423940 - Jewelry, Watch, Precious Stone, and Precious Metal Merchant Wholesalers

Introduction

Delving into the world of luxury goods distribution, NAICS code 423940 plays a vital role in the wholesale trade sector. This classification is essential for businesses involved in the merchant wholesale of jewelry, watches, precious stones, and precious metals. Whether you’re a retailer hunting for trusted wholesalers or a supplier exploring government contracting opportunities, understanding this NAICS code unlocks access to an exclusive network of wholesalers operating behind the scenes in the fine jewelry and precious metals market.

What is NAICS Code 423940?

NAICS code 423940 refers to:

Establishments primarily engaged in the merchant wholesale distribution of jewelry, watches, precious stones, and precious metals. These wholesalers sell to retailers, other wholesalers, or commercial users rather than directly to consumers.

Sector

• Wholesale Trade

Size Standard for Eligibility

• Businesses under NAICS 423940 are generally considered small if they have 125 or fewer employees. This size standard is used by government agencies to determine eligibility for small business contracts and other programs.

Typical Business Activities Under NAICS 423940

Businesses classified with NAICS 423940 typically engage in:

• Wholesale distribution of fine jewelry and watches
• Merchant dealing in precious stones and diamonds
• Wholesale trading of gold, silver, and other precious metals
• Selling to retailers, commercial users, or other wholesalers rather than directly to end consumers

Types of Businesses in This NAICS Code

Examples include:

• Wholesale distributors specializing in diamond and gemstone jewelry
• Merchants supplying watch manufacturers and retailers
• Dealers of precious metal bullion and coin collections
• Providers of jewelry findings and components to manufacturers and jewelers

Detailed Breakdown of NAICS Code 423940

Code Description	Activity
Antique jewelry merchant wholesalers	Distributing vintage and antique jewelry
Clocks merchant wholesalers	Wholesale of clocks
Coins merchant wholesalers	Wholesale distribution of collectible coins
Costume jewelry merchant wholesalers	Wholesale of fashion jewelry
Diamonds (except industrial) merchant wholesalers	Wholesale diamonds for jewelry and investments
Flatware, precious and plated, merchant wholesalers	Distribution of silverware and plated flatware
Gem stones merchant wholesalers	Wholesale gems and precious stones
Hollowware, precious metal, merchant wholesalers	Distribution of precious metal tableware
Ingots, precious, merchant wholesalers	Wholesale precious metal bars and ingots
Jewelers' findings merchant wholesalers	Distributing jewelry components like clasps
Jewelry merchant wholesalers	Wholesale fine and costume jewelry
Medallions merchant wholesalers	Distribution of commemorative medallions
Metals, precious, merchant wholesalers	Wholesale gold, silver, platinum, and others
Numismatic goods merchant wholesalers	Wholesale coins and collectibles
Pearls merchant wholesalers	Wholesale pearls
Plated metal cutlery or flatware merchant wholesalers	Distribution of plated cutlery and flatware
Precious and semiprecious stones merchant wholesalers	Wholesale of valuable and semi-valuable stones
Precious metals merchant wholesalers	Wholesale precious metals like gold, silver
Silverware, precious and plated, merchant wholesalers	Wholesale silverware
Stones, precious and semiprecious, merchant wholesalers	Wholesale precious and semiprecious stones
Tableware, precious and plated, merchant wholesalers	Wholesale plates, serving ware
Trophies merchant wholesalers	Wholesale trophies and awards
Watchcases merchant wholesalers	Wholesale distribution of watch cases
Watches and parts merchant wholesalers	Wholesale watches and spare parts

Why This NAICS Code Matters

If you are a supplier or buyer in the jewelry and precious metals market, knowing about NAICS 423940 helps identify key players and business opportunities. Additionally, firms in this category can leverage this classification for government contracting, financing, and growth programs targeted at small businesses.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What businesses fall under NAICS 423940?

Businesses mainly involved in the wholesale distribution of jewelry, watches, precious stones, and precious metals.

Does NAICS 423940 include retail sales to consumers?

No, it covers merchant wholesalers who sell to retailers, other wholesalers, or commercial users—not directly to the public.

What is the employee size standard for NAICS 423940?

The size standard is 125 employees, which defines eligibility for small business programs.

Are costume jewelry wholesalers included in this NAICS code?

Yes, they are a specific subgroup under this classification.

Can businesses dealing with coins and numismatics be classified under this code?

Yes, merchants wholesaling collectible coins and numismatic goods are included.

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Understanding NAICS code 423940 is crucial for businesses navigating the wholesale trade of luxury jewelry, timepieces, precious stones, and metals. Whether you’re scaling your wholesale operations or seeking contracting opportunities, this classification provides a structured pathway for growth in a specialized marketplace.