Key takeaways
- Selling jewelry is all about beautiful images and confidence at higher amounts.
- Sell unique pieces or prints in editions, each with its own stock.
- State material, grade and your return and warranty conditions.
- With Microcart you can set up your jewelry webshop without a code.
You make jewelry, friends keep asking about it, and you think: can't I do something with this? That's possible — and jewelry is ideal for online sales. They are small, cheap to ship and visually strong. The step from hobby to sales mainly involves a few business choices: what do you make, what do you charge for it, and where do you sell it. This guide will walk you through them.
Choose a focus within jewelry
“Jewelry” is broad. A recognizable style or niche makes it easier to find and remember: minimalist silver, colorful beads, personalized name necklaces, sustainable materials. A clear signature sells better than a little bit of everything, and makes your marketing a lot easier.
Materials and purchasing
Calculate your material costs per piece and purchase smartly. Start small and scale up as things get going; This way you don't tie up money in material that remains lying around. You can read how to find suppliers and approach your purchasing smartly in purchasing products for your webshop.
Determine a fair price
The classic rookie mistake is selling too cheap. Calculate at least: material + your time + a margin. Your time is no longer a hobby as soon as you sell — count it. A commonly used rule of thumb is material costs times a factor, plus an hourly rate for the fabrication work. Too cheap may feel safe, but it makes your work less valuable and you don't earn anything from it.
Take selling product photos
With jewelry, the photo is your salesperson. Detail, gloss and scale must be right:
- photograph on a calm, neutral background with plenty of daylight;
- show the piece of jewelry also worn, so that the size is clear;
- take detailed photos of the material and finish.
A modern telephone and good light can go a long way; an expensive camera is not necessary.
Where will you sell?
Your own webshop gives you the highest margin and a real brand image — you pay no commission and build your own customer base. Social media is your storefront and source of traffic: selling on Instagram works particularly well for jewelry because it is so visual. The specific approach for a jewelry webshop can be found on our page about a jewelry webshop.
Shipping: use the letterbox package
Jewelry is small and flat — ideal for sending as a letterbox package, which costs a fraction of a regular package. Pack it neatly and protect it from scratches. You can read more about cheap shipping in send cheap packages.
The business part
As soon as you sell on a structural basis, you register with the Chamber of Commerce and you are liable for VAT. If you sell precious metal above a certain weight, a hallmark may be required - check this before working with gold or silver. Keep your administration up to date from the first sale.
Frequently asked questions
How do I determine the price of my jewelry?
Calculate material + your time + a margin. Selling too cheap makes your work less valuable and earns you nothing. Time counts as soon as you sell.
Where is the best place to sell my jewelry?
In your own webshop for the highest margin and your own brand, with social media (especially Instagram) as a showcase and source of visitors.
How do I send jewelry cheaply?
Usually as a letterbox package: small, flat and considerably cheaper than a regular package. Packaging protected from scratches.
Do I need a Chamber of Commerce registration?
Yes, as soon as you sell structurally for a profit. For precious metals above a certain weight, a hallmark may also be required.
Should I choose a niche?
It helps enormously. A recognizable style makes you findable and memorable, and your marketing a lot easier.
Get started
Choose your style, charge a fair price and take some strong product photos. Put your work in your own webshop and use Instagram as a showcase. Ready for the specific approach? Check out how to start a jewelry online store with Microcart. Do you make anything else by hand? Also read how to sell beauty or art online.
Further reading
how to start a jewelry online store with Microcart
