Custom jewelry maker for bridal and keepsake commissions

Engaged couples, gift buyers and people wanting to reuse or redesign family jewelry.

A design and making fee per commission, usually with a deposit upfront, plus the cost of metals and stones passed on to the client.

• Metalsmithing, casting or CAD design
• Stone setting
• Client consultation and listening
• Project management and clear quoting

• Insurance: check coverage for materials, client-owned items and general liability
• Handling client heirlooms and valuable stones carries risk, so document everything in writing
• Check your state and city for any business license or secondhand precious metals dealer rules if you buy or melt old jewelry
• Use written contracts with deposit and refund terms
• Follow FTC guidelines on describing metals, diamonds and gemstones

Startup costs are estimated at typically around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on your equipment, design software, stone and metal stock and insurance. Treat this as a rough estimate and get your own quotes.

Monthly revenue is estimated at typically around $1,500 to $7,500, depending on how many commissions you complete and their size. The estimate assumes about 15 or more hours a week.

Check insurance for materials, client-owned items and general liability, and use written contracts with deposit and refund terms. Check state and city rules on business licenses and secondhand precious metals dealers if you buy or melt old jewelry, and follow FTC guidelines.