Planning to launch a new gold jewellery collection? In this guide, we list some of Europe’s leading gold jewellery manufacturers located in Italy, Spain and Portugal. We also explain what brand owners must know about custom design options, private labelling, gold karat options, REACH compliance, and MOQ requirements.
Supplier Overview
Supplier qualifications
Custom design
Private label
REACH compliance
Industry overview
Custom design
Most gold jewellery manufacturers in Europe have their own collections that are made available to stores and distributors. However, many also operate as contract manufacturers producing gold jewellery designs created by third-party brands. For example, J. SOARES in Portugal have an in-house design office that creates both their own collections, and those of other brands.
Keep in mind that different factories have different machinery and equipment, which in turn affects the types of gold jewellery they can manufacture.
Examples
- Laser cutting
- Laser engraving
- Moulding
- Laser welding
Private label
As mentioned, you can select gold jewellery directly from the factory catalogue. Doing so does not close the door entirely on product customisation. Most factories offer custom engraving, and can also help you procure custom-designed jewellery packaging.
Material options
Not all gold jewellery manufacturers use the exact same types or fineness of gold. For example, few gold jewellery manufacturers in Europe produce gold-filled jewellery. You must specify the type and purity before you engage suppliers, as this will impact your factory selection.
The karat also has a drastic impact on the price. You cannot do a proper price comparison between suppliers if they quote products based on a different fineness.
Examples
- Gold plated
- Gold vermeil
- Gold filled
- Solid gold
Solid gold
- 14 k (58% gold)
- 18 k (75% gold)
- 22 k (92% gold)
- 23 k (96% gold)
- 24 k (99.95% gold)
REACH compliance
Gold jewellery sold and manufactured in the EU must comply with the REACH regulation, which sets restrictions on heavy metals and chemicals. Restricted substances include nickel, lead, mercury, cadmium, and other heavy metals that can be found in jewellery materials. The manufacturer must be able to either provide test reports that correspond to REACH Annex XVII, or provide some other form of guarantee that their materials are compliant.
Substance regulations applicable to gold jewellery also exist in the US, UK, and other countries. That said, a supplier that can demonstrate REACH compliance is more likely to be able to ensure compliance with substance restrictions elsewhere.
MOQ requirements
Most gold jewellery factories set the MOQ fairly low for ready-made catalogue products. Some offer purchases from 500 EUR per order, or 10 pcs per style. That said, the MOQs can be higher for custom-designed gold jewellery, often ranging from 100 to 500 pcs per style.
Italy
BELVENCHI
BELVENCHI is currently a second-generation jewellery manufacturer in Vicenza, Italy. The company manufactures products such as bracelets, rings, and necklaces using and combining materials such as 18Kt gold, 18Kt rose gold, as well as bronze, stones, and diamonds.
The company’s manufacturing designs begin with a pencil sketch and using 3D technology to go over it. The preparation involves gold and alloys from gold granules, which are then cast and assembled by hand by goldsmiths in its factory. Clients can request white palladium during the preparation stage. The jewellery surfaces are finished with a silk effect.
According to its website, it focuses on adhering to quality standards.
Main products
- 18Kt gold bracelets
- 18Kt rose gold bracelets
- 18Kt gold rings
- 18Kt rose gold necklaces
Location: Vicenza, Italy
Italian Jewels Manufacturing Industry S.r.l.
Italian Jewels Manufacturing Industry S.r.l. was founded in 1949 in Italy, and the company manufactures luxury jewellery products such as rings, necklaces, bracelets, and chains made from 18K and 24K gold. It also manufactures gold jewellery for men, as well as for kids.
The company offers private label services and can produce unique and customised jewellery per the client’s requirements. Its services also include designing, sourcing, manufacturing, packaging, logistics, and shipping. The company outlines its manufacturing process on its website and also implements quality control.
Its main export markets are all over the world, in regions such as the Americas, Asia, the Middle East, and the EU. According to the company’s website, it produces jewellery according to international and quality safety and health standards.
Main products
- 18K and 24K gold rings
- 18K and 24K gold earrings
- 18K gold pendants
- 18K gold necklaces
- Gold bracelets
- Gold chains
Location: San Remo (Imperia), Italy
Portugal
J. SOARES
J. SOARES was founded in 1991 in the goldsmithing region of Gondomar, Portugal, and specialises in manufacturing jewellery and gold pieces such as earrings, bracelets, and necklaces. It uses different types of gold such as 9K, 14K, and 18K.
The company outlines on its website a multi-step process of its service regarding tailor-made jewellery. It involves laser cutting the precious metals, laser engraving, and laser welding, as well as microfusion, stamping, and stone setting. It then utilises 2D and 3D design, prototyping and 3D printing as well as manual modelling, before using the latest technologies and certified raw materials to produce and assemble the jewellery.
The company also implements production and quality control during its manufacturing process. Though it manufactures custom-designed jewellery, it also has its own product catalogue.
Main products
- Gold bracelets
- Gold earrings
- Gold necklaces
- Gold rings
Location: Gondomar, Portugal
OURONOR
OURONOR was founded in 1990 in Póvoa de Lanhoso. It manufactures jewellery products such as necklaces and rings, medallions and earrings using precious materials such as gold. It can make filigree gold jewellery products.
The company offers to make unique pieces. It also distributes its products into the global market, in regions such as Europe. Its services include jewellery analysis, budgeting, repair, and shipment. Its products also have a 30-day warranty.
According to its website, the company is certified by the Press National Mint, adheres to ethical principles, and its products are examples of quality assurance. The company’s workshop also complies with relevant standards in producing jewellery for its clients.
Main products
- Gold earrings
- Gold necklaces
- Gold rings
- Gold medallions
Location: Póvoa de Lanhoso, Portugal
Spain
OPLA S.A.
OPLA S.A. was founded in 1978 and specialises in manufacturing jewellery chains using precious metals such as gold, silver and bronze. Its gold jewellery products come in either 9Kt or 18Kt.
The company utilises gold plating technology for its products, and it has its own galvanic bathing department for gold plating jewellery. It custom-produces the jewellery for its clients after those clients specify the models of chains and the quantity.
Its main export market is Spain, although it also produces gold jewellery products for the international market as well. The company sells its products by the gram, and clients should expect to receive their product within 2–5 weeks.
According to its website, it stresses the importance of including its hallmark (signifying quality) on its products.
Main products
- 9Kt gold chain
- 18Kt gold chain
Location: Valencia, Spain
