Regional Sourcing Quick Reference
Match your product to the right manufacturing region. All cost estimates are approximate factory-level ranges for comparable quality.
| Region | Best Product Categories | Relative Cost | Typical Lead Time | MOQ Flexibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shenzhen, China | Gold (24K domestic, 9-18K export), diamond jewelry, platinum, fine jewelry, large volume production | $$ Medium | 2-6 weeks | Medium-High |
| Meilong, China | 925 sterling silver, all silver categories from chains to hand-set pieces, highest volume globally | $ Lowest | 2-5 weeks | Low-Medium |
| Panyu, China | Colored gemstone jewelry, export-oriented processing, strong with Western compliance | $$ Medium | 3-8 weeks | Medium |
| Bangkok, Thailand | Colored gemstones, artisanal silver, handcrafted designs, filigree and granulation work | $$$ Medium-High | 4-10 weeks | Low-Medium |
| Jaipur, India | Colored gemstones (80-90% of world emeralds), traditional Kundan/Meenakari gold jewelry | $$ Medium | 4-12 weeks | Very Flexible |
| Mumbai/Surat, India | Diamond cutting and jewelry (90% of world diamonds by volume), gold jewelry, growing LGD production | $$ Medium | 3-10 weeks | Flexible |
| Istanbul, Turkey | 14K-22K gold jewelry, bridal sets, EU Customs Union duty-free access to European market | $$$ Medium-High | 3-8 weeks | Medium |
| Valenza, Italy | Luxury high-end gold, micro-pave setting, hand-engraving, serves Cartier/Bulgari/Tiffany | $$$$ Highest | 8-16 weeks | High |
| Taxco, Mexico | Artisanal .925 silver, pre-Hispanic and modernist design heritage, USMCA advantages for N.American buyers | $$ Medium | 4-10 weeks | Low-Medium |
How to Use This Table
Start with your product category. Find the regions that specialize in it. Shortlist 2-3 regions. Within each region, contact 2-3 factories. Compare quotes across regions — different regions have different cost structures, and the cheapest per-piece price may be offset by higher shipping costs, longer lead times, or higher minimum orders from a more distant source.
For most buyers, China offers the best combination of cost, speed, and capability for the widest range of products. Thailand and India are better for artisanal, handcrafted, or gemstone-intensive pieces. Italy is reserved for luxury positioning where craftsmanship justifies the premium. Turkey bridges Europe and Asia with duty-free EU access.