Gemstone stall at gem fairs and markets

Collectors, jewellers and jewellery makers, plus visitors at fairs who want a special stone for a custom piece.

You sell stones at a markup on what you paid. Fairs let you build repeat trade with jewellers, and you can also buy from other dealers at shows to resell.

• Gemstone knowledge and grading
• Negotiating and selling in person
• Careful stock handling and record keeping
• Building relationships with jewellers

• Insurance for stock in transit and on display, plus public liability cover that stallholders are often asked to show
• Check market and fair stall fees and any council or organiser requirements
• Check your obligations on cash handling, record keeping and GST once turnover passes the threshold
• Check the rules on describing treated or synthetic stones honestly
• Theft risk with small, high-value items, so plan secure storage and transport

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on how much stock you carry, plus display gear, transport and insurance. Small, high-value stock means secure storage and transport are worth planning for.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $800 to $4,000, depending on which fairs and markets you attend and what you stock. These are revenue figures before stock costs, stall fees and travel, so they are not profit.

Check insurance for stock in transit and on display, plus public liability cover stallholders are often asked to show. Also check stall fees and organiser or council requirements, cash handling and record keeping, GST once turnover passes the threshold, and honest description of treated or synthetic stones.