Silpada Designs

Silpada began in 1997 with two friends, Bonnie Kelly and Teresa Walsh, who sold sterling silver jewelry at get-togethers. The company still tells it that way: Silpada “started out in ’97 as an idea that two smart girlfriends had to sell their jewelry designs at get-togethers.” Bonnie's husband Jerry Kelly was also a founder. The business was based in Lenexa, Kansas, and its independent representatives sold at home parties across North America.

Growth was fast. Avon bought Silpada in 2010 for $650 million, when its yearly revenue was about $230 million, JCK reported. Three years later the founding families bought it back for $85 million. In May 2016, the company told its representatives it would close on July 31, 2016. Its FAQ said falling sales, parties and recruiting could not be turned around. KSHB reported that the company had more than 25,000 representatives at the time.

In October 2016, Richline Group bought the Silpada name, its designs and its inventory, National Jeweler reported. Richline is a Berkshire Hathaway company. In November 2016, Silpada's website promised a return online in time for the holidays, and the brand now runs as an online store under Richline. Its Ambassador program brought selling back in a digital form.

“We see a tremendous opportunity to bring Silpada back to its creative roots.”

Dennis Ulrich, CEO, Richline Group — National Jeweler, October 2016

Silpada sells sterling silver jewelry, plus some gold-plated pieces. The line covers four main groups:

• Rings: statement rings, stacking rings, spinner rings, CZ rings and turquoise rings.
• Earrings: statement earrings, hoops, huggies, ear cuffs, drop earrings and studs.
• Necklaces: chains, pendants and layered styles.
• Bracelets: link bracelets, bangles and cuffs.

The website sorts jewelry by price, with bands from under $50 to over $100. In 2016, National Jeweler put Silpada's retail prices at about $30 to $300. The company describes its pieces as made with “real silver, real female artisans, real community.” It offers free US ground shipping on orders of $50 or more and a Shine Rewards loyalty program, which gives points toward discounts and free jewelry. Check the website for current prices and offers.

Silpada's sellers are called Brand Ambassadors. The program is online. Ambassadors share a personal rep code, and customers enter it at checkout on silpada.com. Silpada ships the orders. In 2025, the company described it as free to join, so there is no starter kit or enrollment fee to buy.

How Ambassadors earned (2025)

• Commission: the program page said Ambassadors “earn commission on 20% of sales” and “on all orders, including your own.”
• Requirement: Ambassadors “must reach $750 in sales/quarter to remain an ambassador.”
• Perks: VIP status, marketing assets, advance notice of promotions, exclusive promos for customers and rewards for hitting sales goals.
• Email marketing: Silpada can send marketing emails to an Ambassador's customers with their rep code attached.

The program page did not describe team commissions, ranks or a downline. Your income depends on your own customers. The rate and the quarterly minimum may change. Before you join, check the current terms with Silpada at Ambassador@Silpada.com.

PROS

• Well-known name with nearly 30 years of history and a loyal customer base.
• Free to join, with no starter kit to buy.
• No inventory and no shipping: Silpada handles orders.
• Commission on your own orders as well as customer orders.
• Real sterling silver, owned by a large jewelry maker.

CONS

• No team or leadership income in the current program.
• $750 in sales a quarter is needed to stay an Ambassador.
• Customers can buy direct at silpada.com without a rep code.
• Works best if you already sell online or on social media.
• Little public detail on payouts, so ask the company before you join.