Online loose gemstone seller

Hobby jewellery makers, small jewellers, collectors and gift buyers looking for a particular stone.

You sell each stone for more than you paid for it. Prices vary a lot by stone type, quality and size, so your margin comes from buying well and describing each stone honestly.

• Knowledge of gemstones, built up through study or a gemmology course
• Clear photography and honest descriptions
• Careful bookkeeping and stock records

• Disclose treatments and say clearly whether stones are natural, synthetic or lab-grown, as misdescription is a legal and reputational risk
• Check the HMRC rules on anti-money laundering registration for high value dealers, especially if you ever accept large cash payments
• Online sales usually come with consumer cancellation and return rights, so check the current rules
• Insure your stock and parcels, and use tracked, insured delivery
• Ask suppliers about origin, as ethical sourcing matters to many buyers
• Check whether your landlord, mortgage lender or insurer allows high value stock at home

Startup costs are typically around £1,000 to £5,000, depending on how much stock you buy, your photography setup and any gemmology study. These are estimates, and buying in small lots can help keep your outlay down.

Monthly revenue is typically around £500 to £2,500, depending on your niche, stock quality and sales channels. You would typically need at least around 8 hours a week. These are estimates of revenue, not profit.

Check how to disclose treatments and describe stones as natural, synthetic or lab-grown, as misdescription is a risk. Check the HMRC anti-money laundering registration rules for high value dealers, and the current consumer cancellation and return rights for online sales.