A few weeks back I was invited to a home jewelry party. I have to admit I somewhat turned my nose up thinking, “Oh no, not another home-based selling party!” I went despite my preconceived opinions and was pleasantly impressed. The jewelry was made by Lia Sophia and was top-of-the-line costume jewelry that speaks to a woman’s most creative side. It’s even worn by celebrities and actresses, which is why they have a whole series of jewelry called the Red Carpet Collection. Best of all, every piece of jewelry has a Lifetime Replacement Guarantee, so there is nothing to stop you from exercising some creative exploration in mixing and matching these fine pieces.

Unlike a department store, the demonstrator showed how each piece could work with a particular outfit in the audience. She also demonstrated how long pieces convert into short pieces around the neck. Almost all of their pendants have a reverse side to them, making two necklaces out of one and giving the piece a totally different look and feel as you flipped it over. It was fun to watch the transformation. Each piece of jewelry was passed around the room for individual up close inspection without the glare of security cameras.

The demonstrator had the audience ask questions about the jewelry and every time you asked a question you earned a ticket and a chance to win a piece of free jewelry. The atmosphere was fun as we all sat around the circle, chatted about what items we liked and how we would wear them. Women were generously sharing their creative ideas with their fellow chair mates. At the same time, people were making new acquaintances after announcing how they knew the host. It somewhat turned into a jewelry/social hour.

Before we placed our orders we were able to go to a large display table and look over a bigger display of the latest productions. Women were trying on all sorts of jewelry and laughing and commenting to fellow women about what looked good on other people. Things were being said like, “Those earrings really bring out the color in your eyes.” Then someone else would say, “You have to get the matching necklace.” It was a women’s bonding experience for sure.

I spoke to the demonstrator after the party and she told me women get into selling jewelry in order to show their creative side. For example, a woman is an accountant in her day job and throws a couple of parties a week to “come out of her shell” and “have fun” by night. You can really get creative doing these home-based parties by throwing theme parties like beach parties in the summer time or holiday parties during the winter months. There’s no limit but an imagination. Best of all, anyone who hosts a party receives 20% of your show sales in “free” jewelry credits. You also get to choose any 4 items at special Hostess Bonus prices ($15 unless otherwise noted). You get 2 additional items at half price. Lastly, you get 40% Hostess Credit, which means if you have 10 orders and 2 dates bookings from your Show you get 40% of your Show sales in jewelry credits for only $15. You can get a whole lot of jewelry at a small fraction of what you’d pay for it in the store by hosting a party.

If you get into throwing (demonstrating) parties you can really bring in some serious supplemental money. This is a fun and creative way to make extra cash for stay-at-home moms, part-timers, or retired ladies. Just one show a month can earn you an extra $600-$800. A full time 6-8 show a month demonstrator can earn around $3500.

When I started out attending the party, I would label myself a conservative jewelry wearer. I would wear a nice necklace out to dinner every now and then and try to match it to earrings. However, after attending this party I got so many creative ideas that I never would have considered before. For example, throwing on a long pink beaded necklace and earrings and sweat pants suddenly takes your outfit from humdrum to semi-dazzling for the day. You at least feel better going about your daily business just by throwing on a few extra glamorous accessories. Or if you have a long necklace that you love but wish is were short, wrapping it a few times around your neck and clasping it back together again, presto, you have a fabulous choker. Jeans can be dressed up in a hot minute with a bead choker and bead earrings. Snap on a bracelet and wholla – you’re a classy lady. The thin-wasted ladies can even wear long necklaces around their waist.

Whether you are an attendee, a hostess, or a demonstrator, home demonstration parties really speak to a woman’s creative side.