Career Jewelry Making Advice: DON'T DO IT! Jewelry Design, Jewelry Repair, Creating a Jewelry Line.

If you have ever wanted to start a jewelry business, or pursue jewelry making and creation as a career, I have some advice for you..... DON'T DO IT! Find anything else to to get fulfillment!
BUT.... if you are still not detoured, Then I have some helpful guidance for you, and am here to Educate, Equip, and Encourage you.
I have been a professional jewelry maker for 40 years, and maybe I have picked up a thing or two to help you on your jewelry making journey.
From Jewelry Making, Design, Repair, Production, Consulting, Workshops, One-on-One Training, and more, I have a lot to offer you and help you along the way.
Our Organization consists of:
ElementsofSD.com (Retail)
So, if I haven't scared you off yet, and you are still persistent...... Lets Talk.
Doug Napier

[dbaider]

Everything you said is absolutely correct. And you can never have enough tools...

[indiancarter]

I've been making wire jewelry for 3 years now.. And I'm ready to start making real jewelry now.. Making wire jewelry is fun.. But now I'm ready to take it to the next level

[loriachaddon]

I'm glad I came across this post. Not because of the advice to quit, but the encouragement to keep going.
I am definitely going to have to watch more of your videos.

[octaviopena]

Great advice for anyone wanting to get into the jewelry business.

😂 100% true! The first few years if any profits, go into buying new tools and growing your studio. Hardest business I’ve ever started but it’s the one that has made me happiest.

Starting your day creating and looking forward to seeing a finished piece that you’re working so hard at, is well worth the struggles. And if you have a bad day, keep calm, go paint for a couple of hours or meditate and your creativity will come back to you allowing to finish that masterpiece. Then sell it and go buy another tool with the profit. 😊

[hawkercnc]

Workshop heaven! There will be a line of tool salesman heading for your workshop and you after seeing this with their new products. A different character completely from a flash salesman. Love it, must buy a few more bits of kit, but no bench or even floor space left! You know you are in trouble when you sell thousands of bits on ebay over 4 years but still cannot see any difference or any bench top free.

[crazyburkey]

That's what I've always liked, the repair, and retrofitting of existing jewelry 😊

[brennanlarnder]

I will never stop! No matter who tells me that im not cut out for it! I absolutely love it and wouldnt want to do anything else with the rest of my time on this earth! You're right its not for everyone!

[codacraft]

you are not lying! I have wanted to be in this business for my whole life. I love what I do. it’s a compulsion

[carolynb.]

Excellent advice and fascinating workshop tour. I live in England, and do some lapidary work (taught to me by my father), and have done a little silvermithing. I've recently taken up wax carving (which I particularly like) and hope to get my designs cast at some point. Best of luck with your training school (you are obviously dedicated in passing on your knowledge and skills). Thank you!

[TheDieselmonkey]

My dad was dabbling with jewelry making back in the 70’s before I was born, so I never really knew what he loved about jewelry making in general. But after watching this video I am just now starting to realize what he was so excited about when he was making his jewelry. Doug I would like to know more about the jewelry institute and what it takes to make a great piece of jewelry for myself and someone who can enjoy wearing it.

[peteredwards]

We are so fortunate to have guys like you and John that give and give and give all for the love of jewellery making; thank you so much 👍😊

[anniepoulton]

Im still here Doug, I've been teaching disabled people how to making jewellery and I've now taken on a apprentice, i always pick up tips from you and this channel, I'm the same as you Doug when i comes to jewellery repair 😊

[stellau]

So true, what you said, it’s a rabbit hole, I didn’t know what I was getting into and I’m in it, too late.😊😊😊

[sarahworrell]

Finally someone has put into words what I've tried to explain why I do this. Thank you!

[Javier-xx]

Thank you so much for your time and encouraging words. I just started Jewelry Repair Technician school. Looking forward to working with the different metals and stones. I'll keep in touch with you as I make my way through my journey. Beautiful shop.

[normantorok]

Thx Doug for the advice...perfect timing as i have these very same questions

[Richardthejeweller]

Well spoken, when you can do things with just fire, a stick and a rock. Inspirational

[yasminejackson]

Jewellery as a way of life!
I love these words!
This is more than an idea !
It’s My dream my goal…
To fully amerce yourself in the creative process is to me as needful as the air I breath 💓💓💓

[jacobgaddis]

Man, Doug this is very inspiring, I’ve been watching video after video after video and have gotten so many great ideas thanks to you, Thanks man

[VTeslaV]

Thank you so so much for doing this Doug, love your mission and vision and I'm definitely going to follow you in the future!