You want to source sterling silver jewelry directly from an Indonesian manufacturer but you're not sure where to start, who to trust, or what the process actually looks like. This guide covers every step, based on how buyers in Singapore, the USA, and Europe work with us after finding us online.
Why Indonesia, and Why Surabaya?
Indonesia has produced silver jewelry for centuries. Surabaya and Yogyakarta are the two main centers, with hundreds of family workshops operating alongside larger manufacturers. Labor costs are significantly lower than in Thailand, India, or China for comparable craftsmanship, and the quality of 925 sterling silver work is excellent at most established workshops.
Artistica has been manufacturing in Surabaya since 2003. We export to Singapore, the USA, Europe, Japan, and Australia. That track record is what you are buying when you work with a manufacturer who has been doing this for two decades.
Step 1 — Find Manufacturers Worth Contacting
The honest way to find Indonesian silver manufacturers is via trade directories (Alibaba, Global Sources, IndoTrading), Google search, or word of mouth from other buyers. The challenge is separating manufacturers from traders who act as middlemen — traders add margin without adding value.
The clearest signal that you are dealing with a real manufacturer: they have a physical workshop you can visit or video-call into, they can show you production photos at each stage, and they quote based on metal weight and complexity rather than catalogue prices.
Step 2 — Request a Sample Order
Do not place a large first order with any manufacturer you have not tested. Almost every serious buyer starts with a sample: 15 to 30 pieces across two or three designs. This lets you verify:
- Silver purity (genuine 925 vs lower-grade alloy)
- Weight and dimensions match the spec
- Finish quality — polishing, stone setting, soldering
- Communication speed and accuracy during production
- Packaging and how pieces arrive
In most countries, small shipments under the de minimis threshold arrive duty-free. In the USA that threshold is $800, meaning a sample order of 15 to 30 pieces typically clears customs without import duty. Australia's threshold is AUD 1,000, and the EU's is EUR 150.
Step 3 — Understand the Import Paperwork
A legitimate manufacturer ships with a commercial invoice listing HS code 7113.11, a packing list, and a Certificate of Origin. For buyers in Singapore, import duty on silver jewelry is 0% — Singapore is a free port. For USA buyers, duty is 5.5% on the declared value. For Australian buyers, it is 0% under the Indonesia-Australia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IA-CEPA).
If a manufacturer cannot produce a proper commercial invoice with HS codes, that is a warning sign. Every shipment we make includes full export documentation.
Step 4 — Negotiate Terms and Minimums
Our MOQ is 15 pieces per design — this is low by industry standards and makes us practical for boutiques and small labels who want variety without overstocking. Larger orders reduce the per-piece cost. The standard terms for a first order from a new buyer are 50% deposit before production and 50% before shipment.
Do not accept manufacturers who ask for 100% upfront on a first order without offering any protection, such as milestone photos or a third-party inspection option.
Step 5 — Communication and Lead Times
Production time for a standard order is approximately four weeks after order confirmation and deposit. Custom designs that require mold creation add two to three weeks. Factor this into your planning — stock arrives six to eight weeks from when you place the order for a custom design, or four to five weeks for designs already in catalogue.
Good manufacturers send production photos at key stages without being asked. If you need to chase every update, that is a signal about how the relationship will work long-term.
What to Ask Before Placing an Order
- Can I see your workshop on a video call?
- What is your 925 testing method?
- Can you provide a Certificate of Origin for my country's trade agreement?
- What is your process if pieces arrive damaged?
- Do you sign NDAs for custom design clients?
Getting Started with Artistica
We work with buyers across Singapore, the USA, Europe, Japan, and Australia. Our minimum is 15 pieces per design. To get started, send us a WhatsApp message with your country, what type of jewelry you are looking for, and your approximate volume. We will respond with pricing and can arrange a call or video walkthrough of our workshop if you would like to see the facility before committing.
Our export team has shipped to more than 10 countries and handles all documentation including Certificates of Origin, hallmark certificates, and customs paperwork for your broker.