How do I add my logo to a clasp, tag or inner band?

ZKZ Editorial TeamMain answer · Product & gemmology desk

The common ways to mark jewelry are stamping with a steel die, laser engraving, a soldered or hanging tag, and casting the mark into the piece. Choose by how small the mark has to be, how many pieces you make and how much set-up cost you accept. Also remember that the legally required marks, such as fineness and a maker's mark, may take up the same space.

Options

• Stamping. A steel die presses the logo into the metal. It is fast for large runs, but the die costs money, and fine detail is limited on small areas.
• Laser engraving. A laser marks the surface. It needs no die, suits small runs and different logos, and can mark small areas, though the depth is shallow.
• A tag or charm. A small silver tag with the logo, attached to a chain or clasp. It is easy to add, but it can snag and adds weight.
• Cast-in logo. The logo is part of the wax or mould. It is part of the piece, but changes are costly.
• Engraving by hand. Slow, and for personalised or premium pieces.

What to agree with the factory

1. Artwork. Send a vector file, and the size in millimetres where it will go.
2. Position. Specify where the logo goes, and where the fineness and maker's marks go, so they do not collide.
3. Method and depth. Ask what is possible on the area, and request a sample.
4. Cost. Ask about a die or set-up charge, and the cost per piece.
5. Quantity. Ask whether there is a minimum for a die.
6. Quality check. Agree how marks are checked, and what is rejected.

What the law expects

Fact Under the National Stamping Act as described in the FTC Jewelry Guides, a quality mark on an article of silver or gold should be accompanied by the trademark or name of the manufacturer or dealer who applied it (16 CFR 23.10). A logo can serve as the maker's trademark if it is the one you use, and if it is registered or recognised, check with an adviser.

Fact US customs rules require imported articles to be marked with the country of origin, with exceptions (19 CFR Part 134).

Uncertain Marking rules differ between countries. We cannot give advice on trademarks, so ask a qualified adviser before you commit to a mark.

Design tips

Our advice Keep the logo simple, with few thin lines. On small areas use a short word or a symbol. Test a sample before you order the full run.

It depends Some brands prefer a discreet mark on the inside, and others prefer a visible tag. It is a matter of branding.

Related reading: Private Label vs Custom Jewelry Manufacturing · Custom Jewelry Packaging Specification Checklist

Sources

• 16 CFR 23.10, FTC Jewelry Guides: additional guidance for the use of quality marks
• 19 CFR Part 134, U.S. Customs country-of-origin marking

Fact = stated by the cited source. Our advice = editorial recommendation. Uncertain / it depends = limits of what can be said in general.