You've spent hours imagining, shaping, and polishing your latest gold creation. It's perfect. Now comes the most daunting question of all: what price should you set? Setting the right price is a delicate art, a balance between the value of your work and market realities. At La Fille du Sud , we support creators every day. Here's our professional method to help you calculate a price that's profitable for you and fair for your clients.
Step 1: The Cost of Raw Materials (The Core of the Calculation)
This is the basis of everything. You need to know exactly how much the material used to create the jewelry cost you.
Weigh your finished piece of jewelry: Use a precision scale accurate to one hundredth of a gram.
Calculate the cost of gold: The formula is simple: (Weight of the jewelry in grams) x (Price per gram of your gold wire ) .
Don't forget the finishing touches: Remember to add the cost of clasp , of the connecting rings , or any other supply used.
Our expert advice: When purchasing your supplies, always note the price per gram. That's why we systematically indicate a reference weight on all our warps and yarns , to help you anticipate your costs.
Step 2: The Value of Your Time (Don't Forget Yourself!)
Your time is precious. Your expertise is valuable. Set a realistic hourly rate.
Formula: (Number of hours worked) x (Your hourly rate) .
Be honest: include the time spent on research, design, manufacturing, polishing, and even photography!
Step 3: Operating Expenses (Hidden Costs)
Your workshop, your tools, packaging, website costs, platform commissions... all of this has a cost. A simple method is to apply a percentage (e.g., 10 to 15%) to the sum of materials and labor time.
Step 4: The Gross Margin (The Profit)
This allows you to reinvest and grow your business. A common practice in the industry is to apply a multiplier (often called a "keystone") to the total cost (Materials + Time + Expenses).
The Final Calculation: (Cost of Materials + Cost of Time + Expenses) x (Multiplier) = FINAL SELLING PRICE
This coefficient varies (often between 2 and 4) depending on your positioning (beginner creator, established brand, etc.).
Conclusion: The Fair Price is a Price Accepted.
Calculating your prices isn't just a matter of math; it's a statement of the value of your work. By using high-quality materials like 18k gold , you justify a higher price and build a lasting brand.
Never underestimate your talent. A fair price allows you to continue doing what you love: creating beauty.