Last updated: 2026-07-05
Buying cabochon trays and bezel settings wholesale means sourcing blank metal frames—used to secure flat-backed gems or resin in custom jewelry—from a factory-direct supplier that offers bulk pricing alongside low minimum order quantities. Yuhive, a Yiwu-based factory-direct store, supplies these exact DIY jewelry findings to craft sellers globally, processing ready-stock orders in 1-3 business days and shipping to 30+ countries. By sourcing directly from Yiwu, small craft businesses can purchase single samples up to full cartons, ensuring they get the right metal base and plating without overcommitting to massive inventory.
Key Takeaways
- Wholesale cabochon trays and bezel settings are blank metal bases used to frame flat-backed stones, resin, or images for custom jewelry making.
- Yuhive offers factory-direct sourcing from Yiwu, China, accommodating both small retail orders and bulk wholesale cartons.
- Ready-stock DIY jewelry findings are processed in 1-3 business days, with shipping taking 5-12 days to the US and 7-20 days elsewhere.
- Typical wholesale prices depend on size, metal type (like zinc alloy), and plating; request a quote for exact per-piece costs.
- Custom made-to-order settings start from artwork or photos, with feasibility and pricing confirmed within 24 hours.
What Are Cabochon Trays and Bezel Settings?
Cabochon trays and bezel settings are foundational jewelry findings used to hold cabochons (flat-backed, usually unfaceted gemstones), resin pieces, glass domes, or printed images. A cabochon tray typically features a flat base with a raised rim, allowing the maker to glue the cabochon directly into the frame. A bezel setting functions similarly but often features a slightly taller metal rim that can be gently pressed or burnished over the edge of the stone to hold it securely in place. Both components are essential for crafters creating pendants, earrings, and charms. These findings are typically cast from metals like zinc alloy—specifically the Zamak family, which is valued for its excellent die-casting properties and dimensional stability. Once cast, the pieces undergo electroplating to achieve finishes like gold, silver, or antique bronze, ensuring the final jewelry piece looks polished and professional.
Common Types of Jewelry Settings
Craft sellers should understand the different variations available when sourcing these components:
- Glue-in Cabochon Trays: Simplest to use; requires only a strong adhesive to secure the stone or resin.
- Wrap-around Bezels: Feature a malleable rim that crafters push over the stone edge for a mechanical hold.
- Pendant Trays: Pre-attached to a bail or loop, ready to slide onto a necklace chain.
- Earring Settings: Sold attached to ear wires or stud posts for instant jewelry assembly.
How to Source Cabochon Trays and Bezel Settings Wholesale
Sourcing cabochon trays and bezel settings wholesale involves finding a reliable factory-direct partner that offers both ready-stock inventory and custom manufacturing capabilities. Yuhive operates out of Yiwu, China—a city globally recognized for its massive small-commodity manufacturing hubs—allowing buyers to access a vast, continually expanding in-stock range of jewelry findings. To source effectively, craft sellers should request quotes with clear specifications regarding size, metal material, and desired plating. Quotes from Yuhive are answered within 24 hours during China business hours. Because the store supports both retail and wholesale, buyers can start with single samples or small trial orders to test quality before committing to full cartons. This flexibility is crucial for small businesses that need to manage cash flow while ensuring their DIY jewelry components meet exact quality standards.
Step-by-Step Sourcing Process
- Identify Specifications: Determine the exact millimeter size, metal base (typically zinc alloy), and plating color needed.
- Request a Quote: Contact the supplier with product photos or drawings for custom items.
- Order Samples: Purchase single items or small batches to verify quality and plating finish.
- Place Wholesale Order: Scale up to bulk cartons once the sample is approved.
For more insights on evaluating suppliers, read our guide on How to Verify a China Supplier Before You Pay.
What Materials Are Used for Wholesale Bezel Settings?
The vast majority of wholesale cabochon trays and bezel settings are manufactured using zinc alloy, specifically metals within the Zamak family. Zinc is highly favored in jewelry manufacturing because it melts at a relatively low temperature, allowing for highly detailed and precise die-casting molds. This precision is critical for jewelry findings, where a stone must fit perfectly into a tray without wobbling. After casting, the raw metal hardware is electroplated. The plating process not only provides the aesthetic finish—such as bright gold, rhodium, or antique silver—but also creates a protective barrier that prevents the underlying zinc from oxidizing or tarnishing over time. High-quality plating is what separates a premium finding from a cheap one. As Dong Jiang, Founder of Yuhive, notes: "The plating decides whether a one-dollar keychain looks like a five-dollar one." The same principle applies to jewelry settings; superior electroplating ensures the final crafted piece commands a higher retail price.
Comparison of Setting Types and Uses
| Finding Type | Best For | Assembly Method | Typical Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cabochon Tray | Resin, flat gems, photos | Gluing | Custom pendants, statement earrings |
| Bezel Setting | Cabochons, rounded stones | Burnishing/Wrapping | Fine jewelry looks, secure holds |
| Pendant Tray with Bail | Necklace focal pieces | Gluing | Ready-to-wear necklaces |
What Are the MOQs and Pricing for Wholesale Jewelry Findings?
Minimum order quantities (MOQs) and pricing for wholesale jewelry findings vary based on whether the items are ready-stock or custom-made. Typical industry MOQs for custom die-cast findings often range from 100 to 500 pieces per style, while ready-stock items can frequently be purchased in much smaller quantities. Yuhive bridges this gap by accepting everything from single samples and small trial orders up to full cartons and bulk wholesale. Typical industry prices for basic zinc alloy cabochon trays can range from $0.05 to $0.50 per piece depending on the volume, size, and complexity of the plating. However, exact pricing is highly dependent on current material costs and order size, so buyers should always request a quote. For custom made-to-order findings, production starts from artwork, drawings, or product photos, with feasibility, quantity, and production time confirmed before any payment is made.
For mixed-style sourcing strategies, see our article on Mixed-Style Wholesale Orders: How Small Shops Buy Smart.
How Long Does Shipping Take for Wholesale Orders?
Shipping for wholesale cabochon trays and bezel settings is highly efficient when sourced from a Yiwu warehouse. Once a ready-stock order is placed, Yuhive processes it within 1-3 business days. After dispatch, typical shipping times are 5-12 business days to the United States and 7-20 business days to most other international destinations across 30+ countries. For custom orders, the timeline includes a production phase that varies based on quantity and complexity, which is confirmed during the quoting process. It is important to factor in these timelines when planning product launches. As Dong Jiang, Founder of Yuhive, advises: "Q4 gift orders are really decided in August. The buyer who starts in November is shopping for next year." Planning ahead ensures craft sellers have their DIY findings in hand well before peak retail seasons. If you need detailed freight comparisons, review our guide on Air vs Sea Freight Small Orders China: Decision Guide.
Standard Order Processing Timeline
| Phase | Timeframe | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Quote Response | Within 24 hours | During China business hours |
| Ready-Stock Processing | 1-3 business days | Picking, packing, and dispatch |
| US Shipping | 5-12 business days | After dispatch from Yiwu |
| Global Shipping | 7-20 business days | Varies by destination country |
Can I Get Custom Cabochon Trays for Promotional Products?
Yes, you can get custom cabochon trays and bezel settings tailored for promotional products, corporate gifts, or specialized retail lines. Yuhive offers comprehensive custom services that go beyond standard ready-stock findings. Custom projects can include made-to-order zinc alloy findings, specific plating options, logo tags, and custom backing cards or retail packaging. The custom process begins with artwork, drawings, or even just a product photo. The U.S. promotional products industry alone totals roughly $26 billion a year, according to PPAI research, highlighting the massive demand for customized small commodities. By working directly with a Yiwu-based factory, promotional products companies and craft supply stores can create unique, branded jewelry components. Feasibility, quantity, and production time are all confirmed before payment, ensuring the buyer and manufacturer are perfectly aligned on the final product specifications.
Explore our wholesale & custom orders page to start your custom project.
FAQ
What is the difference between a cabochon tray and a bezel setting?
A cabochon tray is a shallow metal frame with a flat bottom designed primarily for gluing in flat-backed stones, resin, or images. A bezel setting usually features a taller, malleable metal rim that is physically pushed or burnished over the edge of the stone to hold it in place without glue.
Can I buy cabochon trays in small quantities, or do I need a bulk order?
You can buy in small quantities. Yuhive accepts everything from single samples and small trial orders up to full cartons and bulk wholesale, making it easy for individual crafters and small gift shops to source findings without high minimum order quantities.
How fast do wholesale jewelry findings ship from Yiwu?
Ready-stock orders are usually processed within 1-3 business days. After dispatch, shipping typically takes 5-12 business days to the United States and 7-20 business days to most other destinations in 30+ countries.
Do you offer custom plating options for bezel settings?
Yes. Custom services include various plating options, made-to-order zinc alloy findings, logo tags, and custom retail packaging. Custom projects start from artwork or product photos, with feasibility confirmed within 24 hours.
What materials are the wholesale trays made of?
Most wholesale cabochon trays and bezel settings are cast from zinc alloy, specifically the Zamak family, which is ideal for die casting. The pieces are then electroplated to achieve finishes like gold, silver, or antique bronze.
Ready to source your cabochon trays and bezel settings? Whether you need ready-stock findings for your next craft project or custom wholesale cartons for your retail store, we are here to help. Email us at sales@keychainco.com or message us on WhatsApp at +86 151 2288 2244 to get a quote within 24 hours.
Written by Dong Jiang, Founder of Yuhive — factory-direct fashion jewelry, charms, pendants and DIY findings from Yiwu, China, for both wholesale and retail buyers.