My Imperial character has level 70 or 71 in smithing, and I originally wanted to become a glass smith, but I realized how expensive that is, and because of how many metals are needed, its really not worth making glass stuff for a living. I decided I would make things like jewelry instead. So I would like to ask any jewelers out there a few questions:

1. Do you have any tips or advice for becoming a jeweler? Is there a certain level you should be at?

2. How do you turn a profit by being a jeweler? Most metals used for making jewelery (ie. silver and gold) and all jewels used are very expensive, so how do I turn out a nice profit WITHOUT enchanting?

NOTE: I am still open to smithing things like arms and armor, but how do you get a good profit from them? I would also like to note that if you have any suggestions for regular smithing, I have not gone up the right side (heavy armor) of the smithing tree, so could that potentially be a reason why I don't feel like I'm getting much money from smithing?

If you have alteration, you can mine for iron ore, great gold ore and then smelt and craft jewelry, I'd also recommend completing 'No Stone Unturned' as the reward will enable you to acquire dozens of jewels throughout every dungeon or cave which you can use for creating expensive jewelry.

Yes, "Prowler's Profit" is quite ridiculous. You'll be swimming in flawless diamonds, emeralds and sapphires.

As mentioned above, the Alteration School spell, http://www.uesp.net/wiki/Skyrim:Transmute#Transmute, is a must. This allows you to mine or buy iron ore which is much more common than silver and gold.

As far as "What level?" goes, any level will do. I use jewelry making to level up my smithing. Smithing skill raises based on price of item made, I think. I always have a cartload of cheap gems (amethysts, garnets, and such) to help. A silver necklace made at smithing level 15 is the same quality as one made at smithing level 100.

Selling can be tricky without investing in merchants via the speechcraft perk tree or doing the Thieves Guild storyline, as most merchants don't have a lot of gold with to buy your jewelry. You may find yourself trekking from hold to hold to hold selling your wares

Enchanting can also increase the value of your jewelry.