How to start a permanent jewelry business: link by link

Starting a permanent jewelry business is a rewarding venture that combines creativity and a steady hand with smart business sense. The market is booming, with steady demand for custom-fit bracelets and anklets to celebrate friendships, special occasions, and personal milestones.

This guide will walk you through the practical steps—from validating your business idea and securing licenses to acquiring equipment and finding suppliers—to help you launch a successful permanent jewelry business in the U.S.

Step 1: Plan your business and validate the market

Start by researching your local market. Use Instagram, TikTok, and Google Maps to search for terms like “permanent jewelry” plus your city’s name. This will give you a clear picture of local demand and who your direct competitors are.

Analyze your competition

Once you identify competitors, create a simple spreadsheet to track their services. Note their pricing for different chain metals, the styles they offer, and their booking process. Many new owners fall into the trap of competing only on price; instead, look for a gap you can fill.

Budget for your startup costs

Speaking of costs, your welder is the largest initial investment. A reliable machine, such as an Orion mPulse, typically costs between $2,500 and $3,500. Prioritizing a quality welder is a smart move that pays off with reliability and customer satisfaction.

You will also need an initial inventory of chains and charms ($500-$1,500), basic tools like pliers ($150), and funds for business registration ($100-$500). A common misstep is sourcing cheap chains that tarnish; this can damage your brand’s reputation before it even gets going.

With these figures in mind, you can expect a total startup investment between $3,250 and $6,000. This range covers your core equipment, initial inventory, and basic administrative setup to get you started on the right foot.

Here are 4 immediate steps to take:

• Identify five local competitors using social media and Google.
• Create a spreadsheet to compare their prices and chain styles.
• Research the current cost of two different permanent jewelry welders.
• Draft a startup budget that lists all potential expenses.

Step 2: Set up your legal structure and get licensed

Protect your personal assets by forming a Limited Liability Company (LLC). This structure separates your business and personal finances. An LLC costs between $50 and $500 to file with your state, and you can do it yourself or use an online service.

Next, get your Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS. It’s free and acts like a Social Security number for your business. You will need it to open a business bank account and file taxes, even if you do not have employees.

Secure state and local permits

You will need a state seller’s permit to collect sales tax on your jewelry. You can register for this through your state’s department of revenue. Many new owners forget this step and face penalties later, so it is best to handle it early.

Check with your city or county clerk for a general business license, which typically costs $50 to $100 annually. Also, ask if they classify permanent jewelry under "body art" regulations, as some health departments have specific rules even though the process is non-invasive.

Here are 4 immediate steps to take:

• File for an LLC with your state's Secretary of State.
• Apply for a free EIN on the official IRS website.
• Register for a seller's permit with your state's tax agency.
• Call your local city hall to ask about business license and health department rules.

Step 3: Secure your business insurance

Find the right liability coverage

General liability insurance is your first line of defense. It covers claims like property damage or a client who trips at your pop-up. Expect to pay between $400 and $900 annually for a policy with $1 million in coverage.

You should also add professional liability insurance. This protects you if a client claims an injury from the service itself, such as a minor burn from the welder or an allergic reaction to a chain. This coverage often adds $300 to $700 to your annual premium.

Many new owners grab the first cheap policy they find, only to discover it excludes claims related to the welding process. When you request quotes, explicitly ask if the policy covers permanent jewelry application to avoid this issue.

Consider other necessary policies

If you operate from a studio, you will need commercial property insurance for your equipment and inventory. If you hire employees, workers' compensation is legally required in most states. Commercial auto insurance is only necessary if you use a vehicle exclusively for business.

Choose an insurance provider

Not all insurers understand the permanent jewelry business. You might want to get quotes from providers familiar with small businesses or specialty trades, such as Hiscox, Next Insurance, or The Hartford. They tend to have more straightforward application processes for entrepreneurs.

Here are 4 immediate steps to take:

• Request quotes for general and professional liability insurance.
• Confirm with each provider that their policy covers permanent jewelry services.
• Ask about commercial property insurance if you have a dedicated studio.
• Compare annual premiums for a $1 million liability policy from three providers.

Step 4: Secure your space and equipment

Find your business location

You can start with mobile pop-ups, rent a chair in a salon, or open a small studio. For a dedicated studio, a 100 to 250-square-foot space is enough for a welding station and a small client area. Check with your city’s planning department for commercial zoning requirements.

When you find a potential space, try to negotiate a one or two-year lease to maintain flexibility. You might also ask the landlord for a tenant improvement allowance. This can help offset the costs of painting or installing fixtures for your new business.

Purchase your equipment and inventory

Beyond the welder, you will need a few specific items. Get a pair of quality chain cutters ($20-$40), two pairs of flat-nose pliers ($30-$60), and a small leather patch to protect clients’ skin. Auto-darkening safety glasses ($30-$50) are also a smart purchase for eye protection.

For chains and charms, look at jewelry suppliers like Sunstone, Rio Grande, or Stuller. A lot of new owners make the mistake of overbuying inventory. You can start with just three to five popular chain styles in gold-fill and sterling silver to keep initial costs down.

Here are 4 immediate steps to take:

• Research local commercial spaces between 100 and 250 square feet.
• Contact your city's planning department about zoning for a "personal service" business.
• Request catalogs and pricing from suppliers like Rio Grande and Stuller.
• Create a shopping list for your welder, tools, and an initial inventory of 3-5 chain styles.

Step 5: Set up your payment processing

Most clients pay immediately after the service, so you need a reliable way to accept credit cards, debit cards, and digital wallets. For a business that is often on the move with pop-ups, a portable system is a must.

Choose a payment solution

Many new owners get caught by high transaction fees or monthly charges. Other providers often charge between 2.5% and 3.5% plus a fixed fee. For a business that needs to accept payments on-site or on the go, JIM offers a streamlined solution.

With JIM, you can accept debit, credit, and digital wallets directly through your smartphone. At just 1.99% per transaction with no hidden costs or extra hardware needed, it is particularly useful for managing cash flow at pop-up events and in-studio appointments.

Getting started is straightforward:

• Get Started: Download the JIM app for iOS.
• Make a Sale: Type the sales amount, hit sell, and ask your customer to tap their card or device on your phone.
• Access Funds: Your money is available on your JIM card as soon as the sale is done, with no waiting for bank transfers.

You might also consider taking deposits for large group bookings or private parties. This helps prevent no-shows and secures your calendar. You can handle this through your payment system or a separate invoice.

Here are 4 immediate steps to take:

• Compare the transaction fees of two different payment solutions.
• Download the JIM app to explore its features.
• Decide if you will require deposits for private party bookings.
• Practice a test transaction on your chosen payment system.

Step 6: Fund your business and manage finances

With your business plan in place, the next step is to secure funding. Most permanent jewelry businesses can start with personal savings or a small loan. An SBA Microloan is a great option, offering up to $50,000 with interest rates typically between 8% and 13%.

Secure your startup capital

You might also consider a personal loan from your bank or a credit union if you have a strong credit history. In addition, look for grants that support women entrepreneurs, such as the Amber Grant Foundation, as many permanent jewelry business owners are women.

Plan your working capital

Plan for about $4,000 to $8,000 in working capital to cover your first six months. This budget should account for rent, marketing costs, and restocking your most popular chains. A lot of new owners forget to track every small expense, which complicates tax filing later.

To avoid this, open a dedicated business bank account as soon as your LLC is formed. Use a simple spreadsheet or accounting software like QuickBooks Self-Employed from day one to monitor your cash flow. This habit makes it easy to see how your business performs.

Here are 4 immediate steps to take:

• Research SBA Microloan lenders in your state.
• Calculate your estimated working capital needs for the first six months.
• Open a separate business bank account for your LLC.
• Look into the application requirements for a small business grant.

Step 7: Hire your team and set up operations

Find your first technician

When you are ready to expand, look for a "Permanent Jewelry Technician." This person will handle client consultations, custom fittings, and the welding process. A good technician has a steady hand, but great customer service skills are just as important for building a loyal client base.

You can offer an hourly wage of $20 to $25 plus tips, or a commission structure around 20% to 30% of their service sales. Many new owners hire based on technical skill alone, only to find that a lack of people skills hurts repeat business.

Train for consistency

Formal certifications for permanent jewelry are not a standard. Your main focus should be on providing thorough in-house training. Before a new hire works with clients, have them complete at least 50 practice welds on different chain types to ensure they are confident and precise.

Many welder manufacturers, like Sunstone, offer online tutorials and guides. You can use these resources to build your own training program. This ensures every client receives the same quality of service, no matter which technician they see.

Manage your schedule and staff

To manage appointments, consider using a scheduling platform like Acuity Scheduling or GlossGenius. These systems allow clients to book online and send automated reminders, which helps reduce no-shows. They also simplify managing a technician's availability, especially for pop-ups.

A skilled technician can typically handle 15 to 20 appointments in a day. If your average sale is $100, one employee can generate between $1,500 and $2,000 in daily revenue. This gives you a clear benchmark for performance and staffing needs.

Here are 4 immediate steps to take:

• Draft a job description for a Permanent Jewelry Technician that emphasizes both technical and soft skills.
• Create a training plan that includes at least 50 practice welds.
• Sign up for a free trial of Acuity Scheduling or GlossGenius to test their features.
• Calculate your daily revenue goal per technician based on 15 appointments.

Step 8: Market your business and get customers

Build your online presence

Your marketing starts on social media. Focus on Instagram and TikTok, where your target audience lives. Post short videos of the welding process, client reactions, and different chain styles sparkling in the light. This visual proof is your most powerful sales asset.

Many new owners just post static photos of their chains. Instead, show the experience. A video of friends getting matching bracelets tells a story that a simple photo cannot. This helps build social proof and drives bookings from interested followers.

Collaborate and promote

Partner with local salons, boutiques, or bridal shops for pop-up events. This gives you direct access to their customer base. You might offer the host a percentage of sales, typically 10-15%, as an incentive for the collaboration.

You can also create special offers like a "Bestie Bundle" or a discount for groups of three or more. Aim for a Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC) below $50. A healthy booking conversion rate from your social media profile link is around 2-5%.

Here are 4 immediate steps to take:

• Create an Instagram business profile and post three videos of the welding process.
• Contact two local boutiques or salons about hosting a pop-up event.
• Design a "Bestie Bundle" package for two people.
• Track your website clicks from social media to measure your conversion rate.

Step 9: Set your pricing and profit margins

Your pricing strategy directly impacts your profitability. Most permanent jewelry businesses use either a per-inch model or a flat-rate price. For example, you might charge $15 per inch for a gold-fill chain or a flat $95 for any bracelet up to 8 inches.

Flat-rate pricing is often simpler for customers and faster at busy pop-up events. It prevents awkward moments measuring wrists and calculating costs on the spot. Just be sure your flat rate covers the largest likely wrist size, typically around 8 inches.

Calculate your markup

A standard markup for jewelry chains is between 3x and 5x your wholesale cost. If you buy a sterling silver chain for $3 per inch, you should price it between $9 and $15 per inch. This should give you a gross profit margin of 65% to 80% on materials.

Many new owners make the mistake of just matching competitor prices without calculating their own costs. This can quickly eat into your profits, especially if your supplier costs are higher. Always base your price on your own numbers first, then adjust based on the market.

For example, a 7-inch gold-fill bracelet might cost you $28 in materials ($4/inch). With a 4x markup, you would price it at $112, leaving you with an $84 gross profit. Charms can be priced with a simpler 2x to 3x markup.

Here are 4 immediate steps to take:

• Calculate the cost-per-inch for each chain in your inventory.
• Decide if you will use per-inch or flat-rate pricing.
• Set your prices using a 3x to 5x markup on your material costs.
• Create a price list for three different bracelet styles to display for customers.

Step 10: Maintain quality and scale your business

Establish your quality standards

There are no official certifications in this industry, so your brand's reputation depends on your own standards. Aim for a repair rate below 1% within the first 30 days. A good weld is smooth and secure, with no sharp points that could snag on clothing.

Many owners only focus on the weld itself. You should also track client satisfaction. A simple follow-up email with a one-question survey can give you valuable feedback. This helps you catch issues before they become negative online reviews.

Know when to grow

Growth should be data-driven. When you are consistently booked two to three weeks in advance, it is a clear signal to hire your first technician. This prevents burnout and lost revenue from turning away customers.

Once your pop-up revenue is steady above $5,000 per month, you can justify the overhead of a small studio. For managing a growing team and inventory, you might want to upgrade from a basic spreadsheet to a system like Square for Retail to track stock levels accurately.

Here are 4 immediate steps to take:

• Define your quality standard for a "perfect" weld.
• Create a system to track client repairs within a 30-day window.
• Set a weekly booking threshold that will trigger your search for a new technician.
• Explore inventory management features in systems like Square for Retail.

Your permanent jewelry business is built on moments of connection. The experience you create is just as important as the weld itself. With this guide in hand, you are ready to turn your creative passion into a thriving business.

As you start to make sales, keep your payments simple. JIM turns your smartphone into a card reader, letting you accept payments anywhere with a flat 1.99% fee and no extra hardware. Download JIM to handle your first transaction.