I Make Jewellery for a Living: Here’s What 2025 Actually Looked Like 🐉✨
We survived another year. 🎉 If I had to sum up 2025 in one phrase, it would probably be: “Well… that was a lot.”
This year tested me as a maker, a small business owner, and a human. Between changing trade rules, rising material costs, shipping chaos, and a constantly shifting economy, running a handmade jewellery business in 2025 required flexibility, patience, and a whole lot of problem-solving. And yet — somehow — Le Dragon Argenté is still here, still creating, still growing.
I wanted to share what this year actually looked like behind the scenes, because handmade creators are navigating far more than most people ever see.
I Survived 2025 (and I Have Thoughts) 🐉✨
Before I sprint headfirst into the next one armed with new jewellery ideas and far too much caffeine, I wanted to pause for a moment and do two important things.
First: I want your input (for real)
Instead of guessing what you want to see next year, I’m asking.
I’ve put together a short poll for my newsletter readers and social followers, because your answers genuinely shape what I create and share going forward.
I’d love to know:
- What content you want more of (process, customs, materials, behind-the-scenes, business realities)
- What you’d like less of
- What questions you’ve always wanted answered but never asked
This helps me focus my energy on what actually serves you, instead of shouting into the algorithm void and hoping for the best.
Secondly, now that that’s out of the way… let’s talk about 2025.
2025: The Year of Adapt or Die (But Make It Sparkly)
It was a year of new designs, a ton of custom jewellery, more transparency about my process, and a growing pile of hard-earned lessons about running a handmade business in a constantly shifting world.
Those weekends of hauling bins, setting up displays, talking jewellery, and nerding out over shared fandoms? Exhausting. Completely worth it.
In-Person Conventions: A Much-Needed Win
One of the brightest spots of the year was successful in-person conventions.
There is nothing quite like seeing someone recognize a fandom piece instantly, try it on, and light up. Live events reminded me that jewellery isn’t just about selling — it’s about connection, shared interests, and building community.
Those weekends were exhausting in the best way, and they recharged my creative energy when I needed it most.
But behind the shiny finished pieces, 2025 also came with some serious challenges.
Let’s Talk Trade Rules, Tariffs, and CUSMA (End of Story Edition)
There has been a lot of confusion this year around tariffs, especially with changing political climates, new trade chatter, and social media panic posts flying around.
So let me be extremely clear:
There are NO tariffs on my jewellery.
Full stop.
My jewellery is handmade in Canada and qualifies under CUSMA. That means it moves tariff-free. Any delays that happen at the border are paperwork or inspection related — not tariffs.
I want this said plainly and confidently, because misinformation helps no one, and I don’t want customers stressing over things that simply don’t apply here.
End of story.
Shipping Chaos & Why Thinking Outside the Box Saved the Year
Now… shipping? That’s a different beast.
Between Canada Post strikes, service disruptions, changing rules, and rising costs, relying on a single carrier just wasn’t viable anymore.
Thank goodness for Chit Chats and private courier services existing.
Using alternative carriers allowed me to:
- Keep packages moving even during strikes
- Offer faster delivery times when Canada Post stalled
- Keep shipping costs as low as possible without sacrificing reliability
Running a small business right now means constantly adapting, re-evaluating, and sometimes tossing the old rulebook out entirely. Thinking outside the box wasn’t optional — it was survival.
Rising Metal Prices & the Reality of Handmade Jewellery
On top of everything else, 2025 saw silver and gold prices skyrocket.
That affects everything:
- Raw material costs
- Casting prices
- Replacement stock
- Long-term pricing strategy
I’ve worked hard to absorb as much of that impact as possible without compromising quality. That means smarter sourcing, tighter margins, and being very intentional about what I create and release.
Handmade jewellery doesn’t have the luxury of hiding those costs behind mass production. Every price adjustment was made carefully, weighing sustainability against accessibility, and I deeply appreciate everyone who understands that quality materials come with real-world costs.
Handmade jewellery isn’t mass-produced. Every piece reflects real material costs, real labour, and real time — and I know many of you truly understand and value that.
Why I’m Still Here (and Still Grateful)
Despite all of it — the logistics, the economics, the uncertainty — I’m still here. Still creating. Still genuinely excited about what I do.
And that’s because of you.
Your loyalty, encouragement, messages, reviews, repeat orders, and in-person hellos at conventions mean more than I can properly put into words. In a year that challenged so many small businesses, your support made a tangible difference.
So thank you for sticking with me through 2025.
Thank you for wearing my work.
Thank you for believing in handmade, even when the world feels a bit unsteady.
Now help me shape what comes next 👀✨
👉 Take the poll and tell me what you want to see in 2026
New designs are coming.
New ideas are brewing.
And yes… probably more caffeine.
