Silver repairs and commissions studio
Repair, resize and remake silver jewellery and objects for local customers from a small rented studio or unit.
- £4k-15k
- Part-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 workshop offering repairs such as resizing, soldering and re-plating, restoring silver items, and made-to-order commissions like wedding rings or remade heirlooms.
Your first three steps
- Get experience on a bench, through a trade course or by working with an established jeweller, so you can repair other people's pieces confidently
- Find a shared studio, small unit or shop counter and price up the equipment you need
- Visit local jewellers, antique shops and valuers to offer trade repair work, and set up a simple page showing your services
Who pays
Local people with jewellery or silverware to mend or remake, plus jewellers, antique dealers and shops that need a bench they can send work to.
How it makes money
Fixed or quoted prices per repair, fees for commissions, and regular trade work from shops and dealers.
Skills that help
- Solid repair and soldering skills
- Careful quoting and record keeping
- Customer service and building trust
Watch out for
- Insurance for customers' property held on your premises, as well as public liability
- Check hallmarking rules when you make or sell new silver items
- Keep clear records of items received and returned, and sign work in and out
- Check what business rates, lease terms and planning use are needed for your premises
- Security for valuable items, and your insurer's requirements
Deep research report · UK
Everything you need to start: silver repairs and commissions studio
Researched with live web search for United Kingdom: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.
- Startup costs with real prices
- Licences, registration and rules
- Pricing: what others charge
- Break-even example
- Finding your first customers
- 30-day launch plan
- Risks and how to reduce them
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to open a silver repair studio?
Startup costs are typically around £4,000 to £15,000, depending on your premises, bench and equipment, security and insurance. These are estimates, so get quotes for your own setup before committing to a lease.
How much can a jewellery repair and commissions studio make?
Monthly revenue is typically around £1,200 to £5,000, depending on the mix of repairs and commissions, your location and the hours you work. This is an estimate of revenue, not profit.
What should I check before taking in customers' jewellery?
Check insurance for customers' property held on your premises as well as public liability. Keep clear records of items received and returned, check security requirements with your insurer, and check hallmarking rules when you make or sell new silver items.
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