Each Thursday, I’m highlighting a work-from-home job or business.
Job Description: A jewelry maker creates earrings, necklaces, bracelets, etc., by hand from a variety of materials. The pieces can be one-of-a-kind or similar.
Education: None required.
Skills: Creativity and the ability to fashion jewelry using a variety of materials.
Job outlook: The U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) says that “employment of jewelers and precious stone and metal workers is expected to grow by 5 percent between 2008 and 2018, more slowly than the average for all occupations. Most jewelry is currently imported, and continued growth in imports will limit demand, particularly for lower-skilled workers. However, demand … will grow as consumers seek more customized jewelry.” Check out the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook for more details.
Possible employers: Jewelry stores, watch stores and independent clothing boutiques might be interested in carrying your pieces on consignment. Also consignment stores might have space for original pieces.
Preparation: Make sure you have a variety of product available before starting to sell, as consumers enjoy browsing to find the right jewelry for them or as gifts. Many community colleges or technical schools offer classes in jewelry making that might be beneficial to see what the new trends are.
Get your foot in the door: Try out your designs at a local arts-and-craft festival by buying a space or sharing a booth with a similar but non-competing business, like clothing, purses, hair ornaments, etc.
Testimony: Debbie in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, works in a local art gallery designing jewelry on Saturdays, while the rest of the week, she works out of her home. “I just figured that was what I would do, and making jewelry is something that’s relatively easy to do from home,” she says.
Now available on Kindle and Smashwords: HomeWork, which gives details on 50 at-home jobs or businesses.
Until next time,
Sarah
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