The simplest way to order a range across price levels is to plan three tiers: an entry tier that brings customers in, a core tier that carries most sales, and a premium tier that lifts the brand. What separates the tiers is not the design alone but the base metal, plating, stones and construction, so decide those for each tier before you ask for quotes.
What changes the cost
- Base metal: alloy is usually cheapest, then copper, then brass.
- Plating: flash plating costs least; thicker gold, micro plating and anti-tarnish coating add cost.
- Stones: acrylic and glass are cheaper than CZ; hand-set stones cost more than glued ones.
- Construction: stamped pieces are cheaper than cast ones, and handwork adds cost.
- Packaging: a printed card costs far less than a boxed set with a pouch.
A typical three-tier plan
Entry tier: alloy or light brass, flash or thin plating, glass or acrylic stones, simple stamped designs. Good for impulse buys and gifting.
Core tier: brass base, standard gold or rhodium plating with an anti-tarnish coat, CZ or good glass stones, cast designs. This is where most repeat customers sit.
Premium tier: brass base with thicker or micro plating, higher-grade CZ, kundan or polki-look stones, handwork, and better packaging.
One maker or several
Many Rajkot workshops can produce the entry and core tiers, because they share materials and processes. The premium tier often needs a maker with better plating and setting skills. Using two makers is normal, but keep the brand look consistent with a shared colour standard and approved samples.
Keep the tiers honest
Customers notice when an entry piece looks the same as a premium one. Make the differences visible: weight, stone sparkle, finish and packaging. And describe the materials accurately on each listing, so a higher price is backed by a real difference in plating or stones.
What this means for a buyer
Write a short spec sheet per tier and ask every maker to quote against it. Our guide to how imitation jewellery prices are calculated explains how each choice shows up in a quote.
Creston & Co works for buyers only, for a fixed fee agreed in writing. We match each tier to the right makers, check samples and supervise packing. Start with a free sourcing review.