ProfitDrawer's jewelry business guide gives an example budget of about $240 to $2,100 for handmade jewelry made at home. The biggest lines are starter materials such as beads, wire, chain and findings ($100 to $600), business registration and a local license ($50 to $300) and hand tools ($40 to $250), plus a market display and marketing. Permanent jewelry adds a welder and chain stock. These are example ranges; your costs will differ.
Example budget (your costs will differ):
| Item | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Hand tools (pliers, cutters, mandrel, tray) | $40 | $250 |
| Starter materials (beads, wire, chain, findings) | $100 | $600 |
| Packaging, cards and pouches | $30 | $200 |
| Photo setup (light, backdrop, props) | $20 | $150 |
| Business registration and local license | $50 | $300 |
| Market display and table cover | $0 | $300 |
| Marketing | $0 | $300 |
| Total | $240 | $2,100 |
Start with one style you can make well and repeat, such as beaded bracelets or simple chain necklaces, to keep the low end low. Permanent jewelry adds a welder, safety gear, a chain selection and event costs, so get several quotes before you add it.
Then price every piece from materials, time, fees and profit. In the guide's worked example, a beaded bracelet costs $13.00 to make, plus a 25% markup and an example 10% in selling and payment fees, for a price of $19. Put your own numbers into the free startup cost calculator and price per job calculator.
Source: How to Start a Jewelry Business (ProfitDrawer guide) · Updated
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