The Real Costs of Breaking Through the Jewelry Industry – JCK

Newbie creators should expect to spend at least $37,000 in their first year, and that’s the bare minimum. When designer Johnny Nelson launched Johnny Nelson Jewelry in 2017, he knew he wanted to create pieces featuring historic black leaders, animals such as black panthers, and angry characters. , everyday objects – think matches and razor blades. Nelson had honed his benching skills alongside “ghost jewelers” — master jewelers who craft pieces for big-name designers and brands — on and around New York’s Canal Street. He knew his craft, but he was less prepared for the investment he would have to make to bring his creations to life. He intended to melt his jewelry, a process that requires reproducible molds. To create 200 molds, each costing $600, he would need $120,000. “In