How is silver weight tolerance handled in a quotation?

ZKZ Editorial TeamMain answer · Product & gemmology desk

A good quote states the expected weight of each piece, the allowed variation, how and when it is weighed, and what happens to the price if the weight is outside the range. Silver is a major part of the cost, so weight differences matter. Where no tolerance is stated, ask for one before you accept the quote.

What to look for in a quote

1. Target weight. The expected weight of each style, in grams, and of what: the finished piece, the metal only, or with stones.
2. Tolerance. The allowed variation, such as a range or a percentage, and whether it applies to each piece or the average of a batch.
3. Measurement. The scale, the stage of production, and whether before or after plating and stone setting.
4. Pricing. Whether metal is priced by actual weight or by a fixed weight, and how the metal price is set.
5. Out-of-range pieces. Whether they are rejected, repriced or accepted.
6. Records. Whether weights are recorded and reported with the shipment.

Uncertain We have not found a published standard for weight tolerance in silver jewelry quotations, so the tolerance has to be agreed between you and the factory. Any figure we gave would be a guess.

Why weight varies

Our advice Casting, finishing and polishing remove or add metal, and small differences in wax models, moulds and handwork cause differences between pieces. Stones and settings add weight. Heavier pieces cost more and light pieces may feel less solid.

Fixed price or by weight

• Fixed price per piece. Simple, but the factory takes the risk of weight differences, and may reduce metal to save cost, unless you set a minimum.
• Price by actual weight. Transparent, but the total is uncertain until the pieces are weighed.
• Hybrid. A fixed price for a target weight and an adjustment outside the range.

Questions to ask

1. What is the target weight and tolerance?
2. Is the weight with or without stones and plating?
3. How is the metal price fixed, and is it reviewed?
4. What happens if pieces are lighter or heavier?
5. Will you give weights with the shipment?

Our advice Compare quotes on the same basis, because "approx. 5 g" and "5 g plus or minus a stated range" are not the same offer.

It depends A tight tolerance costs more in rework and inspection. Choose one that fits your product and price.

Related reading: Jewelry Production Tolerances Explained · How to Compare Jewelry Manufacturer Quotations

Sources

No external standard governs this question, so this answer is editorial advice from the ZKZ team and is labelled that way.

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