Gold Jewelry

Gold is measured in units called karats. 10K, 14K and 18K signifies fine jewelry: the higher the karat, the greater the gold content. Watch out for words like real gold or real silver in advertisements. Often, businesses will use these words to dupe the buyer. Costume and fashion jewelry contain very small amounts of real gold. Beware of the word overlay even if it is precedes the 10, 14 or 18K designation. This refers to a process of bonding and it designates costume or fashion jewelry.

Wholesale Silver Jewelry

Silver costs less than gold but it tarnishes easily. When searching for silver jewelry, you’ll want to know the difference between fine or sterling silver and silver-plated. Sterling silver has a content of 92.5 percent silver and 7.5 percent copper and will be stamped or labeled "925" or "Steer." Jewelry that is not tagged Sterling Silver, is most likely cast in brass or zinc then

hand-dipped in silver. Sterling Silver pieces are more costly and considered fine jewelry.

Wholesale Fashion Jewelry

Fashion Jewelry contains real gold and silver electroplated over brass or Sterling Silver. The measurement of gold, in terms of quality, is defined by the amount of mils, a unit of measurement referencing the quantity of precious metal in the number of layers that is used in the overlay; the higher the mils, the higher the quality and the price. The jewels used in fashion jewelry are semi-precious stones, lab created gemstones, crystals and rhinestones, and they all have quality and cost classifications of their own. Like fine jewelry, the same terminology applies: facet, referring to the cut; clarity, referring to the brilliance; and fire, referring to the kaleidoscope of colors. Austrian Swarovski crystals, higher in quality than plain crystals, are considered superior to rhinestones because they are more intricately faceted and have higher light diffraction or fire.

It is common for fashion jewelry to carry the name of a famous designer or a celebrity. When buying designer or celebrity wholesale jewelry, always check the current season’s retail line. Outdated retail lines command less money in both the retail and wholesale market. Researching the current retail market value will help in determining the value of wholesale price.

Wholesale Costume Jewelry

Costume Jewelry is cheaper than Fashion Jewelry in both quality and price. Usually made of plastic or acrylic, it’s often termed junk jewelry and is sold in deep discount or dollar stores. If costume jewelry claims any gold, it is gold plated, not electroplated. The gold or silver is thinner and in addition to the base metal being different - pewter, nickel and sometimes lead - the overlay itself is often not pure gold or sliver. Thus, it commands a much cheaper price

in both retail and wholesale markets. Gold plated and electroplated are not the same.

Body Jewelry

Jewelry adornments such as belly button studs, brow and nose rings have become trendy and are in high demand, particularly with the younger crowd. When piercing the body, the higher quality jewelry is often the better choice. Many people have allergic reactions to metals so it is important to know the metal content of any jewelry you purchase.

A good thing to keep in mind is that trendy jewelry will often see a higher ratio of bogus dealers trying to make fast money in a high-demand market. Often, they misrepresent the jewelry to the uneducated buyer. An internet search will undoubtedly turn up several hundred sites that offer jewelry at wholesale prices, but if you are not keen on buying online, look in your local directory

for discount and wholesale dealers in your area.

You might also want to attend jewelry or designer’s trade show or visit a local flea market where you can actually see the jewelry and assess the quality. While it’s okay to order online and from catalogs, make certain there is a return policy.

Finally, look for reputable dealers who have an established track record. Don’t be shy about asking for customer testimonies that you can verify. Whether you’re buying for your personal collection or for resale, buying wholesale jewelry can save your bank account.