Start a home studio jewellery business

Gift buyers and style-conscious shoppers who find you through Etsy, Instagram, your own site or craft fairs.

You sell finished pieces at a retail price well above materials and time. Custom orders such as names, birthstones and engagement bands can earn higher prices.

• Basic metalwork such as sawing, soldering and finishing
• Design eye and consistent quality
• Product photos and online selling

• Check whether your municipality requires a home-based business licence or has zoning limits
• Soldering, pickling acids and polishing need good ventilation and safe storage, so check fire and safety rules
• Check how precious metal content must be marked and described when you sell
• Commercial general liability and product insurance, plus GST/HST registration once you pass the threshold
• Craft market income is seasonal, with strong fall and holiday sales and quieter winters

Startup costs are typically around $800 to $4,000 CAD, depending on your tools, metals, stones and packaging. A home bench with good ventilation and safe storage is part of setting up.

Check whether your municipality requires a home-based business licence or has zoning limits. Also check ventilation and fire safety for soldering and acids, how precious metal content must be marked, and insurance and GST/HST registration.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated around $300 to $2,500 CAD, depending on your range, pricing and how often you sell. Craft market income is seasonal, with strong fall and holiday sales and quieter winters.