Thinking about starting a permanent jewelry business? Well, you're in the right place! Over the past few years, permanent jewelry has gone from niche trend to full-blown industry, and it’s not slowing down anytime soon. You’ve probably been scrolling Instagram, checking out welders, or even trying to figure out how to start a business. You’re in the right place. We’ll walk you through how to start a business from what tools you’ll need to booking your first appointment. No fluff, no gatekeeping, and no pressure to buy a training course. So here is “How to start a permanent jewelry business”.
1. What is Permanent Jewelry and Why is it so Popular?
What is permanent jewelry? Permanent jewelry is custom-fit, welded jewelry that doesn’t have a clasp. Once it’s sized to the customer’s wrist, ankle, neck, etc. the ends of the chain are connected by a jump ring and welded together safely, creating a seamless, "permanent" piece.
So why is it trending? Three big reasons:
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It’s personalized – People love that it’s fit just for them and can include meaningful charms like initials, birthstones, or another special charm that represents something they love.
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It’s low-maintenance – No clasps to fumble with, no daily decisions, maybe forgetting it. It's always on and ready to go.
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It’s an experience – Whether it’s best friends getting matching bracelets or moms and daughters bonding at a pop-up, permanent jewelry is as much about the memory as the metal.
If you're already in love with the idea, you’re not alone—and that’s exactly why now is a great time to turn it into a business.
2. What You Need to Start Your Business
Starting a permanent jewelry business requires a mix of specialized tools, high-quality materials, and thoughtful setup for customer-facing events. Typical range will be from $3,000 to $10,000 depending on your product selection and setup preferences.
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Essential Equipment: Welder, pliers, safety glasses, cutters, and leather patch. Most of these are included with starter kits, ranging from $1,900 and $3,000.
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Supplies: Chains, charms, jump rings, argon gas (optional but strongly recommended), and a gas regulator. Most of the supplies like chains, jump rings and tools come with starter kits
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Display & Pop-Up Materials: Table, branded tablecloth, signage, and a POS system.
3. Legal Requirements: Don’t Skip This
Before you start booking appointments or selling anything, you’ll want to make sure your business is legal. That means registering your business with your state—either as a sole proprietorship or an LLC. Each option has pros and cons, but an LLC gives you more legal protection.
Next, apply for a sales tax license (sometimes called a reseller’s permit). This allows you to legally collect sales tax and buy your supplies without paying tax upfront. Requirements and names vary by state, so check your local government or use the SBA’s guide on starting a business.
Lastly, don’t skip business insurance. It might feel optional, but it protects your gear, your income, and your liability at events. And no, there’s currently no official certification required to weld jewelry in the U.S., so you don’t need to worry about licensing in that area.
4. Where to Buy Your Supplies
Your supplies are the backbone of your business, so it’s worth taking the time to find reliable sources. We strongly recommend sticking with U.S.-based suppliers for quality control, faster shipping, and easier customer service. At Stella + Rose, we supply anything that you could need to start your permanent jewelry business.
One big warning: Be cautious of misleading labels. For example, some sellers may claim their chains are “gold-filled” when, in fact, they’re plated. This is why it is important to understand gold filled materials and how they are made so that you can feel confident in the product you are purchasing, and you can educate your customers about the difference as well.
5. Do You Need Training or Certification?
One of the most common questions people ask is whether they need to be certified to start a permanent jewelry business. The short answer? You don’t.
There’s no official certification required to weld jewelry in the U.S., and many successful business owners are self-taught. With so many tutorials, online communities, and free resources available, you can learn on your own.
That said, you’ll see plenty of pricey courses being advertised online. While some can be helpful, don’t assume that a big price tag equals quality. Do your research and don’t feel pressured to buy a course just to get started.
6. How to Price Your Permanent Jewelry
Pricing can be tricky, but it doesn’t have to be complicated. First, figure out what kind of brand you’re building and identify your target audience: are you targeting high-end boutique shoppers, casual pop-up customers, or something in between?
Then, calculate the cost of your materials, like chains and charms, and add in your time and business overhead. This includes things like your pop-up fees, software, insurance, and travel. All of that should be built into your pricing.
For example, if a bracelet costs you $12 in materials, you might price it anywhere from $55 to $95, depending on your branding and your market. The goal is to be profitable while still offering a great customer experience. Note that this isn't any actual pricing of permanent jewelry just an example.
7. Booking Appointments & Managing Sales
Once you're ready to start selling, you’ll need a way to manage appointments and track your sales. A point-of-sale (POS) system like Square or Shopify is a great place to start. These platforms help you process payments, track inventory, and keep customer records all in one place.
If you’re doing events or appointments, adding a scheduling tool like Acuity or BookThatApp can save you a ton of time. It lets customers book their own time slots and even pay deposits upfront.
Keeping things organized from the start makes your business look more professional—and makes your life a whole lot easier.
8. Build Your Brand & Market It
Branding is more than just a logo—it’s the story you tell and the way people remember you. Start by creating a customer profile. For example, maybe your target customer is “Alexa,” a 34-year-old mom who’s in her fitness era and loves meaningful, minimal jewelry.
Once you know who you're talking to, start posting on social media. Share before-and-after welds, show off new charms, and post behind-the-scenes clips of your events. People love seeing the process, and it helps build trust.
Also, don’t forget email. At every event or pop-up, collect emails so you can stay in touch with your customers, promote new launches, or announce where you’ll be next.
9. Mistakes to Avoid
Everyone makes mistakes when they’re starting out, but here are a few that are avoidable:
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Don’t skip your legal requirements like sales tax registration or business insurance.
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Don’t underprice yourself. It might feel easier to sell at $25, but you won’t stay in business long without covering your time and costs.
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And finally, don’t send generic emails to potential pop-up hosts. Always personalize your outreach it makes a big difference.
10. How to Find Events and Pop-Up Opportunities
If you’re not opening a full retail location, events and pop-ups will likely be your main source of bookings. These are places where you can set up a table and weld jewelry in person.
Here’s how to find them:
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Local Markets and Vendor Fairs: Search for farmers markets, artisan fairs, and seasonal events in your area. These are great places to get discovered by people already in a shopping mindset.
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Boutique Collaborations: Reach out to salons, fitness studios, or clothing boutiques and offer to host a pop-up. They get free foot traffic, you get a built-in customer base—it’s a win-win.
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Private Events: Weddings, birthdays, bachelorette parties, and girls’ nights are all great opportunities. You can offer group discounts or custom charm bundles to make it feel extra special.
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Local Facebook Groups & Event Pages: Post in community forums, mom groups, and “What’s Happening In [Your City]” pages to spread the word and find openings.
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Vendor Platforms: Sign up for local vendor websites or apps that connect pop-up hosts with small businesses.
Final Thoughts
Learning how to start a permanent jewelry business might feel overwhelming at first, but you don’t need a fancy degree, years of experience, or a huge following to make it happen. With the right tools, quality materials, and a clear game plan, you can launch something meaningful and profitable.
Remember: this isn’t just about jewelry. It’s about creating experiences your customers will remember. So take the first step. Register your business, gather your supplies, and start reaching out to your community. You don’t need to have it all figured out—you just need to start.
You’ve got this. 💪✨