Gemstone dealer at fairs and shows

Collectors, jewellers and jewellery makers, plus visitors who want a special stone for a ring or gift.

You sell stones at a markup on what you paid. Each event costs a stall fee and travel, so you need to pick shows with the right crowd.

• Good stone knowledge and the confidence to talk about it
• Friendly selling and a bit of haggling
• Keeping stock and takings organised

• Public liability insurance, as organisers often ask for it
• Insurance for stock in transit and at events, as stones are small and valuable
• Check the HMRC rules on anti-money laundering registration for high value dealers if you take large cash payments
• Describe treatments and natural or synthetic origin honestly to every buyer
• Event costs and quiet shows can wipe out a month's profit, so track results per event

Startup costs are estimates, typically around £2,000 to £10,000, depending on the stock you buy, your display set-up, event fees and insurance. Many people start with a smaller range of stones and build up as they learn which shows sell best.

Monthly revenue is estimated at typically around £600 to £3,000, depending on the shows you attend and the stones you sell. Event costs and quiet shows can wipe out a month's profit, so track the results of each event.

Check public liability insurance, as organisers often ask for it, and cover for stock in transit and at events. Also check HMRC's anti-money laundering rules for high value dealers if you take large cash payments, and describe treatments and origin honestly.