaller MOQs, you can opt for small-scale trading companies. 

You can also find a low MOQ Alibaba supplier. They use small but practical workshops to forge the style you need. 

3) Importers for Stock Jewelry 

Some China suppliers want to get stock accessories to resell to developing areas. They can get the products from different sources. These sources include leftover products, rejected products, and abandoned jewelry. 

Many pieces of jewelry are sold at about 10% of the initial price or much lower. You can find these stock accessories on the streets of major markets. Visit Yiwu, Guangzhou, or Qingdao. I visited these areas once for research and was stunned by the prices. Necklaces that usually cost at least $3 a piece were selling at a couple of cents.

The Different Types of Importers in the Jewelry Industry

If you are a first-timer, there are different types of jewelry importers. So, you have a bit of an idea; here is a list: 

• Luxury Jewelry Importers
• Fashion Jewelry Importers
• Wholesale Jewelry Distributors
• Custom Jewelry Importers
• Online Retailers
• Artisanal Jewelry Importers
• Ethical and Sustainable Jewelry Importers
• Specialty Jewelry Importers
• Fine Jewelry Importers

Aside from the different importers, what about the types of available jewelry? Here are the different types available for import: 

• Rings
• Necklaces
• Bracelets
• Earrings
• Brooches
• Anklets
• Pendants
• Charms
• Cufflinks
• Body Jewelry
• Hair Accessories
• Toe Rings
• Collar Necklaces
• Chokers
• Statement Jewelry
• Vintage Jewelry
• Handmade Jewelry
• Religious Jewelry

Yet, you must know that the jewelry sector is changing. Moreover, note that pieces of jewelry are made of different materials. Some of the popular ones are:

• Gold 
• Zirconia 
• Pearl 
• Silver 
• Diamond 
• Semi-precious stones

China Jewelry Market

When looking for jewelry suppliers in China or as a jewelry seller aiming to offer your customers the latest trends at competitive prices, China’s jewelry wholesale markets are a treasure trove waiting to be explored.

Where are the Three Major Producing Areas in China?

Guangzhou, Yiwu, and Qingdao are significant spots for jewelry production. Each area is better suited for a particular type of audience. Let’s take a look:

1) Guangzhou 

The Guangzhou market is ideal for quality and specialized jewelry. It is innovative and continuously pumps out new styles. It is your best shot if you are a large business owner into luxurious jewelry. The MOQ is more significant than others on this list. Hence,  small business owners might have difficulty getting suppliers here. 

2) Yiwu 

Yiwu market is the best for small business owners and people who need lower prices. There are different styles and many options. However, there is a much higher risk of buying low-quality products. I have visited this market several times. Here is how to get jewelry suppliers when you land: 

Head to District 1 of Yiwu Wholesale Market or Xingzhong Area (兴中小区). Various suppliers are lined up and ready to take your order here. 

An alternative is to search for jewelry companies from Yiwu on Alibaba. You can also wait till October 21st to 25th of every year for the annual trade fair. 

3) Qingdao 

If your business is a sucker for Korean-style jewelry, here is the place for you. Qingdao is close to Korea, so many jewelry factories are open here. Plus, you can expect top-grade quality products. Sino-Korea International and Jimo Small Commodities markets are two wholesale suppliers here. 

How to Place Jewelry Orders?

It is time to buy once you have pinned down the right supplier. Here, we address how to approach this step: 

Negotiating with Accessories Suppliers

Negotiation skills are crucial for getting beneficial terms with your Chinese jewelry suppliers. We’ll provide tips on effective negotiation techniques. Here are five of them:

• Thoroughly research the supplier and market.
• Clearly define your objectives and limits.
• Build a positive and respectful relationship.
• Focus on creating value, not just lowering prices.
• Document all agreements in writing for clarity and accountability.

The Role of China Sourcing Agents

Sourcing agents are great if you want to get the burden off. Here are some perks of working with a sourcing agent: 

• Agents have in-depth knowledge of the Chinese market.
• They assess and select reliable suppliers.
• Agents negotiate better prices on your behalf.
• They ensure product quality meets your standards.
• Agents handle logistics, saving you time and effort.

Importing through China Jewelry Fairs

Attending jewelry trade fairs in China can offer excellent networking opportunities. You also get to discover new Chinese jewelry suppliers. These fairs can also shed insight into the latest industry trends. 

Hong Kong Global Sources Fair and the Canton Fair are great fairs to consider. These events allow you to handpick top-tier suppliers. You can establish enduring business relationships with these suppliers in the long term. 

Note: For effective quality control, ensure you request samples. Sampling offers insight into what to expect. Moreover, working with an experienced sourcing agent can help combat the quality issue. The agents are often very skilled, so they know how to navigate the market.

Shipping Jewelry from China 

Knowing how to ship goods from China to your desired destination is essential. So, how do you get your jewelry to your doorstep? You can opt for air or sea transport. Air freight is excellent when you are working against time. 

However, the sea route is much cheaper. Some suppliers will opt to provide shipping. You can also opt for carriers like FedEx. I recommend you work closely with a sourcing agent if you can walk around shipping. They have the experience and know what goes where. 

Import Regulations about Jewelry

Before you can import jewelry, there are some regulations you have to know. Here, we address these regulations to ensure safety and minimal delay: 

Testing and Certification 

The jewelry is tested and certified before it can be imported. This step ensures the jewelry is safe and of good quality. The agencies responsible for certification are: 

• GIA 
• IGI 
• Grade Gems 

Moreover, regulatory standards vary by region. For example, the standard in the EU is REACH, and that of the US is FTC. Hence, ensure you confirm your country’s regulatory standards. 

Standards for Imports 

There are specific standards that are very important to prevent delays. Here is a glimpse of the widely accepted standards: 

• Nickel Release Limit: The EU and US have a limit on the nickel content to prevent allergies.
• Lead Content Restrictions: There is a restriction on lead content to prevent exposure. 
• Precious Metal Standard: There are set standards that the metal has to meet. 
• Gemstone Certification: The EU and USA have tests to verify gemstone authenticity. 

Why China Is the Best Place to Import Jewelry

China is not the only place with a massive jewelry market, so why is it the preferred choice? China’s jewelry market is large and diverse. Retailers can get anything from minimalist to exquisite designs. Plus, the market is packed with tons of suppliers.

With this much competition, the price of items stays at the low end. So, you get jewelry made with precise craftsmanship at an affordable price. When these perks come together, they offer a space for a considerable profit margin.

According to statistics of June 2023, the export of pieces of jewellery from China briefly described as by $959M while its import was briefly described as by $306M which depicted thereby a trade balance of $653M. Hong Kong was the top destination for Jewellery exports amounting to $711M followed by USA at $134M, Malaysia $26. 1M UAE ($19. 4M) and Australia $10. 3M for the same month while source markets for imported Jewellery were Italy ($81. 6M), France ($79. 4M), USA ($34. 9M), Hong Kong ($33. 5), and United Kingdom ($27.3M). Data from OEC.WORLD

During my employment at Owlsourcing as The Service Manager, I can vouch that Accessories & Jewelry are inevitably attractive products in the marketplace. This activity appeals to the fun and excitement of adding glamour to what is ordinary wear. Fashion accessories and pieces of jewelry have become an important aspect of today’s fashions and no anybody who wants to be up to date with fashion trends will ignore these. It would not be unheard of for these items to fall under the category of ‘necessities’ of today’s ‘me’ generation,’ for self-identity is as important as the air we breathe. At Owlsourcing, we aim to ensure customers are in fashion always as well as get the trendiest accessories and jewelry items. Of course, such products will remain popular in the future, and we will ensure that our clothing line offering relevant products is fashionable and of high quality. – David, Service Manager, Owlsourcing

Read More:

• Importing Watches from China
• Importing Clothing and Textiles from China
• Sourcing in China | The Guide to Source Products From China
• Importing Clothing and Textiles from China
• what is a sourcing agent?
• Benefits of Working with China Sourcing Agents

Final Thoughts!

However, importing jewelry is a profitable business opportunity only when done correctly. This article covers all you need to know for a successful import. It covers everything from finding suitable suppliers to shipping. The knowledge ensures you are more informed on how to navigate the market. But if you still need help, you can contact our team. We offer valuable solutions that provide a seamless sourcing process and importing experience.