A practical starting point for jewelry brands, retailers and private label buyers planning an OEM or ODM collection in brass, stainless steel or resin.
Before comparing suppliers or approving a sample, make the product specification clear. Base material, construction, finish, dimensions, quantity and packaging all influence the quotation and production plan. This guide explains what to prepare and what to confirm with KMJ Jewelry.
1. Choose a material and specify the finish
Start with the design, intended retail positioning and target price. A material name alone is not a complete production specification. Confirm the main body and any separate components, such as earring posts, clasps, chains and decorative elements.
| Material direction | Useful starting point | Details to confirm |
|---|---|---|
| Brass | Cast shapes, stone-set designs and plated fashion collections. | Construction, polishing, plating metal, color, thickness and protective coating. |
| Stainless steel | Contemporary chains, engraved details and everyday-style collections. | Actual steel grade, component materials, finish or PVD requirements, and available quantities. |
| Resin / acrylic | Statement bangles, beads and color-led accessories. | The actual material, mold, inner diameter, color reference, pattern variation and surface finish. |
| Selected 925 silver projects | Projects requiring sterling silver construction. | Weight, stone settings, finish, sizing and the target price for the design. |
“Gold tone” describes appearance; it does not establish the deposited metal or its thickness. Ask for the actual finish specification. Distinguish the finish shown in the product photograph from options quoted for a new order. Do not assume that a gold-colored stainless steel product has the same coating as a gold-plated brass product.
Read more: why plating changes a jewelry quotation and brass versus stainless steel.
2. Prepare a brief that can be quoted
Whether you have an original design, a reference image or an existing style in mind, send the details below. If a specification is still open, identify the decision you need help with rather than assigning an unverified value.
- Product: reference image, sketch or KMJ product code, plus the collection direction.
- Dimensions: finished length, width, ring size or bangle inner diameter, with units.
- Materials: base metal, stones, pearl-look elements, earring posts and other components.
- Finish: color reference, actual plating requirements and intended wear expectations.
- Quantity: units for each style and each color; state whether earrings are counted in pairs.
- Branding: logo placement, product cards, labels, boxes or pouches.
- Market and schedule: destination market, target launch date and required arrival date.
Explore OEM, ODM and private label services or browse jewelry categories to choose your starting point.
3. Approve a measured sample before bulk production
Use the sample to confirm more than the overall look. Record the agreed dimensions, construction, finish, logo and packaging details. Keep an approved reference and a written list of revisions so the production requirements are clear.
- Measure the finished product and state which components are included in the measurement.
- For bracelets and necklaces, distinguish chain length, clasp length and extension length.
- For bangles, confirm the inner diameter and how the fit was assessed.
- Review stone placement, edges, polish, moving parts and component alignment.
- Check the finish against the agreed color reference and quotation specification.
- Confirm the logo position, product card placement and protective packing.
- Record revisions and approve the final version before authorizing bulk production.
A revised construction or size may need another sample review. Build that step into the schedule instead of assuming the first sample is the final production reference.
4. Confirm MOQ and build a realistic timeline
MOQ depends on the style, material, finish, components and level of customization. Existing-style orders, new molds, logo work and packaging can have different minimums. Ask for the MOQ per style and per color, and whether it is expressed in pieces, pairs or sets.
| Stage | Typical planning reference | Confirm before scheduling |
|---|---|---|
| Sampling | Approximately 10–15 days for many projects. | Specifications, materials, mold requirements and whether revisions are included. |
| Bulk production | Typically 35–45 days after sample approval and deposit. | Quantity, construction, production capacity, packaging readiness and agreed order conditions. |
| Transport | Quoted separately from production. | Destination, shipping method, transit estimate and any clearance arrangements. |
These are planning references, not a guaranteed delivery date for every design. New molds, resin color development, sample revisions, testing arrangements, custom packaging and holiday closures can change the schedule. Share your required arrival date early and agree on milestones before confirming the order.
5. Agree on quality checks and retail packaging
Quality requirements should refer to the approved sample and written specification. At KMJ, production discussions cover material and components, pre-plating surfaces, finishing, assembly, dimensions and final packing. The inspection method and acceptance criteria should be agreed for the actual order.
For a plated style, review polishing and visible surface defects before plating as well as the appearance after finishing. Read how surface defects affect plating quality and see our manufacturing capabilities.
Plan packaging alongside the jewelry. Confirm cards, pouches, boxes, swing tags, barcode data, unit protection and carton instructions. Sets may need separation between pieces to reduce contact during handling. Approve packaging sizes and label information before bulk packing.
Ask for evidence that matches the product
A business license, factory certification, product test report and internal inspection record serve different purposes. Check the named entity, report date, tested sample and scope. A report for another product does not establish the performance of your selected style. Discuss any required testing before quotation and confirm the arrangements, cost and timing.
Water resistance, coating life and skin-contact claims should be supported by the relevant product specification and evidence. Avoid turning a material name into an unlimited performance guarantee.
Buyer questions
Can I start with existing styles instead of a new design?
Yes. You can discuss existing KMJ styles or an OEM/ODM development brief. Availability, materials, finish options, branding and MOQ are confirmed for the chosen style.
Does the production lead time include shipping?
No. Sampling, bulk production and transport are separate stages. Confirm each stage against your required arrival date.
Why can similar-looking jewelry receive different quotations?
Base material, construction, stone setting, polishing, actual plating metal, thickness, coating system, quantity and packaging can differ. Compare matching specifications rather than the color name alone.
What should I send to request a quotation?
Send a product reference or SKU, dimensions, preferred materials and finish, quantity per style and color, destination market, packaging needs and required arrival date.
Plan your next collection with clearer specifications
Send your reference, preferred material, quantity and target arrival date. We will review the project requirements and discuss the next steps for sampling and quotation.
Discuss your projectExplore jewelry collectionsPrepared by Joanne Zhang, KMJ Jewelry. Updated 19 October 2026. Final specifications, minimum quantities and timelines are confirmed in the project quotation.