Start Your Own Profitable Jewelry Making Business

Written by admin

Teens looking for a home based business they can start in their spare time might want to try their hand at jewelry making. Beaded jewelry, created from a variety of raw materials such as stones, metals, plastic beads, and more is a great way to quickly earn a good income in your spare time without investing a lot of money.

You’ll need to learn how to make the jewelry, of course. You can do that through local or online classes, from books, DVDs or videos. Or if you know someone in the trade, ask if you can spend some time as their apprentice and get valuable on-the-job training, which is one of the best ways to learn anything.

In addition, you’ll need to learn about the materials and tools you’ll use. What each type of “gadget” is and how to use it, including clasps and head pins (commonly called findings), various beads, gauges of wire, wire cutters, pliers, etc.

And you’ll want to understand something about jewelry design, such as what works and what doesn’t, what’s hot and what’s no longer popular. There’s a lot to learn… but the learning itself will be fun because you’ll get to practice making jewelry as your knowledge grows!

Begin by choosing the type of jewelry you’d like to make. While you can make a variety of pieces such as necklaces, pins or brooches, bracelets, or earrings, it will be easier to learn if you choose one specific item like pierced earrings to begin with. Earrings in particular, are popular and worn by many people, so your possible market is larger than for a pin or necklace. But choose something you like and that you’ll enjoy making.

Next, decide on the basic findings you’ll need. Ear wires or posts and clutches are mandatory, for instance, if you plan to make pierced earrings. Clasps and jump rings may be optional. You’ll need specific tools regardless of the pieces you start with. Basics include a flush cutter, round nose pliers, chain nose, and bent chain nose tools. You can buy them individually or in kits.

You’ll also need to select some beads. The options for beads are practically unlimited! You can choose from a variety of materials such as semi-precious, non-precious or precious stone, metal, plastic, even paper or clay. If you want, you can even make your own beads. Instructions and materials are readily available to teach you.

Most beads come in a variety of shapes such as diamond, bicone, round, oval, rondelle or teardrop. And the sizes vary ranging from 4mm up to large 16mm beads. You can find beads made of fire polished glass, pressed glass, swarovski Austrian crystal, freshwater pearls, birthstones, gemstones and so much more. Truly, the options are astounding. But don’t despair!

Visit an online jewelry supply store and request a catalog, or visit your local craft store such as Michael’s or Hobby Lobby and browse the bead department. Pick a few you like best and start with those. You can add other designs and options later, if you choose.

A couple basic designs will get you started since the different beads will vary the look of each piece. And design ideas are all over the Internet. Search for “free jewelry designs” and print out the ones you like best. Check the supply list and tools needed to be sure you have everything on hand before you begin, then make up a couple samples.

Set a reasonable selling price based on the supplies you use and the time it takes. You want to keep your prices low enough that people will buy, but high enough to cover all your expenses and allow you to make a decent profit.

Once you have a few samples in hand, and you’ve set your prices, it’s time to start selling! You can sell your finished products through consignment at local or online craft shops, through Etsy or another craft site, at flea markets and craft shows, or to friends and family members.

Making and selling jewelry can be a fun, exciting and profitable business for anyone. But it’s especially good for teens since the investment is low and the learning curve is easy.

Tags: business idea, business idea for teens, home business idea