With the incredible success of Silpada—the direct jewelry seller purchased by Avon in July 2010 for $650 million—it shouldn’t
come as much of a surprise that the move has inspired others. Enter JudeFrances,
the Irvine, Calif–based designer of jewels with fleur di lis and Maltese cross
motifs in 18k gold and diamonds, which recently announced plans to launch
bamboopink by JudeFrances, a new direct sales fashion jewelry company.

Company co-founders Jude Steele and Frances Gadbois partnered
with real estate entrepreneur and wardrobe consultant Debbie Millar, to “fill
the gap in the direct sales jewelry market by offering classic, sexy, and
elegant jewelry that is still affordable fashion,” according to a company
release.

Data from the Direct Selling Association reveal that in 2009,
the direct selling industry generated some $28.33 billion in sales and had an estimated
16.1 million sales people.

bamboopink will operate on a direct selling model, but will
arm its consultants with technological advances like virtual trunk show capabilities
and mobile applications for the iPhone, iPad, Windows 7, and Droid operating
systems. Lines, which are designed by Frances Gadbois, start at retail price
points of $29, and the jewelry is manufactured “in the same factories that make
JudeFrances Jewelry,” according to the company.

Photo by Jay Lawrence Goldman Photography

JCK