Handmade jewellery sold online and at markets
Starting costs about $614 in the United States and 75,300 NGN in Nigeria. After 12 months, this business can bring in about $1,340 net per month in the United States and 301,000 NGN in Nigeria. The starting money comes back in about 4 months, with 20 hours of work per week.
Mundyo estimates, data as of 2026-11-02.
See the numbers for my countryFree, no account, in the currency of 243 countries.
The numbers
| Country | To start | Net per month (month 12) |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $614 | $1,340 |
| Nigeria | 75,300 NGN | 301,000 NGN |
| United Kingdom | £417 | £917 |
| Kenya | 29,100 KES | 43,600 KES |
| India | 15,900 INR | 31,800 INR |
Amounts adjusted to each country's price and income levels.
The problem
Many people want original, affordable jewellery to give or to wear, but only find identical mass-produced pieces.
The solution
Make jewellery with beads, thread, light metal or local materials, in small recognisable series, and sell it online, at markets and on consignment.
Your customers
Women and men aged 18 to 45 buying gifts, craft market shoppers, tourists, brides-to-be and their guests.
How you make money
€10 to €60 per piece, custom orders with a name or colours, small gift boxes for the holidays.
Competition
Cheap factory-made jewellery, other makers on handmade marketplaces, fashion shops, market sellers.
Who has an edge
A recognisable style, local materials or patterns and good photos of the pieces being worn bring customers back and spread by word of mouth.
The risks
Modest income at first, sales tied to holidays, making time, copied designs, metal allergies if materials are poorly chosen.
The first 3 steps
- Make a first collection of 20 pieces in one style
- Photograph the jewellery being worn, in natural light
- Run a stall at a craft market and open an online shop
How the numbers are calculated
Example in a high-income eurozone country, at month 12: revenue €1,700 − costs €800 = €900 net per month. Revenue: 68 pieces × €25. Costs: beads and findings, market pitches, online shop, packaging, social contributions. For other countries, Mundyo adjusts the starting budget to the price level (World Bank) and the income to prices and customers' purchasing power, then converts at the day's exchange rate.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to start: Handmade jewellery?
About $614 (United States), 75,300 NGN (Nigeria), £417 (United Kingdom), depending on the country. Mundyo calculates the amount for 243 countries.
How much can you earn per month?
After 12 months, about $1,340 (United States), 301,000 NGN (Nigeria), £917 (United Kingdom) net per month, after costs.
How long until I get my starting money back?
About 4 months, with 20 hours of work per week.
What are the risks?
Modest income at first, sales tied to holidays, making time, copied designs, metal allergies if materials are poorly chosen.
Where do I start?
1. Make a first collection of 20 pieces in one style 2. Photograph the jewellery being worn, in natural light 3. Run a stall at a craft market and open an online shop
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