Handmade jewelry designer working from a home studio

Individual shoppers who want something unique, gift buyers, and people ordering custom or personalized pieces.

Selling finished pieces through your own website, online marketplaces and craft fairs, plus higher-priced custom orders and commissions.

• Design sense and creativity
• Basic jewelry-making techniques (wire work, stringing, soldering or metal stamping)
• Photography and online selling
• Pricing your time and materials

• Sales tax: check your state's rules on registering and collecting sales tax, including at markets
• Check whether your city or county requires a business license or home occupation permit, and your HOA or lease rules
• Metal and material claims: labeling gold, silver or gemstones is covered by FTC guidelines, so check before describing pieces
• Product liability: consider insurance, and avoid materials that could cause skin reactions without clear labeling
• Don't copy other designers' work, as designs can be protected by copyright

Startup costs are estimated at typically around $300 to $2,000, depending on the materials, tools and techniques you choose and how you set up your workspace. Treat this as a rough estimate and start small.

Monthly revenue is estimated at typically around $200 to $2,500, depending on how many pieces you make and sell and where you sell them. The estimate assumes at least about 8 hours a week.

Check your state's rules on registering for and collecting sales tax, including at markets. Check for a city or county business license or home occupation permit, HOA or lease rules, and FTC guidelines on describing metals and gemstones.