Indonesia is one of the world's most established custom jewelry manufacturing destinations, with a strong concentration of skilled workshops in Bali, Surabaya, and Yogyakarta. For international brand owners, ordering custom OEM jewelry from Indonesian manufacturers offers a combination of artisan quality, competitive pricing, and production flexibility that is difficult to match elsewhere.
But if you've never ordered internationally before, the process can feel opaque. This guide walks through exactly what to expect — from your first message to delivery.
What is OEM Jewelry Manufacturing?
OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturing) means you supply the design and the manufacturer produces it to your specification. You own the design; they provide the craftsmanship and production. This is different from ODM (Original Design Manufacturing), where the manufacturer develops the design for you based on a brief.
For OEM orders, you provide:
- CAD files (.STL, .OBJ, or .3DM)
- Detailed sketches with measurements
- Physical reference samples
- Reference images with written specifications
Step 1: The Initial Brief (Day 1)
The process starts with your inquiry. Send your manufacturer:
- Design files or reference images
- Desired material: 925 sterling silver, any plating, stone specifications
- Target quantity for sampling and production
- Budget range or target price per piece
- Intended market (affects compliance requirements)
A good manufacturer will respond within 24 hours with preliminary feasibility feedback, a rough price range, and a timeline estimate. If they take more than 48 hours to reply to a first inquiry, that's a signal about how they'll communicate during production.
Step 2: Quotation and Design Review (Week 1)
After reviewing your brief, the manufacturer provides a formal quotation covering:
- Sample fee (non-refundable, typically credited toward production order)
- Unit price at your target MOQ, with volume tier pricing
- Lead time for sampling and production
- Payment terms (typically 50% deposit, 50% before shipment)
If your design requires modifications for manufacturing feasibility (undercuts, minimum wall thickness, stone setting placement), a good manufacturer will explain these now and offer alternatives rather than simply producing something that won't work.
Step 3: CAD Development and Render Approval (Week 1–2)
If you don't have a CAD file, or if your manufacturer works from sketches, they'll create a 3D CAD model from your reference. You'll receive photorealistic renders showing the piece from multiple angles and at scale.
Review renders carefully:
- Proportions and scale (measure against a coin or ruler in the reference image)
- Stone sizes and placements
- Surface texture details
- Where the 925 hallmark will sit
Request corrections at this stage — CAD changes are fast and free. Changes after the wax prototype are slower and may cost extra.
Step 4: Wax Prototype or Silver Sample (Week 2–3)
From the approved CAD, the manufacturer produces either a wax prototype (for design review only — not the final metal) or a direct silver sample. Some manufacturers do both stages; others go straight to silver.
When evaluating your sample:
- Weigh it (should match the spec weight within ±5–10%)
- Check the 925 hallmark location and legibility
- Test any moving parts (clasps, hinges)
- Verify stone settings are secure (tap gently with a fingernail — no movement)
- Check the finish against your specification (mirror, matte, oxidized)
Don't rush sample approval. Once you sign off, the manufacturer will use the same mold and process for all units in the production run.
Step 5: Production Run (Week 4–8)
After sample approval and deposit payment, production begins. For a 100-piece run, typical production time is 3–5 weeks. Progress photos at key stages (post-casting, post-polish, pre-pack) are reasonable to request.
Quality control at a reputable manufacturer involves:
- Casting inspection for porosity and defects
- Post-polish inspection for surface finish
- Final piece-by-piece check before packing
Step 6: Shipping and Customs (Week 6–9)
Most Indonesian manufacturers ship via DHL, FedEx, or UPS for international orders. Ensure your manufacturer provides:
- Commercial invoice with HS code 7113.11 (sterling silver jewelry)
- Packing list
- Certificate of Origin (required for duty preference in Australia, Japan)
- 925 silver certification
Import duty varies by destination. Australia pays 0% under IA-CEPA. The USA pays approximately 5.5%. The EU pays 2.5–4%. See our Import & Duty Guide for full details.
Estimated Total Timeline
- Brief to quotation: 1–2 days
- CAD and design: 5–10 days
- Sample production: 7–14 days
- Sample review and revisions: 3–7 days
- Production run: 3–5 weeks
- Shipping (DHL): 3–7 days to USA/Europe
- Total: approximately 8–12 weeks end-to-end
Ready to start your custom project? Learn about Artistica's OEM/ODM capabilities or send us your design brief on WhatsApp.