If you’ve been making jewelry (or anything by hand) for a while, you’ve likely gotten pretty good at stretching supplies, finding the perfect components, and building relationships with your favorite vendors. But lately, things have been changing. Prices are up. Certain items are harder to find. And international orders don’t arrive as smoothly as they used to.
Sound familiar?
You’re not imagining it. Recent changes to trade policy and tariffs are affecting how goods get into the U.S.—and that has a ripple effect on small businesses and makers like you. We want to help you understand what’s going on, how it might show up in your day-to-day, and what options you have as we all adjust.
Let’s walk through it together.
What’s Changing
Here are some big things affecting how supplies are sourced right now:
The De Minimis Rule: What It Is and What’s Changing
The de minimis rule allows imported goods under a certain value to enter the U.S. duty-free. It was first established in 1938, and the limit was raised to $800 in 2016, making small international orders faster and more affordable for makers.
But starting in 2024 and into 2025, that exemption is being restricted—especially for shipments from countries like China. Stricter enforcement and new proposals may exclude certain sellers or require added documentation.
This means:
- Some low-cost orders may now face customs fees or delays
- International sellers might raise prices or stop shipping to the U.S.
Tariffs (import taxes) Are Increasing:
Alongside changes to the de minimis rule, tariffs (import taxes) are also rising on a wide range of goods imported from countries like China – including jewelry findings, beads, precious metals, tools, and packaging commonly used by makers.
For many makers, this means the materials you rely on could cost more, even if you’re ordering from a U.S. supplier who sources globally.
What We’re Doing at Nunn Design
We’re navigating these shifts right alongside the maker community.
All of our pewter findings are cast and plated in the USA, using imported lead-free pewter and precious metals. Most of our brass findings are formed in the U.S., though base materials are sourced globally—and that means rising tariffs and trade changes affect us too.
(Note: The most accurate way to tell if a Nunn Design item is from another country is by checking the “Country of Origin” section under “Additional Information” on each product page. These listings are regularly updated to stay current.)
As material costs rise globally—particularly for imported pewter and precious metals—we’re doing our best to absorb as much as we can. But to continue offering the same quality you rely on, we may eventually need to make thoughtful adjustments. Any changes will come with transparency and our continued commitment to supporting the maker community.
We’ve also made several practical shifts to support our customers and stay adaptable:
- Lowered pack sizes on some items (like our Large Pendant Rectangles) to offer more flexible price points
- Discontinued some brass findings, since the supplier we worked with stopped carrying them
- We are actively working with the manufactures of the imported items we stock to find alternate solutions and/or source items from other manufacturers.
- Removed our $100 minimum order — you can now order just what you need, when you need it.
We’re also monitoring how other countries are responding to U.S. trade policy. Some have begun applying new tariffs or taxes on U.S.-made goods, which may affect international shipping and availability over time.
These changes are challenging—but they’re also an opportunity to focus on what we can control, support the maker community, and continue building sustainable, beautiful products.
What You Can Do
Every maker runs their business a little differently, but here are a few suggestions we’ve gathered that might help:
- Take stock of what you already have: Do a quick inventory sweep—you may have overlooked components that can be reimagined into new designs. Some makers are using this moment to simplify or streamline their lines.
- Explore U.S.-based alternatives: Even if the unit cost is higher, local suppliers often offer:
– Faster shipping
– Easier returns or exchanges
– More consistent quality – And don’t be afraid to try something new. - Let customers in on the journey: Raising prices? Changing a material? Just tell them why.
- Plan ahead for delays: Even domestic suppliers may be waiting on materials themselves.
- Keep in touch with other makers: A simple conversation can save you time, stress, and even money—whether it’s a new vendor tip or an idea for swapping materials.
Sources & Further Reading
Here are a few resources we found helpful:
We’d Love to Hear from You
Whether you’ve found a clever workaround, started leaning into local sourcing, or are just doing your best with what you’ve got—we’d love to hear your story. Your insight might spark a solution for someone else, or give us ideas on how we can support this incredible community more meaningfully.
Click here to share your story or leave a comment below.
We’ll use what we learn to serve you better—and pass along what we can to help other makers too. We’re all navigating this together.
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