Start a Goldsmith Studio with Bespoke Commissions
Run a small workshop making bespoke rings and fine jewellery, plus repairs and resizing for walk-in customers.
- £8k-30k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Estimates for a small start in the UK, not guarantees.
Official data
3,801 UK companies in this field, 32% registered in the last 2 years
SIC 32120 “Manufacture of jewellery and related articles”. Source: Companies House, November 2026.
What it is
A rented workshop or studio unit where you design and make bespoke gold and silver jewellery, such as engagement and wedding rings, and also take in repairs and resizing.
Your first three steps
- Look at shared studios or jewellery quarter workshops to compare rents against a full unit
- Build a small portfolio of finished pieces and photograph them well for a website and social media
- Register your sole trader or company status and choose a hallmarking route and a bullion supplier
Who pays
Couples wanting bespoke rings, people remodelling inherited jewellery, and independent shops needing trade work.
How it makes money
Commission fees for bespoke pieces (materials plus your making time), plus repair and resize charges and some trade work.
Skills that help
- Jewellery design and making
- Stone setting or willingness to outsource it
- Talking through ideas and budgets with customers
Watch out for
- Hallmarking: check which of your pieces must be tested and hallmarked by an assay office before sale
- Insurance for stock, tools and customers' items, plus public liability
- Gold price changes affecting your costs: agree how quotes are fixed
- Anti-money laundering registration and checks may apply if you deal in precious metals, so check with HMRC
- Check business rates and lease terms for premises
🔒 Full research report for UK
Real cost breakdown with current prices, licences and registration checklist, local competition, pricing, break-even and a 30-day launch plan, with sources.
Coming soonQuestions people ask
How much does it cost to start a goldsmith studio in the UK?
Startup costs are typically around £8,000 to £30,000, depending on your premises, tools, equipment and stock. These are estimates, so price up your own workshop, lease and insurance before you commit.
Do I need to hallmark jewellery or register for anti-money laundering checks?
Check which of your pieces must be tested and hallmarked by an assay office before sale. Also check with HMRC whether anti-money laundering registration and checks apply if you deal in precious metals.
How much can a goldsmith studio earn each month?
Monthly revenue is typically around £2,000 to £8,000, depending on how many commissions, repairs and trade jobs you take on. Gold price changes affect your costs, so agree how quotes are fixed.
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