When I owned my jewelry business, I made everything in house until the number of orders exceeded what I could produce, in excellent quality. I contracted two local jewelry instructors to work in house for the overflow. I found that there were too many issues with quality and design when I outsourced. Having someone in house allows you monitor, speed, quality and offer your customers the best service.

If you already have a space that you can reorganize to add the laser and setter then you only have to absorb the cost of the additional employee and the cost of equipment. Of course looking for gently used equipment is always an option.

You said that you use several 3rd party services, I am wondering if one of them is a small shop that my consider joining your venture, that way you are working with someone you know, like and trust already.