When choosing paper for jewelry labels, it is essential to consider that different paper types vary in characteristics, glossiness, and durability under specific environmental conditions. Given the high value of jewelry itself, selecting appropriate paper is crucial for protection.
I. First, Clarify: Core Requirements for Jewelry Barcode Labels (Prerequisites for Selection)
Before choosing paper, it is necessary to define the core functions of the label to avoid blindly pursuing “high-end” options or “low prices”:
Scanning Stability: Jewelry barcodes are frequently used for checkout scanning and inventory counting. The flatness of the paper surface and uniformity of the coating directly affect the barcode scanning success rate, especially for small-sized labels.
Texture Compatibility: Most jewelry falls into the luxury or affordable luxury category. The texture of the label paper must match the material of the jewelry (e.g., gold, silver, diamonds, jade) to avoid devaluing the product’s premium perception.
Environmental Durability: Labels need to withstand scenarios such as humid display counters (e.g., during the rainy season in southern China), contact with hand sweat, slight friction (when customers pick up and inspect jewelry), and low-temperature/dry storage environments. The paper must be wrinkle-resistant, scratch-resistant, and moisture-resistant.
Compliance: Some high-end jewelry requires marking of material information (e.g., “24K Gold 999,” “Platinum PT950”) and certificate numbers. The paper must support clear printing, with no fading or ink bleeding during long-term storage.
II. Scenario-Based Selection: Optimal Paper for Different Uses
Jewelry barcode labels are mainly used in three scenarios: “terminal sales display,” “warehousing and logistics management,” and “high-end customization/gift box matching.” Paper requirements vary significantly across these scenarios, with specific recommendations as follows:
Terminal Sales Scenarios (Counter Display, Hang Tags/Stickers): Prioritize “Texture + Contact Resistance”
In this scenario, labels are directly exposed to consumers, so they must balance aesthetics and durability (to prevent wrinkling or soiling from customer contact). Two types of paper are recommended:
- First Choice: Coated Paper (with Lamination)
Coated paper has a smooth surface coating, enabling high-resolution printing (to clearly display small barcodes and jewelry parameters) and excellent color reproduction—effectively matching the exquisite texture of jewelry. When paired with transparent PET lamination or matte lamination, it enhances scratch resistance, sweat resistance, and resistance to slight water stains, while also preventing fingerprint residue (especially for labels on silver or gold jewelry).
Applicable to: Hang tags or stickers for popular jewelry such as gold, K-gold, and silver jewelry.
Cost: Moderate, approximately 0.1–0.3 RMB per sheet, offering high cost-effectiveness. - Second Choice: Matte Paper (Unlaminated)
Matte paper has a non-glossy surface and soft texture, making it suitable for “mellow-style” jewelry like jade and pearls—it avoids label glare overshadowing the jewelry itself. However, it is not sweat-resistant and easily gets dirty, so it is only suitable for static display in counters (e.g., stickers on the bases of inlaid jewelry), not for hang tags on jewelry that are frequently touched.
Warehousing and Logistics Scenarios (Inventory Management, Shipping Stickers): Prioritize “Durability + Sturdiness”
In this scenario, labels undergo warehouse stacking, transportation vibrations, scanning friction, and may even come into contact with dust or moisture. The paper must emphasize “physical resistance.” Two types of paper are recommended:
- First Choice: Synthetic Paper (e.g., PP Synthetic Paper, PE Synthetic Paper)
Synthetic paper is based on plastic and contains no plant fibers at all. It is waterproof, tear-resistant, scratch-resistant, and temperature-resistant (ranging from -20°C to 60°C). Even in humid warehouse environments or if exposed to rain during transportation, the label will not deform or lose ink, and the barcode can still be scanned normally.
Additionally, synthetic paper has a rigid texture—when attached to the outside of jewelry boxes or warehouse pallets, it is not easily wrinkled by stacking pressure. It is suitable for long-term inventory management (e.g., warehouse labels for loose diamonds or bulk silver jewelry).
Advantages: Far more durable than ordinary paper. Although the single-sheet cost is slightly higher (approximately 0.3–0.5 RMB per sheet), it reduces inventory chaos caused by label damage, making it more cost-effective in the long run. - Second Choice: Thickened Kraft Paper
Thickened kraft paper (with a basis weight of ≥120 g/m²) has high toughness and tear resistance. It is suitable for warehouse/shipping labels of “vintage-style” jewelry (e.g., traditional craftsmanship gold, handcrafted silver jewelry) and is eco-friendly and recyclable. However, it is not waterproof—if the warehouse environment is humid, it easily absorbs moisture and becomes soft. It must be used with waterproof ink and is only suitable for short-distance transportation (e.g., inter-store transfers within the same city).
High-End Customization/Gift Box Matching Scenarios (Luxury Jewelry, Customized Pieces): Prioritize “Premium Texture + Exclusivity”
For high-priced jewelry (e.g., custom diamond rings, high-end jadeite, limited-edition branded pieces), labels should serve as an “extension of the product’s texture” and even have collectible value. Two types of special paper are recommended:
- First Choice: Specialty Paper (e.g., Pearlescent Paper, Textured Paper, Metallic Foil Paper)
Pearlescent Paper: Features a delicate pearlescent effect, displaying a soft sheen under light refraction. It is suitable for “sparkling-style” jewelry such as diamonds and crystals—the label’s luster echoes the jewelry’s glow, enhancing its premium feel.
Textured Paper: Has a velvety or silky surface texture, providing a delicate tactile experience. It is suitable for jewelry packaged in high-end leather boxes (e.g., alligator leather boxes paired with textured paper labels), strengthening the “luxury tactile experience.”
Metallic Foil Paper (e.g., Gold Foil Paper, Silver Foil Paper): Coated with a metallic layer, it inherently exudes luxury. It is ideal for marking identity information of precious metal jewelry (e.g., “solid gold,” “platinum”). Customized gold or silver hot-stamped barcodes can even be added to directly align with the jewelry’s material, enhancing exclusivity.
