Jewelry Wholesale Glossary: Terms Every Buyer Should Know

Sep 2, 2026

Jewelry Wholesale Glossary

Terms Every Buyer Should Know

Speak the Language of Jewelry Wholesale

When you start sourcing jewelry wholesale, supplier conversations are full of acronyms and trade terms — MOQ, OEM, PVD, DDP. Understanding this language helps you negotiate better, avoid misunderstandings, and make confident decisions. This glossary covers the essential terms every buyer should know.

Ordering & Sourcing Terms

Term	Meaning	Why It Matters
MOQ	Minimum Order Quantity	Determines your minimum purchase size
Mix-order	Order across multiple styles at one MOQ	Low MOQ mix-orders reduce testing risk
OEM	Original Equipment Manufacturing	Custom products made to your spec
ODM	Original Design Manufacturing	Supplier designs, you brand
Private label	Your brand on factory products	Builds your own brand identity
Sample	A product unit for approval	Verify quality before bulk

Material & Finish Terms

316L — implant-grade stainless steel with low nickel release.
304 — lower-grade stainless steel, less ideal for skin contact.
925 silver — 92.5% pure sterling silver.
Titanium — 100% nickel-free, implant-grade metal.
PVD — Physical Vapor Deposition, a hard durable coating.
Zircon / CZ — cubic zirconia, a diamond-like stone.
Plating — a thin layer of metal over a base.
Hypoallergenic — low risk of allergic reaction.

Shipping & Payment Terms

Term	Meaning	Who Handles
EXW	Ex Works	Buyer arranges all shipping
FOB	Free On Board	Seller to port, buyer from port
DDP	Delivered Duty Paid	Seller handles duty and delivery
DDU/DAP	Delivered Duty Unpaid	Buyer pays local duty
T/T	Telegraphic Transfer (bank transfer)	Common wholesale payment
L/C	Letter of Credit	Bank-guaranteed payment

Quality & Production Terms

Golden sampleThe approved reference sample that every batch must match.

QC / inspectionQuality control checks before shipment.

Lead timeTime from order confirmation to shipment.

HS codeCustoms classification code for your products.

How to Use This Glossary

Use this glossary when evaluating suppliers and reviewing quotes. If a supplier uses terms that confuse you, ask for clarification — transparent suppliers are happy to explain. Knowing these terms also helps you compare quotes fairly and avoid costly misunderstandings.

Tip: Bookmark this glossary and reference it during your first few orders. Confidence in the language of wholesale makes you a better negotiator.

Terms in Practice at Showfay

At Showfay, our team explains every term clearly: low MOQ mix-orders, OEM/ODM customization, PVD finishes on 316L steel, and DDP shipping options. We believe informed buyers make better partners. If you ever meet a term you don't understand, just ask — we'll explain it in plain language.

"The buyer who understands the language of wholesale gets better deals and builds stronger partnerships." — Showfay export team

Frequently Asked Questions

What does MOQ mean in jewelry wholesale?

MOQ stands for Minimum Order Quantity — the smallest order a supplier will accept. Low mix-order MOQs let you test many styles with less risk.

What is the difference between OEM and ODM?

OEM means products made to your exact specification. ODM means the supplier designs the product and you brand and sell it. Both support private label businesses.

What does DDP mean and why is it useful?

DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) means the supplier delivers duty-paid to your door with one clear price. It removes customs complexity and surprise fees for buyers.

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Jewelry Wholesale Glossary: Terms Every Buyer Should Know