Pendant necklaces

	This tricolor 316L stainless steel ring from Yani has oxide and gold plating. It comes in sizes 5 to 14.

Rising demand for stainless steel jewelry is prompting China suppliers to diversify their design selection.

China’s output and exports in the line have been rising steadily over the past three years, registering 20 percent growth in 2007. A 30 percent increase is projected for 2008.

In addition, compared with gold, silver or brass, stainless steel is currently the most popular material for jewelry, especially in the young adult market. It is also cost-effective.

To break the color monotony of stainless steel, makers are incorporating carbon fi ber and enamel details in the latest jewelry releases. These are combined with multicolor CZs and glass beads to add a glittery look, or with leather trimming for contrasting texture. Natural materials such as butterfly seashell adorn some designs.

Gold, oxide or platinum plating, and matte finishing also add visual interest to new models.

Among the upcoming designs are bracelets and necklaces with a number of charms, each of which is plated in a different color or finish. These come in a variety of shapes: from feminine fl owers, butterfl ies, hearts and shells to edgier-looking crosses, skulls and musical instruments.

Products are mostly in the midrange and high end, with prices starting at $2. Quotes are likely to increase in coming months due to higher operating costs and the yuan’s appreciation.

Meanwhile, makers are beefing up their R&D capability in an effort to sharpen competitiveness, even as OEM orders continue to account for the majority of orders.

Most companies are sending their product development teams to domestic and international trade shows so they can gain insight into the latest trends. R&D personnel also undergo training regularly, often at local institutes. Some suppliers work with third-party designers, both local and from abroad.

Among interviewed companies, Shenzhen Cloudream Jewellery Co. Ltd has a 10-member R&D team that launches 50 models monthly and fi nishes samples in seven to 15 days. Design software such as CorelDraw, Adobe Photoshop and AutoCAD are used in product development.

The company also cooperates with third-party designers in Italy and the UK.

Shenzhen Cloudream exports to Europe, the US, the Middle East, Japan and Australia. Zara and Wal-Mart are among its clients.

To ensure quality, the supplier’s products are tested in-house and at independent laboratories such as SGS.

At Dongguan Jian Plastic & Metal Products Ltd, the two designers launch 20 models per month, utilizing CorelDraw, Adobe Illustrator and CAD systems. Sampling takes 12 days.

The company uses the ERP system to ensure efficient production.

Besides jewelry, Dongguan Jian makes embroidered emblems and patches, hangtags, lanyards and metal keychains.

Prototypes at China Cosman Jewelry Co. Ltd are prepared in 15 days. The company’s fi ve-member product development team adopts CorelDraw in creating about 120 original models annually. About 60 buyer-specified designs are launched per month.

Apart from stainless steel jewelry, China Cosman offers stickpins, brooches and mobile phone charms. It exports to the US and Europe.

Rings and necklaces from Sunshine Fashion Accessory Co. Ltd are mostly adorned with colorful CZs, carbon fiber and butterfly shell trims.

The company launches about 50 models per month using CorelDraw. The 20-member R&D team prepares samples in seven to 10 days.

Sunshine is also a maker of belts, rhinestone trimming and fashion bags.

Exporting to the US, Europe, Asia and Australia, Trend Zone Steel Jewellery Ltd incorporates leather in its latest designs.

The company maintains offices in Switzerland and the US to cater to the needs of buyers there.

Stainless steel jewelry from Yani (HK) Industrial Co. Ltd is embellished with leather strips and CZs.

The supplier creates up to 100 designs monthly. It also offers hair accessories, including barrettes and Alice bands.

To speed up delivery, Yani finishes all manufacturing steps in-house and at its dedicated partner factory.