20 Business Ideas For Gem Enthusiasts [2024]
Are you passionate about gems and looking for ways to turn your hobby into a successful business? In 2024, there are several exciting opportunities for gem enthusiasts to explore. Whether you have a flair for design or a knack for sales, you could find a niche that suits your skills and interests.
You could start by creating bespoke jewelry pieces that highlight the unique beauty of different gems. Alternatively, curating a gem collection for other fans or selling rare finds through online platforms could be a profitable venture. These business ideas can not only fuel your passion but also bring in a steady income.
For those who enjoy sharing knowledge, you could offer classes or workshops on gem identification and valuation. Partnering with local schools or community centers could help you build a loyal clientele. Each of these paths offers the potential for growth and fulfillment, turning your love for gems into a thriving enterprise.
For each business idea, we'll show you real-world examples of other gem enthusiast businesses to help you see what it takes.
Here's the full list:
1. Start a niche website ($107K/month)
Starting a niche website is a fantastic way to turn your passion for gems into a profitable side business. By creating a platform dedicated to your specific interests in gems, you could attract an audience of like-minded enthusiasts who share your fascination. From sharing detailed guides on gemstone identification to reviewing products and services in the gem industry, your niche website could become a hub of valuable information. With monetization options like affiliate marketing and ad placements, your specialized content could generate consistent income.
Why consider starting a niche website?
- Connect with other enthusiasts and build an engaged community around your gem interests.
- Turn your deep knowledge and passion for gems into consistent revenue through various monetization avenues.
- Leverage SEO to attract traffic, making your website a go-to resource for gem enthusiasts worldwide.
For more ideas on building a successful niche website, check out the stories of those who've done it at Starter Story.
How much you can make: $400 — $250,000/month
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
DPW (Digital Procurement World) is a fast-growing conference and community in procurement that has more than tripled in revenue since launching in 2019, capping out the year at €1.8 million, with 95% of their growth coming from inbound traffic leveraging LinkedIn and applying social selling techniques.
2. Start a subscription box business ($97.9K/month)
Starting a subscription box business is a natural fit for gem enthusiasts. By curating monthly boxes of rare and beautiful gemstones, you can offer a unique and sought-after experience for other gem lovers. This model allows you to share your passion while generating a steady stream of income as customers subscribe to receive handpicked selections each month.
Learn more about the profitability of subscription box businesses here.
Why start a subscription box business?
- You could monetize your gem knowledge by curating exclusive, high-quality gemstone selections.
- You could build a loyal customer base by offering a unique and tailored experience each month.
- You could manage a flexible and scalable business, allowing you to grow at your own pace.
How much you can make: $400 — $400,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $210 (?)
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
Vowed Box Co. is a line of curated, quirky gift boxes with non-traditional brides in mind, offering four different products that have helped the business become profitable most months since its launch in 2018, with a monthly income of roughly $600.
3. Start a dropshipping business ($414K/month)
Starting a dropshipping business is a practical and appealing option for gem enthusiasts looking to supplement their income or create a side business. By leveraging your passion and knowledge of gems, you could curate a collection of unique and attractive gem-related products to sell online. Utilizing dropshipping, you'll eliminate the need for large upfront inventory investments, making it a low-risk venture.
Why start a dropshipping business?
- You could share your enthusiasm and expertise in gemstones by selecting high-quality products for your store, establishing yourself as a niche expert.
- This business model allows you to start with minimal initial investment, focusing instead on marketing and building your brand.
- Dropshipping provides the flexibility to manage your business from anywhere, making it an ideal option for those looking to maintain a full-time job or other commitments.
For more insights on launching a successful dropshipping business, including profitability and marketing tips, check out this Starter Story guide on dropshipping businesses.
How much you can make: $6,000 — $3,000,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $8,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 10 hours/week
Entrepreneur Kamil Sattar has developed multiple six-figure drop shipping businesses, and his company, e-commerce mentoring, specializes in helping others create their own successful companies, with favorite platforms including using Shopify and apps such as Loox reviews and SMSBump.
4. Start an ecommerce reselling business ($83.3K/month)
Launching an eCommerce reselling business could be an ideal venture for gem enthusiasts looking to supplement their income or dive into entrepreneurship. By purchasing unique gemstones and jewelry pieces for resale, you could showcase your eye for quality and connect with other gem lovers. Without the need for production costs, you can swiftly set up shop and start selling through social media, expanding to a website as your business grows.
Why consider starting an ecommerce reselling business?
- You could leverage your gem knowledge to curate a niche, high-quality inventory that appeals to collectors and enthusiasts.
- Low initial investment compared to starting a business from scratch—no need for production or manufacturing.
- Flexibility to scale your business and income by starting on social media and moving to a dedicated eCommerce website as demand increases.
For more details, dive into some success stories from other eCommerce reselling businesses.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $150,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,999 (?)
How long does it take to build: 75 days (?)
Empyre Off-Road, an e-commerce business founded by Greg Shuey which sells aftermarket parts for Toyota Tacomas, Tundras, and 4Runners, generated approximately $100,000 a month in revenue and was able to expand its product offering, focusing on content marketing, email marketing campaigns, and organic social media to attract and retain customers.
5. Start a stock photography business ($14.6K/month)
As a gem enthusiast, starting a stock photography business focused on high-quality images of gemstones could be a lucrative side business or a full-scale venture. With your unique passion and expertise in gems, you could build an impressive portfolio of eye-catching images that stand out in the market, potentially appealing to jewelry designers, marketers, and bloggers. This business could be relatively low-cost and offer the potential for passive income as you sell your photos on stock photography platforms.
To start, invest in quality photography gear and learn the fundamentals of capturing stunning gemstone images. An excellent online presence can help you sell your stock photos faster and at better margins, so make sure to build a strong digital footprint. Learn more about starting a stock photography business.
Why starting a stock photography business?
- You can monetize your passion for gems by creating and selling unique images that capture the beauty and diversity of your collection.
- The market demand for high-quality stock photos is growing, notably for use in marketing and websites.
- You can earn passive income by leveraging each photo multiple times, making money long after the initial effort.
How much you can make: $1,200 — $45,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $3,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Pro Photo Studio founder Tsour Lee Adato shares how she turned a $5k investment into a business that services over 500 clients annually and makes approximately $350k per year with plans to expand and become a 7-figure business while offering advice to fellow entrepreneurs to always be innovating, learning and growing, and not to undervalue themselves.
6. Start a podcast ($97.9K/month)
Starting a podcast is a fantastic way for gem enthusiasts to share their passion and expertise with a broader audience. You could create engaging content about gem history, identification techniques, market trends, and unique discoveries, building a loyal listener base over time. By leveraging your knowledge, you not only educate and entertain but could also attract sponsorships and advertising opportunities to supplement your income.
Why starting a podcast?
- You could monetize your passion by incorporating ads, sponsorships, and even listener donations.
- Growing your authority in the gem community is possible by regularly engaging with your audience and inviting experts to join your episodes.
- Low startup costs make it accessible, requiring just basic equipment and a commitment to consistency and quality content.
How much you can make: $400 — $1,020,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 2 hours/week
A successful podcast production company that grew from one client making $15/hour to a team of 10 contractors producing over 30 shows per week with revenue of over $10k/mo, primarily through referrals and with a focus on providing high personal touch and being picky about working only with clients who are a good fit.
7. Start a YouTube channel ($72.1K/month)
Starting a YouTube channel could be a highly rewarding venture for a gem enthusiast. By creating engaging video content, you could share your passion for gems, offering viewers insights ranging from gem identification and grading to DIY jewelry making. Not only can you monetize your channel through ads, sponsorships, and merchandise, but you could also build a dedicated community of fellow gem lovers who look to you for expert advice and inspiration.
Why start a YouTube channel?
- You could reach a global audience, sharing your love for gems with thousands, if not millions, of viewers.
- Financial benefits are substantial—ad revenue, brand sponsorships, and merchandise sales could turn your passion into a profitable venture.
- You could establish yourself as a trusted authority in the gem community, opening up further opportunities for collaborations and fame.
For more insights and success stories on launching a YouTube channel, visit this page.
How much you can make: $2,000 — $333,333/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,250 (?)
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
This case study follows the journey of a young entrepreneur from Nigeria who started a profitable blog generating a monthly revenue of $1,500+ through sales of advertising space, sponsored posts, and information products, and shares his strategies for success including a Twitter growth challenge and guest post pitches.
8. Start a niche blog ($31.5K/month)
Starting a niche blog as a gem enthusiast could be a fantastic way to share your passion for precious stones while supplementing your income. By creating unique content such as guides on gem identification, market trends, and latest discoveries, you could attract other enthusiasts and potential customers. Monetization opportunities abound, from affiliate links to collaborating with gemstone suppliers and advertisers.
Why start a niche blog?
- Establish yourself as an expert in the gem community by sharing valuable insights and tips.
- Generate passive income through affiliate links, ad revenue, and sponsored posts.
- Connect with like-minded individuals and grow a loyal online following who share your passion for gems. Explore more about niche blog profitability.
How much you can make: $100 — $650,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $650 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Starter Story grew to 1.4 million monthly visitors and millions in annual revenue by sharing the stories of entrepreneurs. Pat breaks down the early days and how he grew the business into something that changed his life.
9. Create a mobile app ($70.3K/month)
Turning your passion for gems into a mobile app could be a rewarding venture, offering you the chance to connect with a global audience. Imagine creating an app that helps enthusiasts identify gems, track their collections, or even locate gem stores and events. With a well-designed interface and functionality, your app could become an essential tool for gem lovers around the world.
Consider browsing success stories of other mobile app entrepreneurs on Starter Story to inspire your journey.
Why develop a mobile app?
- A mobile app can reach a broad audience, increasing the chances of generating substantial revenue.
- Mobile apps cater to various needs, from educational tools for gem identification to marketplaces for buying and selling gems.
- With the popularity of smartphone applications, your unique gem-related app could fill a niche market, attracting dedicated users.
How much you can make: $1 — $500,000/month
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
BACH, an app that plans and books bachelorette parties, has grown from $0 to >$1M net revenue run rate in less than 6 months, gained over 100,000 users in their first 60 days, and has over 40,000 parties using the app this month.
10. Start an ai based business solution ($55.8K/month)
Looking to streamline business operations with cutting-edge technology? Consider an AI-based business solution. As a gem enthusiast, you can leverage artificial intelligence to optimize various aspects of your business processes, from customer service and inventory management to data analysis and personalized marketing. With AI, you could enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and make data-driven decisions without needing a background in tech, thanks to user-friendly platforms and robust support systems.
With the growing demand for AI solutions, businesses are realizing the competitive edge they can gain by integrating these advancements. By focusing on high-impact areas and implementing a solid plan, launching an AI-based business solution could be a strategic move for gem enthusiasts looking to innovate and boost business performance.
Why consider an AI-based business solution?
- AI can automate repetitive tasks, allowing you to focus more on your passion for gems.
- Real-time data analysis will provide valuable customer insights, helping you improve sales.
- Predict market trends accurately to stay ahead in the competitive gem industry.
For more insights on starting an AI-based business solution, check out success stories.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $120,000/month
How long does it take to build: 125 days (?)
Mikkelsen Twins grew an online education company from scratch with over 800 students, making over 6-figures in profit every month thanks to their successful program, Audiobook Income Academy 2.0.
11. Create an AI writing tool ($255K/month)
Designing an AI writing tool could be an exciting and lucrative venture for gem enthusiasts looking to supplement their income. As the demand for quality content continues to rise, AI technology offers a streamlined solution to content creation, making it an attractive business opportunity. By leveraging your passion for gems, you could specialize in content related to gemstones, jewelry, and the wider industry, providing a niche tool that caters to specific audiences.
Why develop an AI writing tool?
- Create value by automating content related to gemstones, making the writing process easier for fellow enthusiasts.
- Tap into a growing market where businesses and individuals seek efficient and error-free content creation solutions.
- Transform your passion for gems into a profitable venture, while staying at the forefront of technology.
For more information on the profitability and success stories related to starting an AI writing tool business, check out this page.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $1,000,000/month
How long does it take to build: 52 days (?)
Rytr, a new AI writing assistant developed by a startup platform and business incubator, has become a market leader, serving over 300,000 customers across the world and doing seven figures in ARR.
12. Develop a lead generation tool ($108K/month)
As a gem enthusiast, developing a lead generation tool could be a lucrative side business or even a full-time venture. This business idea involves creating software that helps other businesses identify and capture potential customer leads efficiently. With the increasing demand for streamlined marketing efforts, you could provide a valuable solution by automating the client-finding process through your tool, allowing businesses to focus more on converting these leads into sales.
By integrating your lead generation tool with websites, social media channels, and other digital platforms, you could capture essential customer data like email addresses, phone numbers, and specific interests. The tech-savvy nature of this business aligns well with modern marketing trends, making it a promising opportunity for enterprising gem enthusiasts.
Why develop a lead generation tool?
- You could meet the high demand for efficient lead generation software, providing essential value to growing businesses.
- By automating lead capture, businesses can focus on converting leads, improving their overall sales process and success rate.
- As a tech-savvy gem enthusiast, you could combine your marketing skills and passion to create a profitable, sustainable business.
For more detailed information, check out lead generation tool success stories.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $400,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $600 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Dux-Soup is a LinkedIn automation tool that helps business owners and sales & marketing professionals generate more leads, increase efficiency, and save time; with over 70,000 users and revenue of nearly $5 million, it offers automated top-of-the-funnel LinkedIn outreach activities, targeted LinkedIn campaigns and multi-touch & personalized LinkedIn drip campaigns for lead generation.
13. Start a social media automation business ($139K/month)
If you're passionate about gems and technology, starting a social media automation business could be a perfect way to supplement your income and turn your interests into a profitable venture. Imagine managing multiple social media accounts effortlessly while driving engagement and growth—that’s the essence of this business. By creating tools and services to schedule posts, automate interactions, and analyze data, you could help small businesses and influencers enhance their social media presence, all while nurturing your own entrepreneurial spirit.
With the growing need for consistent and strategic social media engagement, there’s a significant demand for automation. For those with a knack for technology and marketing, this business can be both lucrative and fulfilling. To deepen your understanding of how lucrative this business can be, check out this link.
Why starting a social media automation business?
- You could leverage your gem expertise to create captivating content, making your services more appealing to gem-related businesses.
- The demand for efficient social media management is growing, providing a steady stream of potential clients.
- Automating social media tasks saves time, allowing you to focus on growing your business and pursuing other gem-related passions.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $400,000/month
How long does it take to build: 50 days (?)
MeetEdgar, a bootstrapped social media automation tool founded in 2014 by Laura Roeder, has grown to $4 million in annual recurring revenue and more than 5,000 customers, with a team size of two dozen, achieved through content marketing, social media marketing, and organic search.
14. Start a cold email service business ($170K/month)
Starting a cold email service business could be an exciting opportunity for gem enthusiasts looking to supplement their income or even build a full-time business. This venture involves crafting and sending targeted email campaigns to potential clients on behalf of various businesses. If you're adept at writing compelling emails and enjoy the challenge of engaging new customers, this could be a fulfilling endeavor. Your strategic mindset and ability to connect with people through words will be crucial for success.
The potential for scaling is significant; you might start with small businesses looking for lead generation and expand as your portfolio of successful campaigns grows. Imagine leveraging your passion for gems by connecting jewelry makers, gem dealers, and related businesses with their target audiences through well-crafted emails. For more insights, explore this success story on Starter Story.
Why start a cold email service business?
- This business model has low startup costs, making it accessible for individuals with limited initial investment.
- You'll develop a versatile and in-demand skill set that can be applied across various industries.
- The potential for recurring revenue is high as businesses continuously need leads and customer engagement.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $450,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $200 (?)
How long does it take to build: 35 days (?)
GMass, an email marketing platform that allows users to send cold emails and email marketing campaigns with Gmail, has attracted over 500,000 user signups, including major tech companies like Uber, LinkedIn, and Google, and now generates over $200K in monthly recurring revenue through a successful content marketing strategy and focused ad spend.
15. Start a health and wellness app ($108K/month)
As a gem enthusiast, starting a health and wellness app allows you to blend your interests in gemstones with the booming digital wellness industry. Imagine an app that integrates the healing properties of various gems into personalized fitness routines, nutrition plans, and mental well-being exercises. By creating this app, you could guide users through yoga practices infused with gem therapy, meal plans based on holistic health principles, and mindfulness exercises that incorporate gemstone meditation techniques.
One key advantage of this business venture is its potential to positively impact lives while tapping into a growing and lucrative market. With the help of health experts, you could develop a platform that offers comprehensive health advice and tracks user progress, effectively becoming a virtual coach in their pocket. For more inspiration, check out these success stories in health and wellness apps.
Why starting a health and wellness app?
- You could integrate gem therapies into wellness, creating a unique market niche.
- You already have the passion for health and technology, making this a fulfilling venture.
- The growing wellness industry offers ample opportunities for innovation and profit.
How much you can make: $600 — $300,000/month
How long does it take to build: 200 days (?)
Founder and CEO of SelfDecode, Joe Cohen, explains how his company helps people discover personalized diet, supplement, and lifestyle recommendations based on DNA and lab tests; generating about $2.7 million in revenue over the past year and raising $8 million in a crowdfunding campaign, SelfDecode provides personalized health recommendations prioritized on unique genetic variants, marking the future of healthcare.
16. Start a stock investing business ($30.3K/month)
For gem enthusiasts with a keen eye for market trends and a penchant for analyzing data, starting a stock investing business could offer a lucrative side income or even evolve into a full-time endeavor. The meticulous nature required to appraise gems translates well to studying stock movements and making informed investment decisions. By leveraging your analytical skills and a commitment to continuous education, you could navigate the complexities of financial markets and generate significant returns.
Why venture into stock investing as a gem enthusiast?
- Both fields require a sharp eye for detail and analytical thinking, making them complementary.
- The potential for high returns can supplement your income significantly.
- Continuous learning and adapting to market trends can make the stock investing journey intellectually stimulating and financially rewarding.
Explore how others have succeeded in stock investing here.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $160,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $3,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Ticker Nerd is a monthly subscription service for investors that surfaces and analyzes trending stocks before the hype train arrives, and now has $4.5k in monthly recurring revenue from its newsletter without spending a single dollar on advertising, having validated the business via subreddits and organic Product Hunt launch strategy.
17. Start a real estate investment firm ($398K/month)
Starting a real estate investment firm as a gem enthusiast is a unique and promising opportunity that combines your passion for identifying valuable assets with the lucrative potential of the real estate market. This business involves buying, managing, and selling properties to generate profit, and your knack for recognizing the true value in gems can easily translate to discovering hidden treasures in real estate. With diligent market research and strategic planning, you could turn this side venture into a profitable business, taking advantage of the substantial profit potential in property appreciation and rental income. For more insights into starting your own real estate investment firm, you can check out detailed guides and success stories on Starter Story.
Why consider starting a real estate investment firm?
- You could apply your skills in identifying valuable gems to spotting lucrative property deals.
- Real estate provides a steady income stream through rentals and the potential for significant appreciation over time.
- Diversifying your investment portfolio with real estate could enhance your financial stability and growth.
How much you can make: $10,000 — $1,500,000/month
How long does it take to build: 210 days (?)
Equity Residences is a luxury real estate investment fund that has raised $40 million from over 200 investors, offering them access to a portfolio of luxury vacation homes for investment and personal use, with a minimum investment of $161,500 and plans to acquire a further twenty residences ranging from $1.5M to $4M.
18. Start an email marketing tool ($992K/month)
As a gem enthusiast looking to supplement your income or start a side business, creating an email marketing tool could be a lucrative opportunity. With the growing demand for personalized and automated email campaigns, you could cater specifically to other gem enthusiasts, jewelry businesses, and collectors by offering tools that help them connect with their audiences more effectively. Leveraging your understanding of their interests and needs, you can craft a targeted email marketing solution that resonates deeply within the niche.
Why start an email marketing tool?
- The email marketing industry is booming, with the global market size expected to reach $2.53B by 2028.
- As a gem enthusiast, you have a unique perspective that can help create a tool tailored to the niche market's specific needs.
- Email marketing is highly effective, enabling you to generate leads, increase sales, and reach a larger audience than traditional methods.
For further insights and success stories, check out how others have thrived in the email marketing tool business.
How much you can make: $120 — $20,833,333/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
H-supertools founder Hasan developed a set of free SEO and digital marketing tools generating $2k per month in profit using Google Adsense, affiliate marketing, selling ad spaces, and email, plans to launch a membership option, and has attained over 80k registered users and 300k monthly visits in less than two years.
19. Start a wordpress plugin business ($33.4K/month)
Starting a WordPress plugin business could be a lucrative and fulfilling way for gem enthusiasts to combine their passions for both gemstones and technology. By developing plugins tailored specifically for gemstones—like inventory systems for gem dealers, interactive galleries for showcasing collections, or e-commerce tools optimized for selling unique pieces—you could address specific needs within the gem community.
With the wide adoption of WordPress, the market for plugins is vast, providing ample opportunities to turn your tech-savvy solutions into a profitable venture. Explore success stories and tips on how to start a WordPress plugin business to get inspired and chart your path forward.
Why consider starting a WordPress plugin business?
- You could solve real-world problems. Identify and create solutions to specific needs within the gem community, such as inventory management or showcasing collections.
- The market is vast. With the widespread use of WordPress, there’s a huge audience ready to buy valuable plugins.
- Turn passion into profit. By integrating your gemstone expertise and tech skills, you could generate a significant income stream.
How much you can make: $120 — $120,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 120 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week
Wheely Sales CEO Josh created a lucky wheel popup that has grown revenue from $0 to $600/month in just 4 months since getting started and has attracted over 1.1 million users to his customers’ websites, all while proving that when it comes to creating a product, competition is validation.
20. Print on demand business ($411K/month)
Starting a print-on-demand business can be a lucrative venture for gem enthusiasts looking to monetize their passion. With this model, you could design apparel, home goods, and accessories inspired by your favorite gemstones and mineral themes, selling them on platforms like Etsy and Amazon. The minimal startup costs and the ability to run operations from home make it an excellent choice for entrepreneurial-minded individuals who appreciate both creativity and practicality.
Why launch a print-on-demand business?
- You could easily turn your gemstone designs into functional and beautiful merchandise without needing to hold inventory.
- This model allows you to reach a global audience, giving exposure to your unique gem-inspired designs.
- The flexibility of running the business from home means you can scale operations at your own pace, making it ideal for a side hustle or full-time venture.
For more insights and real-life success stories, visit Starter Story.
How much you can make: $200 — $3,000,000/month
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week
Founder Roy Kirchner shares how he started an eCommerce business specializing in 3D printing with an initial investment of $65,000, which now averages monthly gross sales of $330,000 and has partnered with international manufacturers and local businesses while offering technical support and education.
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Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
