Opening a jewelry store: the specific steps involved in the profession
Opening a jewelry store means starting a business, with the added obligations specific to precious metals and valuables. Some of these must be fulfilled even before receiving the first piece of gold. Here are the steps involved in the profession, in order.
- Before owning any gold, silver, or platinum items: declaration of existence at the customs guarantee office.
- THE police logbook is held from the very first day.
- Gold buying, sales over €10,000, HBJOAT tax: each activity has its own specific rules.
- Security, insurance and management tools are chosen before the opening, Not after.
1. Define your activity precisely
New jewelry, designer watches, pre-owned items, gold buying, consignment sales, custom creation, repairs: each activity entails its own obligations. A jeweler who buys gold from individuals doesn't have the same constraints as a new jewelry store. Define your scope before taking any steps; it will determine everything else.
2. Register the company
Like any business, a jewelry store registers through the single business registration portal. The registration certificate (Kbis) will then be required, notably by customs.
3. Register with the guarantee office
Before engaging in any activity involving gold, silver, or platinum items, the professional must file a declaration of existence at the customs guarantee office, with your registration certificate and proof of identity. Details are available on douane.gouv.fr. If you are making it yourself, a maker's mark is also required.
4. Keep the police log from day one
The trade in precious metal goods and the purchase of second-hand items requires the maintenance of a daily police logbook. This can be kept using software. See Police register: the obligations of the jeweller-watchmaker and our page on the electronic police logbook.
5. Regulate major buyouts and sales
- Gold buying Written contract, cooling-off period, payment by check or bank transfer, flat-rate tax. See Buying back gold and precious objects: your obligations.
- Fight against money laundering Since August 1, 2026, jewelers and watchmakers have due diligence obligations for sales exceeding €10,000. See AML/CFT: What are the obligations for HBJO professionals?
- HBJOAT tax Depending on your activity, you may be subject to it. See The HBJOAT tax: what a jeweller-watchmaker needs to know.
6. Open your supplier accounts
Brands and suppliers set their own terms: discounts, markups, volumes, and parts entrusted to them. Some companies, particularly in watchmaking, select their points of sale. Plan ahead for these steps: they often take longer than setting up the shop.
7. Secure the shop and insure it
Safes, display cases, alarms, video surveillance, opening and closing procedures: the insurer's requirements depend on the value of your stock. Have them approved before setting up your storage unit, to avoid having to replace the safe later.
8. Choosing your management tools
Cash register, inventory, labels, police register, buybacks, after-sales service, electronic invoicing: a single business software program is better than tools that don't communicate with each other. See our page Management software for jewelry and watchmaking.
Frequently Asked Questions
What steps should I take with customs to open a jewelry store?
File a declaration of existence with the customs guarantee office before carrying out any activity involving gold, silver or platinum articles, along with the company registration certificate and an identity document.
Is a police logbook mandatory from the moment of opening?
Yes, for a business dealing in precious metal products or second-hand items: it is carried out day by day from the first transaction, on paper or on software.
Is a jeweller subject to anti-money laundering regulations?
Yes. Since August 1, 2026, jewelers and watchmakers have due diligence obligations for transactions exceeding €10,000.
Open with Jewely Retail
Cash register, stock, police register, buybacks and after-sales service all in one software, with support from HBJO experts.
Sources: douane.gouv.fr (declaration of existence to the guarantee office), Bpifrance Création (jeweler fact sheet). This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace current regulations or professional advice.