Gemstone Cutting Studio for the Jewellery Trade

Jewellers and designers needing matched or custom-cut stones, antique dealers, collectors and private clients.

Per-stone commission fees, regular work for trade clients, and sales of finished stones. Courses or taster sessions could add income later.

• Faceting and cabochon cutting to a high standard
• Gemstone knowledge
• Quoting and managing commission work
• Building trade relationships

• Rent and business rates: check what applies to your unit before signing a lease
• Insurance for the premises, equipment, and customers' stones, plus public liability
• Dust, noise and wet waste: check health and safety needs and any landlord or council conditions
• Trade work can be uneven, so keep some savings or other income at the start
• Keep clear records of valuable stones to avoid disputes over loss or damage

Startup costs are typically around £5,000 to £20,000, depending on your unit, machines and tools, and insurance. These are estimates, so check what rent and business rates apply to your unit before signing a lease.

Monthly revenue is typically around £1,500 to £5,000, depending on commissions, stones you sell and trade relationships. Trade work can be uneven, so keep some savings or other income at the start.

Check health and safety needs for dust, noise and wet waste, plus any landlord or council conditions. Arrange insurance for premises, equipment and customers' stones, and keep clear records of valuable stones to avoid disputes.