Starting a Jewelry Business: Step-by-Step Guide for Success (2025)
Engaging in a hobby like jewelry making can be a relaxing activity for many creative individuals. However, when your creations start gaining attention from friends and strangers, you may begin to consider turning your hobby into a business.
Starting a jewelry business requires a good understanding of the industry, which is currently experiencing growth. The global jewelry market is projected to increase by $88 billion between 2024 and 2029, providing ample opportunities for newcomers to establish their presence in the market.
If you are interested in exploring the possibility of starting a jewelry business, this guide offers expert advice based on the experiences of successful jewelry designers who have built their brands from the ground up.
Ready to launch your business? Get started by creating your website today or learning more about Shopify’s tools for selling online and in person.
How to start a jewelry business in 9 steps
- Find your niche in the jewelry industry
- Research market trends
- Define your brand
- Produce or source your jewelry products
- Set up a jewelry business studio or workspace
- Take professional photos of your products
- Build your ecommerce store
- Market your ecommerce jewelry brand
- Scale your business
1. Find your niche in the jewelry industry
The jewelry industry offers a wide range of niches and subcategories, from fine jewelry to costume jewelry. Identifying the type of jewelry you want to sell is a crucial first step in starting your business.
Each category, whether fine jewelry, costume jewelry, or artist-designed jewelry, has its own unique characteristics, materials, production processes, price points, and target customers.
Fine jewelry
Fine jewelry is characterized by its use of precious metals and gems, higher price points, master craftsmanship, limited production, and appeal to luxury, wedding, and special occasion customers.
Fashion or costume jewelry
Costume jewelry, on the other hand, follows current fashion trends, is made of less expensive materials like beads and plastics, features lower price points, and is often mass-produced for everyday wear.
Artist-designed jewelry
This category includes handmade jewelry that combines various materials, unique designs, skilled craftsmanship, mid-range price points, and caters to collectors and gift-giving customers.
Once you have determined the category of jewelry you want to focus on, it’s essential to carve out a niche for your products by defining your target customer profile and deciding on the specific occasion or purpose for which your jewelry is intended.
Jewelry products and categories
Consider offering a full product line or specializing in specific items such as rings, necklaces, bracelets, earrings, engagement rings, watches, or other accessories. You may also explore complementary products and categories to expand your jewelry line.
2. Research market trends
Before launching your business, it’s crucial to understand how to reach your target audience and validate your product offerings. Researching market trends and staying informed about industry developments can help you position your brand effectively.
Following jewelry trends
Stay updated on fashion and jewelry trends by reading industry publications, following influencers, and analyzing search data to identify popular styles and designs. Consider creating unique pieces or tapping into emerging trends like customization and sustainability.
Look for inspiration from other designers and don’t be afraid to set your own trends, as demonstrated by successful brands like Biko, which found success by offering distinctive designs that resonated with the founder’s personal style.
Finding jewelry design inspiration everywhere
Success in the fashion industry hinges on developing a strong aesthetic, creating unique designs, and maintaining a consistent brand image. Drawing inspiration from diverse sources and staying true to your artistic vision can set your jewelry business apart in the market.
Business owners should engage in a few exercises to define their overall signature style before hiring a designer to develop branding or individual pieces. One way to find inspiration is by setting up Pinterest boards, creating digital mood boards, using jewelry design mobile apps, or physically assembling inspiration on a bulletin board or in a sketchbook.
Collecting images, colors, and textures from various sources like nature, architecture, fashion, or travel can help in identifying emerging themes. It’s important to continue seeking inspiration constantly, as stated by Corinne: “Never stop being inspired. I’m always drawing inspiration and collecting inspirational images, no matter where I am.”
Gunner & Lux, her brand, is now available in global retailers such as J.Crew. Selling online is the most common approach for many people. You can easily set up a successful online store using a Shopify store with a free theme that can be customized to fit your brand. Check out Shopify themes designed specifically for jewelry businesses. As your jewelry business grows, you can gradually expand to work with larger partners in the wholesale sector. Biko’s primary revenue still comes from wholesale, and Corinne has collaborated with major retailers such as Nordstrom, Simons, and Hudson’s Bay.
### Marketplaces and Sales Channels
Setting up an online or retail store is a natural step for your business. Depending on your brand strategy, you may opt to exclusively sell your jewelry through your store.
However, there are multiple sales channels available in today’s online landscape, each with its own established audience. Marketplaces and selling platforms are popular choices for many brands. Amazon provides access to millions of shoppers, while Etsy is a hub for handmade crafts.
Shopify store owners can easily list their products on various marketplaces using the Marketplace Connect app, all managed directly from their store dashboard.
Social media storefronts also present a lucrative sales channel for jewelry businesses. With a TikTok Shop or Instagram storefront, you can cater to customers without redirecting them to another platform. This streamlined process reduces friction and places your checkout closer to the content that attracts customers.
### International Expansion
If your business demonstrates success locally, expanding internationally can unlock new markets and boost your sales. Platforms like Shopify enable you to reach a global audience, accept payments in multiple currencies, and handle international shipping seamlessly.
### Frequently Asked Questions
#### How to start a jewelry business online?
To start a successful jewelry business online, follow these steps:
1. Find your niche.
2. Research the market and trends.
3. Write a business plan.
4. Define your brand.
5. Produce or source jewelry products.
6. Take professional photos of your products.
7. Build your online store to sell jewelry.
8. Market your jewelry company.
9. Scale your business.
#### Do I need a business license to sell jewelry online?
Consult local regulations for small businesses, but in many cases, you do not need a business license to operate an online jewelry store. Consider seeking advice from an accountant or business lawyer to ensure compliance with legal requirements.
#### What are the basic tools for jewelry making businesses?
The tools needed depend on the type of jewelry you plan to create. You can start with minimal equipment for fashion jewelry, while fine jewelry production may require specialized and costly tools.
#### How much does it cost to start a jewelry business?
The cost varies based on your production model. You can start with a few hundred dollars for basic supplies or invest significantly more for a fine jewelry business. Understanding your upfront costs and cash flow is crucial for a successful venture.
### Start selling jewelry online now
Entering the competitive jewelry market can be daunting, but many successful designers began as a side project or from humble beginnings. Small-scale production allows you to design from home with just a niche, brand, and basic business plan. Emerging designers still have opportunities to make a mark by staying authentic, trusting their design instincts, and listening to customers.
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