1 November 2026
Can I Get a Sample from a Jewelry Manufacturer Before a Bulk Order?
Yes, usually, but what you pay depends on whether the design already has a mould. What each kind of sample shows and what it costs.
Yes, you can usually get a sample from a jewelry manufacturer before a bulk order, but the cost depends on whether the design already exists. A sample of an existing design is cheap, because the mould is already made. A sample of your own new design costs more, because it has to be modelled and moulded first. At Ruvolla, a brass sample of a catalogue design is free and you pay only the shipping, a 925 silver sample is paid, and a sample of your own design costs USD 70 to 120 for modelling and mould, plus the piece itself, kept as a balance against your order.
The three kinds of sample
| Sample | What it is | What it shows | What it doesn't show | Our terms |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brass sample | Catalogue design cast in a low-cost metal | Design, size and proportions | Silver weight and final colour of the metal | Free, you pay shipping |
| 925 silver sample | Catalogue design in the real metal | Real weight, 925 stamp, finish | Consistency across a full order | Paid |
| Custom sample | Your own design, modelled and cast | How your design works as a real piece | Nothing, if made to the final spec | USD 70 to 120 modelling and mould, plus the piece; kept as balance against your order |
Why a custom sample costs more
An existing catalogue design already has a model and a mould, so one more piece is simple. A new design needs a 3D model, a printed wax and a mould before the first piece exists. That work has to be paid for, either by a sample fee or through the production order.
That is why we don't charge modelling or mould fees on production orders of 20 pieces or more per design, but do charge when only a sample is made. If you go ahead with the production order, the amount you paid comes off it.
If you want to judge quality before you invest in a mould, ask for the closest existing design instead. You can check the casting, setting and finish that way. We often suggest this ourselves when a customer is still deciding.
Do you need a sample at all?
Samples are worth it when:
- You are working with this manufacturer for the first time.
- The design has a clasp, a hinge or stones that need to sit in a particular way.
- You need to check how a piece sits on the body, especially rings and long earrings.
- You will sell at a premium price, and the finish has to be right.
You can often skip them, or check something else, when:
- You are ordering 5 pieces each of several catalogue designs. A small first order is a kind of test in itself, and it's in real silver. Our first order starts from USD 500.
- The manufacturer can send you close-up photos and videos of the design. Ask for the 925 stamp, the back of the stones and the clasp.
What to check when the sample arrives
- Weight. Weigh it. The price of the production run depends on this.
- Stamp. A 925 sample should carry a clear 925 stamp. To verify it further, see how to verify 925 sterling silver.
- Stone setting. Press gently and shake the piece. Look at the back of each stone under good light.
- Finish. Check inside corners, chain links and the back of the piece, where poor polishing shows.
- Plating. Check the colour against your reference. You can't judge plating thickness by eye. For a stated thickness, ask for it in writing, and ask about an independent XRF report. See our micron guide.
- Clasp and fit. Open and close it many times. Try it on.
Write down what you approve. The sample is the reference for the production run, so keep it and take photos.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get a free sample of silver jewelry?
A brass sample of a catalogue design is free with us, and you cover the shipping. Samples in 925 sterling silver are paid, because the silver has real value.
Can I order just one piece to test quality?
Ask for a sample rather than a small order. Catalogue orders start from 5 pieces per design and USD 500, so one piece is handled as a sample.
Is the sample fee refunded?
On custom designs, the modelling and mould amount stays on your account as a balance and comes off your production order.
How long does a sample take?
With us, a sample is delivered in about a week. Production takes about a week after payment and approval.
Do you send samples abroad?
Yes, by express courier. You pay the shipping, and any import duty due in your country.
Ask for a sample
Tell us the product codes or send your design to help@ruvolla.com or WhatsApp +90 540 281 15 53. See also custom jewelry manufacturing and the wholesale FAQ.
