When looking for wholesale jewelry suppliers, the type of supplier varies depending on the type of jewelry. Suppliers for low end jewelry and costume jewelry rarely carry merchandise that high end designer jewelry and gem wholesalers carry. Low end wholesalers are common, and since the price point on these pieces is so low, there is no secondary liquidation market. In high end jewelry, are fewer reputable wholesalers, but a significant used and liquidation wholesale market exists.



For costume jewelry, wholesalers are common, but finding ones that deliver dependable quality is challenging. Beware of paying a premium price for “tiffany style” jewelry and other designer low end goods. These are imitations, and carry no additional value above the metal and artistic value. While the style may be the same, and may indeed be from the same factory, selling such as the designer brand name has many legal implications. Purchase based on the item’s merit, not the name and the profit potential is solid. Fraudulent wholesalers are common in the low end designer jewelry. They advertise glass as low end gemstones, and are known to use imitation silver or state false gold percentages. Finding a trustworthy wholesaler is difficult, but worth the effort. Most costume jewelry wholesalers own factories overseas, and import in quantity. They are willing to sell to any legitimate reseller, so establishing accounts is usually trouble free, and quantities fairly flexible, although larger quantities usually lead to greater discounts.

High end jewelry has far more profit potential but far more risk. Fakes and misrepresentations are common, and it is definitely a buyer beware market. Some knowledge of the industry is a must, even when dealing with quality wholesalers. Most wholesalers travel overseas to purchase gemstones, then design or subcontract the mounting into jewelry pieces. Most are willing to deal with new customers, provided a valid resellers license exists. They will usually offer discounts on multiple item purchases.

In the high end fashion jewelry market, liquidators purchase jewelry from auctions, estate sales, overstock, and similar markets. They then grade the item and sell at a markup. Quality varies between pieces, and the interpretation of the quality differs as well. Deal only with reputable dealers, and inspect purchases closely as the wholesaler is using their judgement on merchandise value, and can misjudge on occasion. Learning to judge jewelry value will lead to finding the under-priced opportunities, and avoiding the over-priced pitfalls.