Peak-Season Lead Time Extends to 7 to 10 Days: A Hengdian (HD) Jewelry Buyer Notice
The Notice: Lead Time Extends From December
If you buy wholesale from Hengdian (HD) Jewelry, plan for a longer wait at the end of the year. From September through November our spot-production window runs at full capacity and ready-to-ship orders are produced and dispatched in 3 to 5 days, with final timing confirmed per order. From December into January that window tightens: spot lead time extends to 7 to 10 days. February is the cut-off month for custom plating runs, so custom electroplating orders close for the season, and after February scheduling follows actual production capacity with no fixed calendar. This is the single most important planning fact for Q4 and early-Q1 buyers, so we are publishing it now rather than letting it surprise you in December.
The Peak-Season Production Calendar
Our factory runs on a predictable annual rhythm. Knowing where the year sits tells you exactly how fast an order will move.
| Period | Spot order lead time | What it means for you |
|---|---|---|
| September to November | 3 to 5 days | Full-capacity open window. Shortest lead times of the year, the best time to lock styles. |
| December to January | 7 to 10 days | Window tightens as holiday volume peaks. Build the longer lead time into every order. |
| February | Custom plating closed | Custom electroplating runs close for the season. Spot orders still follow capacity. |
| After February | By actual capacity | No fixed schedule. Timing is set against real production load at the time. |
Ready-to-Ship vs. Custom: Two Different Clocks
The extension mostly affects ready-to-ship timing. Custom development runs on its own longer clock and is the first thing to close. Ready-to-ship orders use 18K gold plating at 0.1 to 0.3 micrometer over a brass base, set with AAA cubic zirconia. Minimums are 6 to 12 pieces per style for spot stock, and HAI-coded hero styles start at 36 pieces per style. We do not mix batches, so each design is its own order line at its own minimum. Custom development starts at 120 pieces per design. Anything below that carries a tooling, or mold, fee quoted by the size and complexity of the design, and custom plating runs must be opened roughly two months ahead.
A Four-Step Buyer Planning Checklist
- Lock spot orders early. If you need stock on shelf for December or January, place ready-to-ship orders by late November at the latest so the 7 to 10 day lead time and international freight still clear your shelf date.
- Open custom work now. Custom plating closes in February and needs about two months of lead time, so a holiday or spring design not yet in the catalog should be briefed this month, not next.
- Sample before you commit. We provide 5 to 7 free samples per request, freight collected, so you can verify the 18K plating and stone quality before volume.
- Plan freight from our warehouse. Every order is quality-checked and dispatched from our Guangzhou facility in standard transparent OPP poly bags. There is no overseas warehouse, so build transit time on top of the production lead time.
Questions Buyers Ask About the Tightened Window
Can I still get 3 to 5 day dispatch in December?
No. The 3 to 5 day window applies to the September to November open period only. From December, spot lead time is 7 to 10 days regardless of order size.
Do you mix different designs in one purchase order to reach a lower minimum?
No. We do not mix batches. Each style is produced and shipped on its own order line at its own minimum, 6 to 12 pieces for spot and 36 for HAI-coded. This keeps quality control and packing clean.
What happens to custom orders after February?
Custom electroplating for the season closes in February. After that, custom scheduling follows actual production capacity with no fixed calendar, so confirm timing with us when you brief the project.
Map Your Order Against the Calendar
If you want the tightened-window dates mapped to your specific scenario, ready-to-ship restock, ready-to-ship plus custom mix, or a full custom drop, send us your shortlist. We will line it up against the calendar above and tell you exactly which orders ship when. You can also browse current live stock through the ready-to-ship catalog at any time.
Send your order shortlist