Ever filled out a tax form and wondered what the heck an NAICS (North American Industry Classification System) code was? Here are instructions on how to select the right NAICS code as a jeweler that manufactures a finished product and sells both wholesale and retail.

You can use the search feature at www.census.gov/naics. In the “2017 NAICSSearch” box on the left side of that page, enter a keyword that describes your kind of business. A list of primary business activities containing that keyword and the corresponding NAICS codes will appear.

Google, of course, directs you to NAICS search, but how do you pick from this list?

naics code
NAICS code Search Results for Business Activity as a Jeweler

If you’re a Retail Jewelry Store, great: 448310
If you only sell Jewelry at Wholesale, boom: 423940
If you only Manufacture Jewelry, you’re solid: 339910

But, what if you do all of the above? What if you are a fine art jeweler and manufacture your goods in-house, and sell to both wholesale and retail clients?

To really throw a wrench into your decision making, there is NAICS code 454111 Electronic Shopping, for those that are retailing via the Internet. This is even for Retail Brick and Mortar Stores, that perhaps have a higher concentration of internet retailing than physical in-store sales.

How do you choose which NAICS code to use if you’re a jeweler?

Pick the majority share.

My dear jewelers, this is not a fine art, nor a well-crafted science.

This is an effort to put you in a bucket with similar businesses to compare your business reporting to others of the same size.

This is how your Facebook ad targeting is defined. This is how the IRS can say your income and expenses should fall within a given range. This is how market research and industry statistics are facilitated.

Diagnose your businesses revenue streams and pick the NAICS code that fits best.

What is the highest concentration of sales coming from:

• Retail Sales?
• Wholesale Sales?
• Web Sales?

If you are hand fabricating, casting, or doing production, and selling a fairly similar amount in all three sales streams, then choose Jewelry and Silverware Manufacturing 339910.

If you sell mostly online, even if it is a mix of wholesale and retail, then use Electronic Shopping 454111.

If you are a maker and selling mostly at Jewelry Trade Shows, then choose Jewelry, Watch, Precious Stone, and Precious Metal Merchant Wholesalers 423940.

If you focus on Direct to Consumer and your highest revenue stream is Retail Sales, then select 458310 for Jewelry Retailers. This is even if you don’t have a public store front, but are open by appointment only or sell at Art Shows. (prev. 448310)

All clear? If you still aren’t clear on your selection, do a keyword search at NAICS.com and read the details for each code title that relates most to your line of work.

Please note that NAICS does change codes to consolidate or expand based on industry and economic changes, so always do your due diligence and confirm your NAICS code directly from the government site before using one listed here. 

If you need additional help, please comment below for our input, contact us, or reach out to your local tax authority. Never be afraid to call your local tax office and ask a question. They are very helpful if you speak nicely.

Related Posts

9 Responses
  1. Hi, based on what you have written, very nicely I might add, I believe my code to be 448310 but would like your opinion. I make one of a kind jewelry using semi precious beads and pendants and do not do any metal work. I do not have a storefront, I do have a website and primarily sell at craft shows. Right now my online is very occasional.

  2. Anne

    Hi there, it seems like they’ve updated their codes. I just started out and am selling jewelry online, but will add other accessories and clothing in the future. I’m lost with the new codes, any help would be great 🙂

  3. Jaclyn

    I’m stumped on what NAICS code to use for my business that i’m trying to register. I sell polymer clay earrings ( they do not use precious metal, or any precious stones), and I do not have a physical storefront. I’m looking to sell mainly at craft shows, and I have an etsy that I sell from too. None of the jewelry codes really seem to fit my products, unless I’ve missed or misread some. Could someone please help me? Thanks.

    1. Accounting for Jewelers

      Hi Jaclyn, it’s a majority match game: what you sell is jewelry category, and at direct to consumer craft shows, which is retail. Therefore, your NAICS code is 448310. Best!

Leave a Reply