Hello permanent jewelry lovers. Starting a permanent jewelry business is one of the most exciting things you can do in today’s jewelry world. But the big question always comes up: “How much does it actually cost to get started?” Friends, the good news is, it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Let’s break it down into essentials, optional add-ons, and ongoing costs, so you know exactly what to expect.
The Foundation
Every permanent jewelry business is built on three core things: a professional welder, quality chains, and your basic tools. If you’ve got these things you’re probably going to be ok. We’ll break down the cost for each of these.
-
Professional Welder: This is the heart of your setup. A reliable welder designed for jewelry typically costs between $1,100–$3,000 depending on the brand and features. This is a one-time investment that pays for itself quickly once you start booking clients. So get out there and find SOME CLIENTS. Wooooo……woooooo. ( Sorry I was trying to be inspirational). Ok lets get back to the list.
-
Chains: You’ll need a small selection of gold-filled and sterling silver chains to offer your clients. Expect to spend around $500–$1,000 upfront depending on how many styles you want to carry. Choosing quality here is key, it will set your reputation and ensure happy, returning clients.
-
Tools & Accessories: These include pliers, cutters, jump rings, safety glasses, and a basic workstation setup. You can budget $150–$300 for professional-grade tools that will last.
👉 This is where a starter kit can simplify things. Instead of sourcing every piece individually, Stella Rose offers bundled kits that include your welder, tools, and chain selections making it easier to get started without worrying if you’re missing something important. You can check out our starter kit collections.
The Extras: Optional Start-Up Costs
Once you’ve covered the essentials, the rest depends on how you want to run your business.
-
Training & Certification: Not required, but some stylists invest in training courses to build confidence. These can range from $300+–$1,000+.
-
Booth or Pop-Up Fees: If you plan to sell at local markets or fairs, booth rentals can run $50–$300 per event.
-
Business Insurance: Some venues require liability insurance. Policies typically start at $20–$40/month. It would be smart to have that btw.
-
Branding & Marketing Materials: Business cards, signage, and a simple website can cost anywhere from $100–$500 depending on how polished you want to go.
-
Travel Costs: Don’t forget about gas and travel if you’re bringing your services to boutiques, salons, or events.
These extras aren’t necessary to open your doors, but they do help you grow faster and look more professional.
Ongoing Costs: What It Takes to Keep Running
The nice thing about permanent jewelry is that your ongoing expenses are pretty minimal.
-
Restocking Chains: Your biggest recurring cost is simply replenishing your chains and connectors. A few hundred dollars each month will usually keep you stocked, depending on how many clients you see.
-
Consumables: Items like safety glasses, tungsten electrodes, or protective pads are low-cost and last a long time.
-
Event Fees or Marketing (Optional): If you’re doing pop-ups regularly, expect to keep budgeting for booth fees and gas.
So, What’s the Real Price Tag?
If you’re starting lean, welder, a few chains, and basic tools, you can realistically launch your business for around $2,000–$3,500. That’s it. From there, every additional cost (training, booths, insurance) is optional and depends on your growth plan.
The best part? Many stylists make back their initial investment within their first within their first month. After that, it’s mostly profit and restocking.
Final Thought
Starting a permanent jewelry business doesn’t have to drain your savings or feel complicated. Stick to the essentials, your welder, chains, and tools, and then build from there. Whether you piece it together yourself or simplify things with a Stella Rose starter kit, the path forward is clear: a few key investments now can set you up for long-term success.