Choose a jewelry manufacturing partner by checking what they make in-house, how they keep bulk quality equal to the sample, who owns your designs and moulds, and how long they have been in business, all before you talk about price. In our experience, buyers who start with price can end up paying twice. Below are the 12 questions we would ask if we were on your side of the table, and what a good answer sounds like from a factory like ours in Bangkok.
Why price is the wrong first question
When a new buyer contacts us, the first three questions are almost always the same: what is the price, can you make it cheaper, can you make it faster. We understand that. But we wish buyers asked about our quality control, why the work takes the time it does, and how long we have been in business. Those answers tell you whether you can trust the factory.
One buyer we worked with chose a Chinese supplier on price alone, received fake items, and then came back to us to order again. They lost the time and the business of that first order. Everything that went wrong could have been checked in advance.
The 12 questions to ask before you order
1. How long have you been in business, and where do you sell?
A good answer gives years and markets without hesitation. We have been making jewelry since 2002 and ship to buyers in 26+ countries. Years in business are one sign a factory can be trusted, which is why we wish more buyers asked.
2. Which departments are in-house?
Ask specifically about mould making, casting, plating, stone setting and quality control. If any of these is "a partner workshop", you are talking to a broker or a partial factory, and you will not get straight answers when something goes wrong. All of those departments are in-house at our factory, and our team of 400+ includes 3 mould makers.
3. Can I see those departments on a video call?
This is the quickest broker test. A real factory will walk you from the mould room to the casting area, plating, the setting benches and the QC table in one call. A broker shows you a showroom and changes the subject. You can see how our factory is set up before you ask.
4. How do you make sure the bulk order matches the sample?
This is the most common failure, seen from our side. Factories not used to bulk make one sample in-house and send the rest outside, so the quality never matches. The answer you want is that the same people, moulds and process make the sample and the bulk.
5. How many quality checks, and on how many pieces?
"Final inspection" is not enough. We run 3 quality checks on every order, and every piece goes through the same check; we look at each piece, not a handful from the box. Be realistic about natural stones here: the colour of a gemstone can differ a little because it is natural, but quality should never be the problem.
6. Where do your stones and pearls come from, and who grades them?
This matters a great deal for gemstone and pearl jewelry. We grade stones ourselves by colour, clarity and origin and use the same grade across an order. Our pearls come from the same origin and the same auction, which gives a far higher chance of matching than buying separately from different suppliers. A factory that buys stones per order from whoever is cheapest cannot promise a consistent collection.
7. Why does it take this long?
Ask this instead of "can you make it faster". A good factory can account for every day. Our samples take 45 days, and production takes 30 days. If a factory promises much faster with no explanation, ask which step is being skipped.
8. What is the minimum order, and how does it apply?
Make the factory say whether the minimum order quantity (MOQ) is per design, per size or per metal colour. Ours is 5 pieces per design from our own collection and 30 pieces per design for your own design, with sizes mixed. We keep it low because we know everyone starts small.
9. Who owns my designs, CAD files and moulds?
The answer should be short: you do. We sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) with every customer on a new order, and every employee has signed one too. What is yours is yours, and it stays that way for as long as we operate, including on reorders.
10. What is in the quote, and what are the payment terms?
Ask whether plating, stone setting, packaging and tooling are included or extra, so you compare complete prices rather than opening numbers. Our terms are a 30% deposit with the balance on delivery, shipped by DHL, FedEx or UPS.
11. Can you advise what sells in my market?
A manufacturer selling since 2002 has seen what works for online brands, boutiques and wholesalers in Europe, the US, the Middle East and Turkey. Tell us about your customers and we can advise what sells. A factory that only takes orders and never advises is leaving value on the table.
12. How will you ensure quality that is affordable and that my customers come back?
If you can ask only one question, ask this one. A factory that answers with price alone is the wrong partner. The answer we would trust talks about in-house control, checking every piece, consistent stones and the same team making sample and bulk. That is what we believe brings buyers back for repeat orders.
What we need from you
Vetting works both ways. To do a good job we need to know what you want, a photo of what you need, the stone, and your market, because the market decides details such as which lock or clasp to use. The thing that delays orders most is buyers changing their mind mid-order. Decide before we cast, and the timeline holds.
Frequently asked questions
How do I choose a reliable jewelry manufacturer for bulk orders?
Choose a factory that casts, plates, sets and checks in-house and inspects every piece, not a percentage. Ask how the sample and the bulk are made by the same team, and ask how long they have been in business. The factories that fail at bulk are usually the ones that made one good sample and subcontracted the rest.
What is the minimum order for custom jewelry manufacturers, and can small businesses order?
Yes, small businesses can order, and the minimum varies by factory. At Nakoda the MOQ is 5 pieces per design from our collection and 30 pieces per design for your own design, with sizes mixed. We keep it low because we know everyone starts small, and we can advise a first collection based on your customers.
How do I tell a real manufacturer from a broker or trading company?
Ask to see mould making, casting, plating, setting and QC on a video call or a factory visit. A real manufacturer shows all of them in one place without hesitation. A broker shows finished pieces and avoids the production floor.
What is the difference between OEM and ODM, and which should a new brand choose?
OEM means we produce your design; ODM means you choose from our designs and brand them. A new brand with a limited budget can start with ODM at 5 pieces per design and add OEM pieces once it knows what sells. Our OEM and ODM services page explains both routes.
Who owns the molds and designs when I order custom jewelry?
You do, and a factory should put that in writing. We sign an NDA with every customer on a new order and with every employee, so your designs, CAD files and moulds stay yours for as long as we operate. That applies to reorders too.
If you are comparing factories, send us your questions, a photo of what you have in mind and a little about your market. We will reply with advice based on your customers and market. You can contact our team by email or WhatsApp.