How to Choose a Wholesale Silver Jewelry Supplier in Turkey: 12 Questions to Ask

The short answer

To choose a reliable wholesale silver jewelry supplier in Turkey, check five things before you pay: that the silver is 925 and every piece is stamped, how thick the plating is, what the first order needs (minimum value and pieces per design), how long production and shipping take, and what happens if a piece arrives faulty. A good supplier answers all of these in writing, with numbers, and is happy to show you the workshop on a video call. The 12 questions below are the ones wholesale buyers ask us most often, with our own answers so you have a reference point.

Turkey, and Istanbul in particular, has a long tradition of silver workshops around the Grand Bazaar. That makes it a good place to buy, but also a place where workshops, traders and resellers can look alike online. These questions help you tell them apart.

Quality and materials

1. Is the silver 925, and is every piece stamped?

Sterling silver means 92.5% pure silver. Every piece should carry a 925 stamp. Ask whether the supplier can provide a test report for pieces from your order. Ours: every piece is stamped 925, and with an order we can have a test report issued for any piece you choose. You can also check 925 silver yourself.

2. How thick is the gold plating?

"Gold plated" can mean a very thin decorative layer or several microns of gold. Ask for the thickness in microns and the karat. Ours: standard plating is included in catalogue prices; micron plating is available from 0.10 up to 4 microns. If a problem comes up, we ask for a photo and credit it as a balance on your next order. See our micron guide for what to choose.

3. Do you make the pieces, or buy them from other workshops?

A manufacturer controls quality, timing and repeat orders; a trading company depends on someone else's workshop. Ask where the pieces are made and whether you can see the workshop. Ours: we make our pieces in our own workshop in Cemberlitas, Fatih, Istanbul, next to the Grand Bazaar. Read more on manufacturers vs trading companies.

Order terms

4. What is the minimum order?

Ask for both numbers: the minimum order value and the minimum pieces per design, and whether you can mix designs and finishes. Ours: a first order starts from USD 500, with 5 pieces per design, and designs and plating can be mixed.

5. How long does production take?

Some suppliers ship from stock, others make each order. Ask for the time from payment to dispatch. Ours: every order is made for you and is ready in about a week after payment.

6. What is the price based on?

Silver jewelry is priced by weight, plus labour, stones and plating. Ask for the weight of each design next to the price. Our guide to the silver jewelry price per gram in Turkey explains how to compare quotes.

7. How do I pay, and in which currency?

Ask which methods and currencies are accepted, and whether the first order is paid in advance. Ours: first orders are paid in advance by bank transfer or card, in USD or EUR.

Shipping and import

8. How do you ship, and how long does it take?

Ask which courier is used, the delivery time to your country and whether the shipping cost is on the proforma. Ours: express courier, usually 3 to 7 working days to Europe, 1 to 3 to the UK and 2 to 3 to the US, with the exact cost on your proforma. See shipping.

9. Who pays import duty and VAT?

Usually the buyer pays import VAT and duties on delivery. Ask whether delivered duty paid (DDP) shipping is possible if you prefer a single price. Ours: duties are paid on delivery by default; DDP can be arranged and is priced separately. For the UK, remember that silver pieces over 7.78 g need a UK hallmark before sale. Our guide on importing silver jewelry from Turkey covers the details.

After the order

10. What happens if a piece arrives faulty?

Ask before you order, not after. Ours: every order is quality-checked before packing, so faults are rare; if one arrives, it is returned or exchanged within 14 days of delivery, or compensated as a balance on your next order.

11. Can I use your product photos?

You will need images to sell. Ask whether you may use the supplier's photos on your website and social media. Ours: you can use the photos and descriptions of the products you order, and we send professional concept photos of those products in high resolution free of charge.

12. If I bring my own designs, do they stay mine?

If you plan custom manufacturing, ask who owns the moulds and whether your designs could appear in the supplier's catalogue. Ours: moulds made for your design are used only for you, never shown in our catalogue or offered to other stores, and we can sign a written agreement. Read who owns the mould for what to ask.

How to check a supplier you've never met

• A video call. Ask to see the workshop, the casting and the plating line. A real workshop can show you.
• Process videos. Ask for a short video of your order in production.
• A small first order. Start with a mixed first order rather than a large one, check the quality, then reorder.
• Clear company details. A business name, a tax number and a street address you can look up.

We don't share other customers' names, because we protect their privacy, so we offer a video call and a small first order instead.

Frequently asked questions

How do I find a reliable silver jewelry supplier in Turkey?

Look for a workshop rather than a reseller, and ask for numbers in writing: 925 stamping and a test report, plating microns, minimum order, lead time and shipping cost. A video call of the workshop and a small first order are the best checks.

Is it safe to buy silver jewelry wholesale from Turkey?

Yes, if you check the supplier first. Ask for the company details, see the workshop on a video call, start with a small first order and confirm that pieces are stamped 925.

What is the minimum order from Turkish silver wholesalers?

It varies between suppliers. Ours starts from USD 500 per order, with 5 pieces per design, and designs can be mixed.

How long does shipping from Turkey take?

By express courier, usually 3 to 7 working days to Europe, 1 to 3 to the UK and 2 to 3 to the US.

Start with a trade account

Apply for a trade account to see wholesale prices on around 2,400 designs; applications are usually approved the same day. You can also write to help@ruvolla.com or message us on WhatsApp at +90 540 281 15 53. For our full terms, see the wholesale FAQ and trade terms.

Next, compare wholesale 925 silver jewelry prices, or arrange to visit our Istanbul workshop.