Home gemstone cutting workshop

Independent jewellers, hobby jewellery makers, rock and mineral collectors, and individuals who want a special stone cut or recut.

Charge per stone or per carat for commission work, or sell finished stones directly online and at craft shows. Recutting and repolishing jobs add steady smaller income.

• Steady hands and patience
• Eye for symmetry and finish
• Basic knowledge of gem materials
• Customer communication

• Silica dust and slurry are a health risk, so check wet-cutting methods, ventilation and protective gear
• Check your municipality's rules on home-based businesses, noise and wastewater
• Check home insurance covers business equipment and stock, and consider commercial general liability insurance
• Be honest about stone origin and treatments, and keep records of customers' stones while in your care
• Sales tax: check when you need to register for GST/HST and any provincial sales tax

Startup costs are estimates, typically around $1,500 to $6,000, depending on your cutting and polishing equipment, rough stone, ventilation and protective gear, and insurance. Starting with cabochons before adding faceting can help spread the cost.

Silica dust and slurry are a health risk, so check wet-cutting methods, ventilation and protective gear. Also check your municipality's rules on home-based businesses, noise and wastewater, your insurance cover, and when to register for GST/HST and any provincial sales tax.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $300 to $1,800, depending on how many jewellers, collectors and custom clients you attract and the stones you cut. The estimate assumes at least about 8 hours a week, so it suits starting part-time.