Recent drop and chandelier pairs graze the shoulders and are finished with a distressed effect.

Mainland China earring suppliers are boosting their product development capability, hiring designers to create original styles. Even small companies have at least two members who can use CAD software to draft new products before samples are made. Moreover, the personnel monitor fashion trends in Hong Kong, the US and Japan through websites and magazines.

	The model AL-26525 hoop earrings from Yiwu Qinasi are made of zinc alloy plated in oxidized silver. The diameter is 4cm.

Currently, R&D teams are turning out oversized and vintage-looking pairs. For the former, shoulder-dusters come in drop, hoop and chandelier structures that exceed 10cm in length. Models feature linked filigree findings in the shape of leaves, shells, medallions and teardrops. Heavier bases having similar motifs are studded with rhinestones and crystals. Chains are also draped or clustered into tassels. Big peacock feathers adorn some releases.

Earrings that highlight antique plating are popular as well. The effect can be applied to pieces coated with brass, bronze and silver. To keep the focus on the color, few stones are utilized. Instead, ethnic and animal patterns provide visual interest.

In addition, makers are paying attention to toxicity levels. Beginning this year, China’s General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine is limiting harmful substances in fashion jewelry. For example, lead, mercury and cadmium should be less than 1 percent of weight. Nickel migration is capped at 5µg/sqcm. Exporters are required to secure a conformity certificate before outbound shipments are cleared.

Apart from employing safe alloys for parts and plating, companies are using stainless steel molds during die casting. This ensures that no hazardous elements transfer to the pieces. Paint and glue are sourced from qualified providers.

China-made earrings come in stud, hoop, drop and chandelier variants. Quotes start below $2 per pair and can exceed $5. All types are available at all price segments.

Low-end designs have brass, tin, copper or zinc alloy bases and closures with an overlay of rhodium or silver. The finish may boast an antique effect and does not tarnish for 18 months at most. The trimming options are acrylic, resin, glass and wooden beads, rhinestones, crystals, faux pearls, zircons, abalone shell and feathers. Decorative detailing is done via enamel or laser engraving.

Zinc and copper alloy, silver and stainless steel are utilized in midrange styles. The findings are plated in rhodium, silver and 14 to 22K gold that do not discolor for two to three years. Some parts are polished or frosted. Ornaments include CZs, zircons, agate, freshwater pearls and Swarovski crystals.

The priciest earrings are made of sterling silver and 316L stainless steel. Some hooks come in gold. The protective platinum or gold layer resists fading for three to five years.

Product gallery

Product gallery Boom Jewelry Co. Ltd Model: EPN002 MOQ: 120 pairs Delivery: 10 to 20 days Price: $1 to $1.25 per pair Description: Zinc alloy; oxidized silver plating; resin stone, crystal trimmings; 12.5x6.5cm; lead-, nickel-free Boom Jewelry Co. Ltd Model: EP018 MOQ: 120 pairs Delivery: 10 to 20 days Price: $0.80 to $1.10 per pair Description: Zinc alloy; antique bronze plating; resin stone, crystal trimmings; 3.8x3.6cm; lead-, nickel-free Shinle Fashion Accessories Co. Ltd Model: SL300622 MOQ: 600 pairs Delivery: 10 days Price: $0.85 per pair Description: Iron; gold-tone plating; acrylic bead trimming; lead-, nickel-free Shinle Fashion Accessories Co. Ltd Model: SL300630 MOQ: 600 pairs Delivery: 10 days Price: $1.08 per pair Description: Iron; gold-tone plating; lead-, nickel-free Note: This article "Large, antiqued earrings emerge from fortified R&D" was originally published by Global Sources, a leading business-to-business media company and a primary facilitator of trade with China manufacturers and India suppliers, providing essential sourcing information to volume buyers through our e-magazines, trade shows and industry research. All price quotes in this report are in US dollars unless otherwise specified. FOB prices were provided by the companies interviewed only as reference prices at the time of interview and may have changed. Disclaimer: All product images are provided by the companies interviewed and are for reference purposes only. Those product images featuring products with trademarks, brand names or logos are not intended for sale. We, our affiliates, and our affiliates' respective directors, officers, employees, representatives, agents or contractors, do not accept and will not have any responsibility or liability for product images (or any part thereof) which infringe on any intellectual property or other rights of a third party.