Home studio jewellery maker

Gift buyers, people wanting something unique, couples looking for custom pieces, and independent shops and galleries that stock handmade work.

Direct sales through your own website, online marketplaces and craft fairs, plus wholesale orders to shops at a lower price per piece. Commissions can be priced higher.

• Metalworking and finishing skills
• Design and an eye for detail
• Pricing work so materials and time are covered
• Photographing your pieces

• Precious metals sold in the UK usually need hallmarking above certain weights, check the Assay Office rules before selling silver or gold
• Soldering and torches at home: check your home insurance and fire safety
• Check you have product liability insurance for items you sell
• Check your landlord or mortgage lender allows business use at home
• Online sales have consumer rights rules on returns and descriptions

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around £500 to £3,000, depending on the tools, metals, stones and insurance you choose. Starting with a small range of designs can help you keep early spending down.

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around £200 to £2,500, depending on what you make, where you sell and whether your pricing covers materials and your time. Selling online, at fairs and to local shops can all feed into it.

Check Assay Office hallmarking rules before selling silver or gold. Check you have product liability insurance, that your home insurance covers soldering and torches, and that your landlord or mortgage lender allows business use. Also check consumer rights rules for online sales.