How we choose our suppliers: our quality criteria
At Maison Lumélia, every piece of jewelry begins long before design: it starts with choosing the supplier. This is a step we take very seriously, because the quality of a piece of jewelry depends first and foremost on the quality of its components. Here are the 8 criteria we systematically apply before working with a supplier.
1. The REACH Certificate
REACH is the European regulation governing the use of chemical substances in products placed on the market in Europe. It imposes strict limits on hazardous substances—notably nickel, lead, and cadmium—which can cause allergies or toxic health effects.
A REACH-certified supplier guarantees that their products comply with current European legislation. For us, this is a non-negotiable prerequisite: if a supplier cannot provide this certificate, we do not work with them. It's your protection, and ours.
2. The SGS Certificate
SGS is one of the most recognized inspection and certification bodies in the world. When a supplier presents an SGS certificate, it means that their products have been tested in an independent laboratory and the results confirm their compliance with quality and safety standards.
Unlike a simple declaration from the supplier, the SGS certificate is scientific, verifiable, and objective proof. It's the difference between "we tell you it's good" and "an independent lab verified it."
3. 316L Surgical Steel
Not all steels are equal. 316L steel is a specific grade of stainless steel, used in medical surgery and implantology—which speaks to the level of demanding requirements it meets. It is hypoallergenic, nickel-free, lead-free, corrosion-resistant, and stable over time.
We systematically verify that the jewelry offered by our suppliers is indeed made of 316L steel—and not 304 steel or generic steel, which are less resistant and potentially allergenic. The grade matters.
4. The Quality of PVD
PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) is the process we use for the colored finishes of our jewelry—yellow gold, rose gold, black steel. It is a vapor deposition technique that creates a molecular bond between the color and the steel, much stronger than a classic electroplating.
However, not all PVDs are equal: the thickness of the layer, the treatment temperature, and the quality of the vaporized metal make a real difference in durability. We evaluate the quality of each supplier's PVD through wear tests and samples worn over time.
5. Product Finish
Well-made jewelry can be seen and felt. We examine each sample closely: are the welds clean? Are the edges polished smoothly without rough spots? Do the clasps operate fluidly? Are the surfaces uniform, without bubbles or micro-scratches?
The finish is what distinguishes a piece of jewelry that looks cheap from one that inspires confidence from the first touch. It's a subjective but crucial criterion—and we make no compromises on it.
6. The Color of the Finished Product
The color of a gold-plated piece of jewelry can vary considerably from one supplier to another: too yellow, too pale, too coppery, too shiny... We have defined a reference palette for each finish—warm yellow gold, soft rose gold, neutral silver steel—and we systematically compare received samples to these references.
Color consistency between pieces is also important: if you order a hoop earring and a bracelet separately, they must match perfectly. This is a detail that makes all the difference in a look.
7. Ratings and Reviews on the Supplier's Website
Before ordering samples, we analyze the reviews left by other buyers on the supplier's website. Not just the overall rating—but the content of the reviews: do customers mention quality problems? Missed deadlines? Colors that don't match the photos?
Reviews are a valuable source of information and often more reliable than product descriptions. A supplier with a high rating and detailed positive reviews is a strong signal of reliability.
8. Price
Price is, of course, a criterion—but it comes last in our evaluation, and that's no coincidence. A piece of jewelry that is too cheap is almost always a sign of a compromise somewhere: on steel quality, on PVD thickness, or on certifications.
Our approach: to find the best value for money among suppliers who have met all the preceding criteria. Not the cheapest. The fairest.
Why Are We Telling You All This?
Because transparency is part of our DNA. When you buy a Maison Lumélia piece of jewelry, you're not just buying an object—you're buying a rigorous selection process, verified certifications, and a promise of quality that we are committed to fully upholding.