How Much Does it Cost to Start a Permanent Jewelry Company?

Permanent jewelry is a lucrative and popular business option for anyone seeking to start their own company and make some extra money. Many permanent jewelry artists have gone on to find success in this field, some making thousands of dollars per month. Before starting your own permanent jewelry business, you first need to understand the cost of breaking into this industry.

It’s exciting to begin a new business and discover all of the potential that comes with a new venture. Your business can help others, plus allowing you to fulfill your own passions and potential. Permanent jewelry is a fun, creative, and lucrative business to pursue, but it does come with startup costs and ongoing expenses.

Don’t let the price of this type of venture discourage you. Take a realistic approach and be honest with yourself about what you are hoping to achieve with your new business. Always plan ahead. Your success will depend on the way you run your business, including setting your rates to help you cover your expenses, both now and in the future.

How Much Does it Cost to Start a Permanent Jewelry Company?

The cost of a permanent jewelry business can vary, depending on a few variables. You can expect to pay between $3,000 and $6,000 to start your own permanent jewelry business with Sunstone Engineering.

Don’t take any further steps without joining my free email series. You’ll learn so much more about starting a permanent jewelry business, including real-life examples of artists who are earning enough to cover their costs and launch into profits in the least amount of time. We’ll also cover how much of your own money you will need to invest to get started. Knowing all of the costs upfront will save you time and frustration in the long run.

Permanent Jewelry Business Cost

The following items are the most common permanent jewelry purchases. These are your startup costs, meaning they will be your first investments before you start making money selling jewelry.

Pulse-Arc Welder

A high-quality pulse-arc welder is the most important initial investment you’ll make when starting your permanent jewelry business. You don’t want to cut corners here—this tool is responsible for every single piece you weld.

There are two professional machines that stand out as favorites in the industry:

Zapp Plus® 2: This compact, user-friendly welder is perfect for beginners and pros alike. It features adjustable power settings and a long stylus cord that gives you flexibility while working. It’s a reliable machine and priced well for the quality you get.

Orion mPulse® 2.0: Known for its sleek touchscreen controls and precise energy delivery, this machine is a top-tier option in the industry. The Orion mPulse 2.0 welder is more powerful and adjustable from 1 to 30 joules, with ultra-fine 0.5-joule increments from 1–15J and 1-joule steps from 15–30J, making it ideal for those who want greater control and a polished, professional setup.

Both options are built to last and come from the reputable Sunstone Engineering brand. Depending on your choice and any current promotions, you can expect to spend between $1,700 and $3,000 on a high-quality welder alone.

Jewelry Tools

Offering permanent jewelry goes beyond simply owning a welder—it requires the right tools to deliver a safe, seamless, and high-quality experience your clients will rave about. Sunstone Engineering offers a full range of professional-grade accessories designed specifically for permanent jewelry artists.

You’ll want to invest in grounded pliers to ensure safe handling during the welding process and reduce the risk of sparking. Argon gas is another must-have, as it shields your welds from oxidation and helps create clean, virtually invisible joins. Don’t overlook eye protection either—Sunstone’s auto-darkening lenses are designed for pulse arc welding and make it easier to see while protecting your vision.

Other essentials include premium jump ring openers, cutters, and measuring tools that allow you to work efficiently and with precision. When your setup is equipped with the right tools, not only do your results improve—but your confidence does too. Thankfully, you don’t have to piece together every individual tool on your own. Sunstone Engineering packages everything together if you prefer! A professional setup reflects the kind of service your customers can trust and recommend.

Related: What Pliers Are Needed for Permanent Jewelry?

Vendor Booth Necessities (optional)

Many permanent jewelry artists find the majority of their customers through local events. If this is something you want to pursue in order to generate a consistent revenue, then you will need to invest in vendor booth necessities.

These expenses include items like a portable power station, 10×10 tent, folding table and chairs, jewelry displays, a banner with your business name, business cards, and any other decor of your choice. Keep it simple and focused on your core products which are your chains and charms.

Related: What to Bring to Your Permanent Jewelry Pop-Up

Ongoing Costs of a Permanent Jewelry Business

Ongoing costs will vary from one permanent jewelry artist to the next, depending on how often you book events or make sales. Stocking up on supplies like chains and charms means you’re selling out in the first place—a great problem to have. These are the materials you’ll need to replenish regularly to keep your business running smoothly.

Chains

Gold-filled, rose gold-filled, 14k gold, and sterling silver chains will likely be your No. 1 expense as you continue to service your customers. Keep your chain supply stocked ahead of attending any event. Include a variety of chains from which your customers can choose, and keep different colors and metals on hand.

You don’t need to stock dozens of chain options, but having a selection available will help you sell your services. Track which chains are the most popular amongst your customers, so that you can continuously restock your best sellers.

Connectors & Charms

Connectors and charms are extremely popular in the forever jewelry industry, so keep them on hand as you continue to serve your clients. Don’t just bulk-order one style. Instead, pick a few cute options that your customers might like to add to their next statement pieces. This could include heart-shaped charms or ones embedded with pearls or other jewels.

Customers want their jewelry to be unique and special; allow them to select from different materials that they can use to customize their bracelets, necklaces, and anklets.

Related: Can You Do Permanent Jewelry Without a Welder?

Credit Card Processing Fees

While some business owners may consider these fees a nuisance, others will understand that having the ability to accept credit and debit cards for your services could actually increase your revenue. Many potential customers will simply walk right by your business because they don’t carry cash.

To accommodate as many customers as possible, sign up with a card processor like Square. With the free account, you won’t pay any monthly fee. Instead, you’ll simply pay a small percentage of each customer’s payment at the time of sale.

Booth Reservation Fees

If you choose to offer your forever jewelry services at fairs, festivals, or vendor events, you will need to pay for a booth reservation. Each event charges its own fee, based on the time of year, location, and the number of available spots.

Some events may only levy a $10 fee, while others could charge more than $100. Reach out to the organizer directly to find out more about the fees, the length of the event, and how big your space will be.

Remember that most vendor fees are non-refundable. Once you have secured your spot, make it a priority to show up to the event so that you don’t waste your money.

Business Insurance

Business insurance is an important permanent jewelry business cost. You can pay a low monthly fee or select a plan that you can pay in full. This will protect you and your business from potential dangers like damages or stolen property.

This cost also covers you while performing services on customers. It’s always a smart idea to invest in full protection and coverage as you build a successful business. If you already have an existing business policy, you may be able to save money by combining your coverage—just check with your insurance provider to see what options are available.

Business Cards (optional)

Some customers will want to share your services with their friends, while others may not be ready to purchase from you right away. The best way to bring them back at the right time is to hand out business cards that represent your brand. Your cards should include your name, business name, contact information, social media accounts, and service areas. You can design and purchase beautiful cards from a trustworthy site like VistaPrint.

Employees (optional)

You may or may not decide to hire employees. In the event that you decide you need the help, factor in the cost for your employees and what types of benefits you will offer them (if any). This is an optional cost, and you are not required to employ additional individuals for your permanent jewelry business.

Brick and Mortar Location (optional)

Many permanent jewelry artists make the most money by opening a storefront, allowing their customers to come to them on a more consistent basis, versus planning for vendor events. If this is a route you choose to take, you will need to consider the cost of setting up a brick-and-mortar location or rental space. Housing your storefront will be a recurring monthly expense. You can also choose to rent space within an already established business such as a hair or nail salon.

Travel Expenses

Include travel expenses in your permanent jewelry business costs. This can include gas, lodging, food, parking fees, and more. When you are traveling specifically for business, those expenses can be claimed on your tax return.

Related: Your Easy Guide to Sales Tax for a Permanent Jewelry Business

Permanent Jewelry Business Cost Is Important to Consider

Opening a business doesn’t mean you will become an overnight sensation, making thousands of dollars every day. It will take some time to get there. You will need to spend some money upfront before you start earning an income from your permanent jewelry business.

Your potential customers are looking for someone who knows how to weld jewelry the right way. Making an effort to learn the ropes and become comfortable with your welder will go a long way toward achieving success in this business. Make sure your pricing is competitive, your chain and charm selection is enticing, and your business acumen is up to speed.