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Where to sell custom jewellery
September 4, 2024
So, you’ve caught the jewellery-making bug, and now your kitchen table is overflowing with beads, wires, and shiny bits of metal—welcome to the club! With the rise of home-based businesses, more and more people in the UK are turning their passion for crafting into profitable jewellery ventures.
But with so many options out there, figuring out where and how to sell your custom pieces can be a bit overwhelming. Don’t worry; you’re not alone! In this blog, we’re going to walk you through the best platforms and strategies to help you shine in the jewellery market.
Whether you’re wondering where to sell, how to price, or what legal hoops you need to jump through, we’ve got the answers to all the burning questions jewellery makers like you often have. Let’s dive in and get those beautiful creations into the hands of eager customers!
Where can I sell my handmade jewellery?
So, you’ve created some beautiful jewellery pieces, and now it’s time to share them with the world! But where do you start? Whether you’re aiming to reach a global audience or just want to make a splash in your local community, there are plenty of places to sell your custom jewellery. Let’s explore your options!
Online Marketplaces
Etsy
If you’re looking to reach an audience that loves all things handmade and unique, Etsy is your go-to platform. It’s practically a treasure trove for jewellery lovers who are on the hunt for something special. The best part? Etsy buyers are already primed to appreciate the time and creativity you’ve put into your pieces. Setting up shop is straightforward, and with the right keywords and stunning photos, your jewellery can find its way to customers who are specifically searching for one-of-a-kind items.
eBay
Now, eBay might not be the first place you think of for handmade goods, but don’t dismiss it too quickly! eBay has a massive audience, which means lots of eyes on your jewellery. Plus, if you enjoy a bit of excitement, eBay’s auction-style listings can add a fun twist to selling your pieces. You never know—your designs might just spark a bidding war!
Amazon Handmade
If you’re looking to sell on a platform with the reach of Amazon but still want to keep that handmade vibe, Amazon Handmade is a great option. It’s similar to Etsy in that it’s geared toward artisans, but with the added bonus of Amazon’s global customer base. This means you can potentially reach millions of customers who are browsing for something unique and handcrafted.
Social Media Platforms
Instagram and Facebook
When it comes to showing off your jewellery, Instagram and Facebook are like your personal runway. These visual platforms are perfect for highlighting the beauty of your creations. You can post photos, share behind-the-scenes stories, and even go live to chat with your followers in real-time. Facebook also offers the option to set up a shop directly on your page, making it easy for your followers to browse and buy.
TikTok
Feeling adventurous? Give TikTok a try! It’s not just for dance challenges—TikTok is a fantastic platform to engage with a younger audience through creative videos. Show off your jewellery-making process, create tutorials, or even host live selling events. The platform’s algorithm can quickly introduce your content to a broad audience, giving you the chance to go viral.
Personal Website
If you’re serious about building your brand, having your own e-commerce site is a must. Platforms like Shopify or Wix make it easy to set up a professional-looking website where you control everything from the layout to the customer experience. The best part? No competition from other sellers right next to your listings, as you’d find on marketplaces. Plus, having your own site builds credibility and gives you the freedom to grow your brand on your terms. It’s your little corner of the internet where customers can get to know your story and fall in love with your jewellery.
Local Markets and Craft Fairs
Sometimes, there’s nothing like good old face-to-face selling. Local markets and craft fairs are fantastic for building a loyal customer base in your community. You get instant feedback, and people can see and touch your jewellery in person, which can be a huge selling point. Plus, these events are a great way to network with other local artisans and even find potential collaborations. And let’s be honest—there’s something incredibly satisfying about watching someone fall in love with your work right before your eyes.
Jewellery Boutiques
If you’re looking to get your jewellery into brick-and-mortar stores, consider partnering with local boutiques and consignment shops. These shops are always on the lookout for unique, handmade pieces that will set them apart from the high street chains. By placing your jewellery in a boutique, you not only gain exposure but also tap into an existing customer base that trusts the shop’s curation.
Laws on selling handmade jewellery in the UK
Before you jump into selling your stunning handmade jewellery, it’s essential to get acquainted with the legal side of things. Here’s a quick rundown of what you need to know to keep everything above board and running smoothly.
Hallmarking Laws
In the UK, if you’re working with precious metals like silver, gold, platinum, or palladium, you need to be aware of hallmarking laws. These laws require any piece over a certain weight (e.g., 7.78 grams for silver) to be hallmarked by an Assay Office. This hallmark is your piece’s stamp of authenticity, proving it’s made of genuine precious metal.
To get your jewellery hallmarked, you’ll need to send it to an Assay Office, where they’ll test the metal and apply the appropriate marks. Not only is this a legal requirement, but it also reassures your customers that they’re buying quality.
Business Registration and Taxes
If you’re selling jewellery regularly, it’s time to register your home-based business with HMRC. This means you’ll need to keep track of your income and expenses, file a Self-Assessment tax return, and potentially register for VAT if your turnover exceeds the threshold (which is currently £85,000).
Even if you’re starting small, it’s important to understand your tax obligations, including income tax and National Insurance. Keeping accurate records from the get-go will save you a lot of headaches down the line!
Health and Safety Regulations
Your workshop should be a safe space, not just for you but also for anyone who might visit or receive your jewellery. This means ensuring your workspace meets health and safety standards—think proper ventilation, secure storage for tools, and safe handling of chemicals.
Also, consider liability issues; for example, if you’re using materials that could cause allergic reactions, like nickel, make sure you’re transparent about it with your customers. You might also want to look into product liability insurance to protect yourself in case of any issues.
Consumer Rights and Returns Policy
Setting up a clear returns policy is key to running a trustworthy business. Under UK law, customers have certain rights on returns and refunds, especially when buying online, including the right to return items within 14 days for a refund.
Make sure your returns policy is easy to find on your website or sales platform, and that it complies with consumer rights laws. This not only protects your customers but also helps build trust and confidence in your brand.
Find out more in our blog on the Laws selling handmade crafts in the UK.
Can you sell handmade jewellery on Vinted?
Vinted is a popular platform originally designed for selling second-hand clothing, but it has since expanded to include a variety of items, including jewellery.
Pros include tapping into Vinted’s large, style-conscious user base, which can be great for selling trendy or fashion-forward jewellery pieces. However, there are some cons to consider—Vinted’s primary focus is on pre-loved items, so handmade jewellery might not get as much visibility as it would on a platform dedicated to artisans. Additionally, the platform’s pricing and listing structure might not be as flexible or supportive for handmade sellers.
Tips to sell custom jewellery
So, you’ve crafted some gorgeous custom jewellery, and now it’s time to get it into the hands of eager customers. But how do you make sure your pieces stand out in the crowded marketplace? Here are some fun and practical tips to help you sell your custom jewellery like a pro!
Understand Your Target Market
First things first, you need to know who you’re selling to. Think of your target market as your jewellery’s biggest fans—they’re the people who will love and appreciate your work the most. Take some time to research who they are, what they value, and where they hang out online. Are they young fashionistas looking for the latest trends, or perhaps brides-to-be searching for that perfect bespoke piece? Understanding your audience helps you tailor your marketing message to speak directly to them. When you know what makes your customers tick, you can create jewellery and content that resonates, making them more likely to hit that “Buy Now” button.
High-Quality Photography and Presentation
Let’s face it, when it comes to selling jewellery online, a picture really is worth a thousand words. High-quality photos are essential because they’re often the first impression customers have of your work. Invest in a good camera or even just a smartphone with a great camera and pay attention to lighting—natural light works wonders for showcasing the true colours and details of your pieces. Try shooting on a clean, neutral background to make your jewellery pop, and don’t forget to capture different angles and close-ups.
But don’t stop there—think about the unboxing experience too. Beautiful packaging can turn a one-time buyer into a repeat customer. Whether it’s a simple, elegant box or a personalised thank-you note, those little touches can make your customers feel special and more likely to recommend your shop to others.
Pricing Strategies
Pricing your jewellery can be tricky—you want to be competitive, but you also need to make a profit (and cover that endless supply of beads and wire you keep ordering!). Start by calculating the cost of your materials and the time it takes to make each piece, then add a reasonable markup. It’s also smart to check out what similar items are selling for to make sure you’re in the right ballpark.
Consider offering discounts, bundles, or limited-time promotions to attract new customers or encourage larger purchases. Just be careful not to undervalue your work—your jewellery is handmade and custom, which makes it special and worth every penny!
For more information check out Pricing your products for profit.
Marketing and Branding
In today’s world, selling isn’t just about the product—it’s about the brand behind it. Your brand is the story you tell through your designs, your packaging, and how you interact with customers.
Take some time to build a strong brand identity that reflects your style and values. Are you all about boho chic, or is your jewellery inspired by vintage elegance? Whatever your vibe, make sure it’s consistent across your website, social media, and packaging.
Protect yourself with craft insurance
We’ve already covered the key UK rules and regulations for selling jewellery, but there’s one more crucial piece of the puzzle—insurance. Insurance might not be the most exciting topic, but it’s an essential consideration that should never be overlooked.
Crafters insurance can provide you with peace of mind by covering your liability if a customer has an issue with your product, such as an allergic reaction, and protecting your equipment and stock against theft, damage, or loss.
Whether you’re selling at local markets or online, having the right insurance in place ensures that your business is safeguarded against unexpected events, allowing you to focus on what you love—creating beautiful jewellery.
Get Craft Fair Insurance with Protectivity
Protecting your handmade jewellery is made much easier with specialist craft insurance. Whether you’re an online seller or heading out to craft fairs, it makes sense to be as prepared as possible for any kind of incident.
Protectivity’s Crafters Insurance is designed to give protection from customer or third-party claims, with Product Liability Insurance for the event of accidental damage to someone else.
Find out more and get an instant quote tailored to the needs of your business. Get in touch if you have any queries at all.
This blog has been created as general information and should not be taken as advice. Make sure you have the correct level of insurance for your requirements and always review policy documentation.
