Jewelry Designer

For those who like to create intricate detail with their hands and have an artistic ?air, this business is ideal. Some people just jump into this with their natural ability; others who really make it big have some form of formal art training and have also been picked up by a major distributor. Hit the jewelry trade shows, craft shows, and antique shows with a vengeance and take a lot of business cards with you. Having earned a GIA certificate will be helpful in that you’ll have studied different types of precious and semiprecious stones and you’ll be able to price your pieces appropriately. This certificate also allows an additional income potential as a licensed jewelry appraiser, where you assist jewelry owners in assessing their collection’s worth for insurance purposes.


Jewelry has one of the highest markups in the retail world at 100 percent, minimum. So with a $500 investment, a lot of imagination, and some smart marketing, you could be well on your way to a first-year income of $25,000. Try to get noticed by the press, and you’ll nab more business than you can handle because people really appreciate having one-of-a-kind jewelry.


Ever hear of the expression the “small but mighty”? Jewelry has been known to bring in thousands of dollars for a single piece. Here’s your opportunity to cash in on your oneof-a-kind creation. Since not everyone’s tastes are the same, you can create until you’re out of ideas (which, hopefully, will never happen). The only problem with the GIA certificate is that it’s a six-month program and offered only in New York and California.

Approx. cost of start-up: $500 to $1,000


Approx. potential earnings: $25,000 to $75,000


Typical fees: Some pieces sell for $50 to $75; others for thousands


Where to promote: Jewelry trade shows, newspapers, jewelry retailers, craft shows, Web site with e-commerce capability, online auctions such as eBay and Yahoo


Qualifications: Geological Institute of America (GIA) certificate may be helpful but not required; some formal art training and knowledge of jewelry


Things needed: Vices, pliers, jeweler’s loop, magnifying glass, molds, melting equipment


Required staff: No


Hidden costs:Travel expenses