Importing Jewelry

Secrets of Finding Suppliers
in Foreign Countries

© by Jo Guerra; all rights reserved

Jo Guerra

When I began importing jewelry for my business over 15 years ago, I decided to drive to Taxco, Mexico, from the United States.

Luckily I found a guide as soon as I arrived.

He took me door to door to different silversmiths and wholesalers so I could find suppliers of wholesale sterling silver earrings, silver necklaces, sterling silver rings and more.

And I knew that if I bought at the place that I found, he would return to collect a commission on what I purchased.

He took me to his favorite places and not necessarily the best places. But I eventually learned whom to buy from and whom not to.

Children's jewelry
imported by Jo.

When I decided to import jewelry from Asia, I found a directory online and faxed more than sixty suppliers.

I heard from less than ten of them.

So I decided, well maybe it's like Mexico, just walk up and down the colonial city of Taxco in Asia and find suppliers.

It wasn't.

All suppliers were not located in the same area.

They were all over the place and I couldn't find them the first day.

It was very discouraging.

Today it's so much easier to find suppliers in foreign countries with the Internet. Just do a search for jewelry suppliers from the country you would like to import from.

You don't necessarily even have to visit the foreign country to import, although some manufacturers require large minimums. Just check out their requirements.

Crystal rhinestone bracelet imported by Jo.

Or try to find a show in the country you would like to import from. This is a great way to find lots of suppliers in just a few days and actually see the jewelry. If possible, register for the show before you travel.