Home studio silver jewellery maker

Make handmade silver jewellery in a small home workshop and sell it online, at craft fairs and to local shops.

Silversmith shaping a silver ring with hand tools at a bench.
Startup cost£1.5k to £5k
Monthly revenue£400 to £2k
Time needed10+ h/week
First incomeMonths
  • £1.5k-5k
  • Side hustle
  • From home

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 small bench set up at home where you design and make silver rings, pendants, earrings and small objects, in your own style or to order.

Your first three steps

  1. Book a beginner or intermediate silversmithing course, or a few sessions at a shared bench, to build and prove your skills
  2. Set up a safe bench area with the basic tools, then make a small first collection and photograph it well
  3. Open an online shop and book a stall at one or two local craft fairs to test prices
Who pays

Gift buyers and people who like handmade jewellery, plus independent shops and galleries that stock local makers.

How it makes money

Sales of finished pieces through your own website, online marketplaces and craft fairs, plus wholesale orders and some one-off commissions.

Skills that help
  • Metalworking skills such as sawing, soldering and polishing
  • An eye for design
  • Photographing and describing your work
Watch out for
  • Hallmarking: check the rules on when silver items must be hallmarked by an assay office before you sell them
  • Fire safety and ventilation when using a gas torch and chemicals at home
  • Check your landlord, mortgage lender or home insurer is happy with a workshop at home
  • Public liability insurance for markets, and cover for your tools and stock
  • Silver prices change, so review your pricing regularly

🔒 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 soon

Questions people ask

How much does it cost to start making silver jewellery at home?

Startup costs are typically around £1,500 to £5,000, depending on the tools and bench equipment you buy, how much silver you stock, and whether you need insurance for craft fairs. These are estimates only.

How much can a home silversmith earn?

Monthly revenue is typically around £400 to £2,000, depending on how many pieces you make, your pricing and where you sell. This is an estimate of revenue rather than profit, and silver prices can change.

Do I need to hallmark silver jewellery I sell in the UK?

Check the rules on when silver items must be hallmarked by an assay office before you sell them. Also check fire safety and ventilation for torch work at home, and that your landlord, lender or home insurer is happy.

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