Home gemstone cutting and polishing business

Independent jewellers, jewellery makers, collectors, and individuals who want a stone recut or made for a ring or pendant.

Charge per stone for commission cutting and recutting, and sell finished stones you cut yourself to makers and collectors online or at fairs.

• Patience and steady hands
• Eye for detail and symmetry
• Knowing gemstone types and hardness
• Dealing with customers on custom work

• Dust and slurry from cutting: check ventilation, water handling and eye and lung protection
• Public liability insurance, and cover for customers' stones while they are in your care
• Check whether your landlord, mortgage lender or council needs to agree to a home workshop
• Be careful buying rough stone: check where it comes from and whether it has been treated or is genuine
• Take care describing stones accurately to customers; do not claim a value or grade you cannot back up

Startup costs are typically around £1,500 to £6,000, depending on the machines, tools and rough stone you buy. These are estimates, so price your equipment carefully before you commit.

Monthly revenue is typically around £200 to £1,500, depending on how many stones you cut and whether you take commissions. Many people start at around 8 hours a week. Treat these figures as estimates.

Check ventilation, water handling and eye and lung protection for dust and slurry. Also check whether your landlord, mortgage lender or council needs to agree to a home workshop, and consider public liability insurance covering customers' stones.