A reference image communicates direction, but it does not establish a wholesale specification. Two pieces can look almost identical while differing materially in gold weight, wall thickness, construction, closure, finish and labor. Those variables change the quotation, production behavior and resale margin.
1. Identify the commercial product
Begin with the category and intended construction: chain, bracelet, bangle, ring, pendant, cross or a custom line. State whether the piece is expected to be solid, hollow or semi-hollow where relevant. If the buyer is open to alternatives, say which variables can move and which cannot.
2. Lock the metal basis
State the target karat and color. For US programmes, the RFQ should use the intended market terminology consistently and leave no ambiguity about whether weight means finished gross weight, net precious-metal weight or an approximate target.
- Target karat or fineness
- Yellow, white or rose-gold requirement
- Target gram weight or acceptable range
- Permitted production tolerance
- Required quality and responsibility marks
3. Provide the dimensions that control the result
Length alone is not enough. A chain brief may require length, width, link profile, closure and target weight. A bangle may require internal diameter, width, thickness, hinge and safety mechanism. A ring needs size, band width, profile and any stone-seat requirements.
If an approved physical reference exists, identify which attributes must be matched and how tolerances will be measured. “Similar” is not a measurable acceptance standard.
4. State quantity and buying pattern
A one-time custom development run is commercially different from a replenishment programme. Include the initial quantity, anticipated repeat frequency, number of designs or SKUs and whether quantities are per design or across a mixed order.
- Initial pieces or total target weight
- Number of designs and size breakdown
- Expected monthly or quarterly replenishment
- Sample or prototype requirement
- Packaging and labeling requirement
5. Define finish, stones and presentation
State polished, satin, diamond-cut, textured or other finish requirements. Stone-set pieces require stone type, dimensions, quantity, setting method and acceptable quality range. Natural and laboratory-grown diamonds must never be treated as interchangeable descriptions.
6. Establish destination and timing
The destination influences documentation, origin marking, logistics and the final delivery basis. A serious request should name the country and state, desired delivery window, preferred Incoterm if known and the party responsible for destination import formalities.
The compact RFQ checklist
- Buyer company and destination
- Product category and construction
- Karat, color and target weight
- Dimensions, reference and tolerances
- Quantity by design or SKU
- Finish, stone and packaging requirements
- Initial order and expected repeat pattern
- Required timing and delivery basis
What happens after the brief
VAULTRADE Fine reviews the specification, clarifies missing commercial variables and selects the sourcing route that best fits the confirmed requirement. A quotation is structured only after the basis is clear enough to price, document and—if successful—repeat.