A necklace set specification should describe every detail you can measure or see, so that the maker, the inspector and you all judge the goods against the same document. It covers dimensions, weight, base metal, plating, stones, closure, the matching earrings, finish, packaging and compliance, with a tolerance for each number and a reference to the approved sample.
Photos alone are not a specification. Two makers can copy the same photo with different metals, plating and stones at very different prices.
The necklace
- Design reference: your code, photos from front, back and side, and a drawing if you have one.
- Length: total length and the drop of the centre piece, in centimetres.
- Width and depth of the main piece.
- Weight per piece, with a tolerance such as plus or minus 10 percent.
- Base metal: brass, copper or alloy, stated in writing.
- Closure: adjustable thread (dori), hook, lobster clasp or chain extender, with its length.
Plating and finish
- Plating type and colour: for example yellow gold, matte gold, rhodium or rose gold.
- Plating thickness or grade if agreed, and whether an anti-tarnish coating is required.
- Finish: polished, matte, antique or oxidised, and which areas get which.
- Colour standard: the approved sample is the reference for shade.
Stones
- Stone type: CZ, glass, kundan, acrylic, pearl-effect beads.
- Size, shape and colour of each stone, and the number per piece.
- Setting method: prong, bezel, pave or glued.
- Acceptable defects: none missing, no loose stones, no visible glue.
Earrings, packing and compliance
- Earrings: type, size, weight per earring, hook or post type and backing.
- Packing: individual pouch or box, anti-tarnish bag, label and barcode, pieces per inner and per carton.
- Compliance: the limits for your market, such as nickel, lead and cadmium, and the test report required.
- Inspection: the checks before shipment and the sampling level agreed.
Make it usable
Keep the specification to one or two pages per design, use numbers wherever possible, and have the maker sign or confirm it. Attach it to the purchase order, and keep one approved counter-sample on each side. Our jewellery purchase order checklist shows how the two documents fit together.
What this means for a buyer
A clear specification is the cheapest quality control you can buy. Disputes about colour, weight or stones are settled by the document, not by memory.
Creston & Co works for buyers only, for a fixed fee agreed in writing. We help write specifications, check samples and bulk goods against them, and supervise packing. Start with a free sourcing review.