How to Start a Silver Jewellery Business in the UK (2025 Guide)

Thinking of launching your own silver jewellery brand in the UK? Whether you’re hoping to run a boutique, open an online shop, or start a market stall, the silver jewellery industry offers enormous creative and commercial potential. This comprehensive guide walks you through every step of how to start a silver jewellery business in the UK — from legal requirements to sourcing products, branding, and marketing.

As a trusted UK wholesale supplier, we at Silver Jewellery Cavern Wholesale are here to help you succeed from day one. Let’s dive in.

Do You Need a License to Sell Jewellery in the UK?

The good news is that you don’t need a specific license just to sell jewellery in the UK — but there are important legal considerations you need to follow:

1. Register Your Business

You must register as either a sole trader, limited company, or partnership with HMRC. If you’re selling on Etsy or at local markets, starting as a sole trader is the simplest route.

2. Comply with UK Hallmarking Laws

If you sell silver jewellery described as sterling silver, and any individual item weighs over 7.78 grams, it must be hallmarked by a UK Assay Office. You don’t need to hallmark lighter pieces, but you must not mislead customers by claiming they’re sterling silver if they’re not.

3. Get Public Liability Insurance

This is especially important if you plan to sell at in-person events like craft fairs or pop-ups. Most venues require sellers to have public liability cover.

4. Market Regulations

If you plan to trade at local markets, you may need a licence or permit from your local council. Fees and rules vary, so check with your local authority.

How to Source Wholesale Silver Jewellery

Choosing the right wholesale partner is the foundation of your business. At Silver Jewellery Cavern Wholesale, we help new businesses get started with confidence by offering a wide range of best-selling, ethically sourced 925 sterling silver jewellery.

What to Look For in a Supplier:

• Quality: Only buy from reputable suppliers who clearly state that their silver is 925 and hallmarked where required.
• Style Range: Look for a mix of core bestsellers (e.g. hoops, studs, simple rings) and more niche items (e.g. spiritual pendants, gemstone pieces).
• Low Minimum Orders: We offer a low £250 minimum order, perfect for first-time buyers.
• UK-Based Fulfilment: Fast, local delivery can make or break your launch timeline.
• Support: Choose a supplier who’s happy to help you select your first range or answer questions along the way.

Our Top Recommendations for First-Time Buyers:

• 1.5 mm Nose Studs – High turnover and easy to display
• Double Venus Pendant – Ideal for spiritual, feminist, or LGBTQ+ focused shops
• Blue Opal Sun Earrings – A colourful bestseller for gifting. Discover why blue opal is a must have for any store in 2025.
• Abalone Rings & Stackables – Beautiful, nature-inspired pieces
• Plain Sterling Silver Hoops – Always in demand

Learn more about where to buy 925 Sterling Silver Jewellery Wholesale in the UK.

Choosing Between 925 Sterling Silver vs. Plated

You’ll need to decide whether to sell solid 925 sterling silver or silver-plated jewellery — or a mix. Here’s a quick breakdown:

If your brand is about quality, meaning, and longevity, we recommend building your core range from genuine 925 sterling silver. It also allows you to charge more per item, boosting profit margins.

Branding & Positioning

Think about what makes your brand unique. Is it spiritual symbolism? Nature themes? LGBTQ+ empowerment? Everyday minimalism?

Make sure your brand identity is clear across your:

• Business name
• Logo
• Website design
• Packaging
• Product descriptions

And don’t forget to take high-quality images — customers can’t touch or try on your products online, so great visuals are everything.

Marketing & Pricing Tips for Small Jewellery Businesses

You don’t need a huge budget to get started. Here’s how to build a strong customer base in 2025:

1. Start with Instagram & Pinterest

Both are highly visual platforms and perfect for jewellery. Share:

• Flat lays of your jewellery
• Models wearing your pieces
• Symbolism behind your designs
• Customer testimonials & UGC (user-generated content)

2. Email Marketing Still Works

Use a platform like MailerLite or Klaviyo to start collecting emails. Offer a discount or free shipping for signing up.

3. Set Up a Shopify Store

If you want to build a long-term, brand-owned channel, Shopify is a solid choice for jewellery e-commerce. It’s flexible, beginner-friendly, and integrates with social media platforms.

4. Market Stalls & Craft Fairs

These are great for early feedback, building confidence, and making direct sales. Be sure to display clear pricing and group items in collections.

5. Pricing Strategy

Here’s a general rule of thumb:

Wholesale cost x 2.5 to 3 = Retail price

Make sure to factor in packaging, shipping, and branding costs.

Ethical Considerations & Sustainability

More consumers than ever are making decisions based on values. Choose a supplier that aligns with your ethos. At Silver Jewellery Cavern Wholesale, we:

• Ethically source all our silver and stones
• Offer plastic-free and recyclable packaging options
• Champion independent makers and small retailers

Make sure you share your sustainability story with your customers!

Final Tips Before You Launch

• Order samples and test your packaging
• Write compelling product descriptions (with SEO in mind)
• Have 5–10 strong products to start — not 100
• Register for a trade account early to access pricing
• Reach out to us — we’re happy to help you build your first range

Ready to Start Your Silver Jewellery Business in the UK?

Starting a jewellery business can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to go it alone. At Silver Jewellery Cavern Wholesale, we’ve helped hundreds of UK start-ups source their first range and build thriving brands.

Whether you’re into spiritual symbolism, bold statement pieces, or everyday minimalist silver, we have something your customers will love.

Register for a wholesale account today to view prices, explore our bestsellers, and get started on your silver jewellery journey.

Create a Trade Account >

Let 2025 be the year you build something beautiful.