Thailand exported $9.6 billion worth of gems and jewelry in 2024, marking a 10.99% year-over-year increase according to the Gem and Jewelry Institute of Thailand. The country holds its position as the world's second-largest silver jewelry exporter and third-largest colored gemstone exporter. For retailers and jewelry brands seeking custom gemstone pieces, Thai manufacturers offer a rare combination of skilled craftsmanship, competitive pricing, and production capacity that few countries can match.
The process begins with understanding who you're working with. Thai suppliers fall into two main categories, and choosing correctly determines everything from your minimum order size to your control over quality. Factory relationships, documentation requirements, and payment structures all differ based on supplier type. This guide walks through each step of sourcing custom gemstone jewelry from Thailand, from initial factory vetting through final shipment.
What Kinds of Thai Suppliers Offer Custom Gemstone Jewelry?
OEM and ODM factories in Thailand handle full design-to-shipping operations within their own facilities. These manufacturers control every production stage, from wax modeling and casting through stone setting and final polish. Working directly with a factory means you negotiate prices based on actual production costs rather than trader markups. Quality control happens in real-time because the people making your jewelry work under the same roof as management.
Traders and brokers operate differently. They take your order and farm it out to multiple small workshops, sometimes without disclosing which facilities actually produce your pieces. While traders can occasionally offer lower prices through their network of suppliers, you lose visibility into production processes. For custom gemstone work requiring specific stone cuts or precise metalwork, direct factory relationships provide better results.
Bangkok's Gemopolis Industrial Estate houses over 200 jewelry manufacturers within its 25-hectare campus. Established in 1990 as a tax-free industrial zone, Gemopolis concentrates production and export logistics in one location. Major international brands operate manufacturing facilities there, alongside dozens of smaller specialized producers. The estate offers import duty exemptions on raw materials and finished products, plus corporate income tax exemptions for qualifying manufacturers.
What Is the Usual MOQ for Custom Gemstone Pieces?
Most Thai factories set minimum order quantities between 30 and 100 pieces per design for custom work. Sterling silver pieces typically sit at the lower end of this range because silver costs less and production runs faster. Solid gold designs push toward higher minimums since material costs and risk increase substantially.
Ready-stock items from established catalogues often have lower thresholds. Some manufacturers accept orders as small as $1,000 for existing designs with 3-5 pieces per style. Made-to-order work with custom specifications requires larger commitments, often starting at $2,000 minimum order values with production timelines of 30-45 days.
Sample orders carry surcharges. Expect to pay 25-100% above quoted wholesale prices for prototypes because manufacturers invest significant labor in one-off pieces without production efficiencies. Many factories credit sample costs against subsequent bulk orders once you commit to production quantities.
How Do I Vet a Reputable Gemstone Jewelry Manufacturer in Bangkok?
Request documentation before discussing designs. A legitimate manufacturer provides their Thai Department of Business Development registration, export license credentials, and factory photos showing actual production equipment. Ask for client references you can contact directly. Established factories with 10+ years in business typically maintain relationships with retailers in multiple countries.
Gemstone certification matters enormously for colored stone pieces. Factories working with rubies, sapphires, and emeralds should provide documentation from recognized laboratories. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) offers verification services where you can check any GIA report number against their database. Thai laboratories like the Asian Institute of Gemological Sciences (AIGS), housed in Bangkok's Jewelry Trade Center, provide regional certification accepted throughout Asia.
Physical visits remain the gold standard for vetting. Many Thai manufacturers offer video tours for overseas buyers who cannot travel. During any facility review, observe the separation between different production stages. Quality operations maintain distinct areas for casting, stone setting, and polishing to prevent contamination and damage.
Which Documents and Certifications Should I Request Before Placing an Order?
Start with a pro-forma invoice detailing exact specifications. This document should list metal type and karat, stone types and carat weights, plating thickness in microns, and all finishing details. Any ambiguity at the quotation stage creates problems during production.
CAD (computer-aided design) renderings show exactly what your finished pieces will look like before production begins. Professional factories create 3D models for approval, allowing adjustments before any metal gets cast. Reject vague sketches and insist on detailed renders showing dimensions and stone placement.
Gemstone origin reports become important for buyers reselling in markets with traceability requirements. Sapphires from Sri Lanka command different prices than Thai-origin stones. For diamonds, GIA or IGI certification provides internationally recognized grading. The Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC) offers chain-of-custody certification for gold, silver, and platinum that tracks materials from source through finished product.
Factory business licenses verify legal operating status. In Thailand, jewelry manufacturers need specific permits for import/export activities. Gemopolis-based factories operate under Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand oversight, providing an additional layer of regulatory compliance.
How Do I Brief My Design Requirements Effectively?
Stone specifications need exact parameters. Communicate stone sizes in millimeters, shapes (round brilliant, cushion, emerald cut), quality grades, and whether you accept heated or treated stones. Color descriptions using industry standards (like Pantone for enamel work) eliminate guesswork. If you require untreated stones, state this explicitly since heat treatment remains standard practice in Thailand for rubies and sapphires.
Metal specifications include alloy composition, not just karat weight. 18K gold can contain varying proportions of copper, silver, and zinc affecting final color and hardness. Specify yellow, white, or rose gold. For silver, 925 sterling remains standard, but plating options multiply the possibilities. Request rhodium plating thickness in microns (typically 0.1-0.3 microns for silver) and discuss base metal options for vermeil work.
Packaging and branding details complete your brief. Many factories offer private-label services including custom boxes, pouches, authenticity cards, and logo stamping. Provide vector files (AI or EPS format) for any branding elements. Discuss whether you need retail-ready packaging or bulk packaging for your own finishing.
What Is the End-to-End Production Timeline for Custom Orders?
Sample development runs 5-7 days for straightforward designs using existing stone cuts and standard metal alloys. Complex pieces requiring custom stone cutting or unusual techniques need 2-3 weeks for prototypes. Expect multiple revision rounds. Professional factories photograph samples from every angle for remote approval.
Mass production timelines depend on order size and factory capacity. Standard orders of 100-500 pieces typically complete within 30-45 days after sample approval. Larger orders may extend to 60 days, particularly during peak seasons before major gift-giving holidays. Thai factories experience highest demand from September through January.
Gemstone sourcing can add time. While Thai factories maintain stock of common stones, unusual cuts or specific color requirements may need sourcing from external suppliers. Chanthaburi Province, 230 kilometers southeast of Bangkok, serves as Thailand's colored gemstone trading hub with access to rubies, sapphires, and other stones from regional mines.
What Payment Terms and Incoterms Are Standard?
Most Thai manufacturers require 30-50% deposit before production begins, with the balance due before shipment. New customers typically face stricter terms (50% deposit) while established relationships may offer 30% down. Full payment before shipment remains non-negotiable for most factories since international collection becomes difficult once goods leave Thailand.
Wire transfer (T/T) and PayPal handle most transactions. PayPal fees add 3-4% to costs but provide buyer protection for smaller orders. Wire transfers work better for large orders, though international transfer fees apply. Some factories accept credit card payments through trade platforms, again with percentage fees added.
Incoterms define who pays for what during shipping. FOB Bangkok (Free On Board) means the seller delivers goods to the freight forwarder in Bangkok and the buyer assumes responsibility thereafter. EXW (Ex Works) prices exclude all shipping costs. DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) means the seller handles everything through customs clearance in your country. DDP costs more upfront but simplifies your logistics since the factory manages export documentation and shipping arrangements.
What Import Duties and VAT Will I Pay When Shipping to the US or EU?
Jewelry imports into the United States fall under HS Code 7113 (Articles of jewelry and parts thereof). Duty rates vary by metal content and value. Silver jewelry generally attracts lower rates, while gold pieces face duties in the 5-6.5% range depending on specific classification. Precious stones set in jewelry may receive different treatment than the metal components.
European Union import duties on jewelry from Thailand typically run 2.5-4% depending on product classification. The EU maintains specific tariff lines for gold jewelry, silver jewelry, and costume pieces. VAT applies at destination country rates (20% in UK, 19% in Germany, 21% in Spain) on top of the customs value plus duty.
Thailand exports jewelry duty-free since the country applies no export taxes on finished jewelry. Thai VAT (7%) applies to domestic sales but gets refunded for export transactions. Your factory should handle VAT refund paperwork automatically when shipping internationally.
How Do I Guarantee Ethical Sourcing and Consistent Quality?
Ethical sourcing requires documentation at multiple points. For precious metals, ask whether your factory sources from LBMA (London Bullion Market Association) certified refiners or uses recycled materials. RJC certification, mentioned earlier, covers both business practices and material traceability. Over 2,000 companies across the global jewelry supply chain now hold RJC certification.
Gemstone traceability presents greater challenges. Unlike gold with established chain-of-custody systems, colored stones often pass through multiple hands before reaching factories. Factories that source directly from mining cooperatives or certified suppliers can provide better documentation. For diamonds, Kimberley Process certification verifies conflict-free origins.
Quality control requires systematic inspection. Discuss QC protocols before ordering. Professional factories conduct in-process inspections after casting, after stone setting, and after final polish. Third-party inspection services (SGS, Bureau Veritas) operate throughout Thailand and can verify your shipment against agreed specifications before it leaves the factory.
Step-by-Step Order Process with a Thai Factory
Understanding the complete workflow helps you plan timelines and budget appropriately. Each stage builds on the previous one, with clear approval points preventing expensive mistakes. The following sections break down what happens at each phase.
Request Samples and Quotation
Initial contact establishes scope and feasibility. Send your design files (technical drawings, reference images, or sketches) along with target specifications and estimated quantities. Factories respond with preliminary pricing based on current metal costs and production complexity. Request itemized quotes showing metal, stones, labor, and finishing as separate line items so you can identify where costs concentrate.
Confirm Pro-Forma Invoice, Pay Deposit, and Approve CAD
Once pricing aligns, the factory issues a formal pro-forma invoice for your sample order. Pay the agreed deposit (often 100% for samples since quantities are small). The factory creates CAD models for your approval. Review renders carefully because changes after casting cost money and time. Confirm all dimensions, stone positions, bail sizes, clasp types, and finishing details before authorizing production.
Production and In-House Quality Control
After sample approval and deposit payment for your production order, manufacturing begins. Professional factories provide progress updates at key milestones. Ask for photos after casting shows metal quality and after stone setting confirms placement accuracy. Address any concerns immediately since corrections mid-production cost less than post-production rework.
Final Payment, Third-Party Inspection, and Shipping
Production completion triggers your balance payment. Consider scheduling third-party inspection before paying if your order value justifies the cost (typically $200-500 depending on scope). Once you approve final quality, the factory prepares export documentation including commercial invoice, packing list, and certificate of origin. Most factories ship via DHL, FedEx, or UPS with delivery times of 3-7 days to North America and Europe.
What About Lab-Grown Gemstones in Custom Orders?
Lab-grown diamonds and gemstones represent a growing segment of the market. Thai factories increasingly work with laboratory-created stones, offering them at 50-70% below mined equivalents. Production processes remain identical once stones reach the setting stage, so quality depends on the same craftsmanship factors as natural stone work.
Disclosure requirements vary by market. US Federal Trade Commission guidelines require clear disclosure of laboratory origin. European regulations similarly mandate distinction between natural and synthetic stones. Reputable factories document stone origins on invoices and can provide laboratory certification specifying natural versus lab-grown designation.
Color consistency improves with lab-grown options. Natural colored gemstones vary piece-to-piece, making matched sets challenging and expensive. Laboratory production controls color outcomes, enabling more uniform appearance across production runs. For commercial collections requiring consistent colorways, lab-grown stones simplify sourcing considerably.
How Do Packaging and Branding Add-Ons Work?
Most Thai factories offer complete packaging solutions beyond basic protective pouches. Custom boxes with your logo, branded tissue paper, authenticity cards, and care instructions can all be produced alongside your jewelry. Lead times for packaging often exceed jewelry production, so order packaging materials early in your timeline.
Logo stamping on jewelry pieces requires tooling. Expect one-time die charges for stamps used on metal surfaces. Inside-band engraving, hallmarks, and logo placement all need precise specifications. Provide your logo in vector format at the highest available resolution.
Story cards and certificates of authenticity help retailers communicate value to end customers. Factories can print these materials or you can supply your own. Consider QR codes linking to your brand story or stone origin information as a modern authenticity feature.
What Sustainability Certifications Matter for Wholesale Jewelry?
Beyond RJC certification, several frameworks address sustainability in jewelry production. Fairmined certification applies to artisanally-mined gold from responsible sources. Recycled precious metal content can be verified through refiners participating in certified programs. These certifications matter increasingly to retail buyers and end consumers.
Environmental practices at the factory level include waste management, water treatment, and chemical handling. Thailand's Department of Industrial Works enforces environmental regulations for manufacturing facilities. Factories in organized industrial estates like Gemopolis must submit biannual environmental impact reports.
Social compliance covers worker conditions, wages, and benefits. Goldlip's own factory in Trat Province pays 30% above local average wages and provides full benefits including maternity leave and pensions. When selecting suppliers, ask about worker welfare policies and consider requesting facility audits from social compliance verification services.
Which Trade Shows Connect Buyers with Thai Manufacturers?
The Bangkok Gems and Jewelry Fair runs twice yearly, typically in February and September, at Queen Sirikit National Convention Center. The February 2025 edition drew over 1,100 exhibitors across 2,600 booths, generating an estimated 3.5 billion baht in trade value. Colored gemstones account for nearly 50% of exhibitor space, reflecting Thailand's strength in this category.
Trade fair participation allows hands-on quality assessment impossible through online communication alone. You can compare multiple suppliers in a single trip, examine actual production samples, and negotiate face-to-face. Many factories offer special show pricing and lower MOQs for orders placed during fair dates.
Regional trade shows in Hong Kong, Singapore, and Dubai also feature Thai manufacturers. The September Hong Kong Jewellery and Gem Fair attracts Thai exhibitors seeking international buyers. These secondary venues work well if Bangkok travel proves difficult.
Ready to Source Your Custom Collection from Thailand?
Thai manufacturers combine centuries of gemstone expertise with modern production capabilities at price points that support healthy retail margins. Success requires clear communication, proper documentation, and realistic timeline expectations. Start with sample orders to establish quality standards before committing to larger production runs.
Whether you work with a large-scale facility in Bangkok's Gemopolis or a smaller specialized workshop in the provinces, the fundamentals remain consistent: specify exactly what you need, verify supplier credentials, and build relationships through successful transactions. Thailand's jewelry industry has earned its global reputation through decades of delivering quality to retailers worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I order custom jewelry from Thailand without visiting the factory?
Yes. Most Thai manufacturers work with international clients entirely through email, video calls, and courier samples. Request a virtual factory tour to assess facilities and meet your production team. Many successful wholesale relationships begin without in-person meetings, though visiting establishes stronger connections for ongoing business.
How do I protect my designs when working with overseas manufacturers?
Professional factories sign non-disclosure agreements covering your designs. Thailand's intellectual property laws provide legal protection, though enforcement can be slow. Work with established manufacturers who value long-term relationships over short-term copying opportunities. Avoid factories that display other clients' designs prominently without apparent permission.
What happens if my order arrives with quality defects?
Document defects immediately with photographs and formal written notification to your supplier. Reputable factories offer remake or repair options for legitimate quality issues. Pre-shipment inspection prevents most problems from reaching you. Discuss dispute resolution procedures before ordering, including who bears shipping costs for returns.
Are Thai jewelry factories open to small businesses and startups?
Many Thai manufacturers welcome smaller buyers, particularly those with clear growth potential. Some factories maintain lower MOQ programs specifically for emerging brands. Be upfront about your current volume and growth plans. Factories invest in relationship-building with buyers who demonstrate professional communication and consistent ordering patterns.
How do currency fluctuations affect pricing from Thai suppliers?
Thai factories typically quote in US dollars, protecting you from baht fluctuations. Metal costs (gold, silver, platinum) vary daily based on global commodity markets. Lock in metal pricing when you confirm orders to avoid surprises. Extended production timelines increase exposure to metal price movements.