Is Paparazzi Jewelry a Pyramid Scheme? Full Review of This MLM
Is Paparazzi Jewelry a Pyramid Scheme Full Review of This MLM

Thinking of joining Paparazzi Jewelry to make money from home? Maybe someone invited you to a Facebook Live sale, or you’ve seen flashy posts about $5 jewelry and the “freedom lifestyle.” But before you dive in, you’re probably wondering:

Is Paparazzi Jewelry legit? Or is it just another MLM pyramid scheme in disguise?

You’re not alone—this company has been around for a while, and like most MLMs, it’s raised a few eyebrows. With bold income claims, a team-based commission model, and ultra-cheap products, it’s fair to ask the hard questions.

In this honest Paparazzi Accessories review, we’re breaking it all down:

  • What the company actually does
  • Whether their products are worth it
  • How the compensation plan works
  • And whether you can actually make money

I’ve reviewed dozens of MLMs, and Paparazzi Jewelry has some unique pros—but also several red flags you need to know about. By the end of this review, you’ll know whether this opportunity is worth your time—or if there’s a smarter way to earn from home.

Let’s get into it.

Disclaimer: This Paparazzi Jewelry review has been thoroughly researched with information and testimonials that are available online to anyone in the public.  Any conclusions drawn from that information are my own opinions.

Paparazzi Jewelry Review Overview

Product Name: Paparazzi Jewelry

Owner: Chani Reeve and Misty Kirby

Product Type: Jewelry MLM company

Price: $99 to $499 for starter kits + 50PV to stay active per month = ~$56.25 per month

Best For: Beauty Influencers

paparazzi-jewelry-website-image

Pros

  • Established Company
  • Affordable, Easy-to-Sell Products
  • Sales Focused, Not Recruitment Heavy
  • Positive Reviews From Real Users

Cons

  • Success Depends on Who Recruits You
  • Monthly Sales Quota = Hidden Costs
  • Very Low Income Potential
  • No Online Marketing Training

Quick Summary

Paparazzi Jewelry is a legitimate MLM company offering low-cost, trendy accessories and a straightforward commission structure. The affordable $5 price tag makes it easier to sell than many overpriced MLM products, and the 45% commission is one of the better payouts in the industry. For those who enjoy in-person selling, love the jewelry, and are motivated by community, it can offer a fun side hustle.

However, like most MLM opportunities, the path to meaningful income is steep. Paparazzi consultants must meet monthly sales quotas to remain active, and the vast majority earn less than $1,000 a year. The business model also depends heavily on building a team, yet offers no real training in online marketing—the one thing that could help most consultants succeed.

If you’re looking for a flexible way to earn from home without quotas, recruiting, or inventory costs, blogging and affiliate marketing is a smarter long-term play. It lets you build passive income by helping others—without chasing sales or spamming social media. Want to see how it works?

Click here to check out my free guide to starting a profitable blog from scratch.

Rating
3/5

Recommended? If you own a beauty blog, it might be a good choice for you

Table of Contents

Is Paparazzi Jewelry a Scam?

Let’s address the big question right away: Is Paparazzi Jewelry a scam?

No, Paparazzi Jewelry is not a scam.
It’s a legitimate multi-level marketing (MLM) company that sells real products—mainly jewelry and accessories priced at $5. Consultants (also known as independent distributors) earn commissions by selling these products and can earn bonuses based on the sales made by people they recruit.

That said, the word “scam” often comes up around MLMs for good reason. While Paparazzi Accessories may be legal and legit, that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a good opportunity for everyone. The real question should be:

Is Paparazzi Jewelry a pyramid scheme in disguise?

We’ll explore that shortly. But first, let’s break down what Paparazzi Jewelry actually is.

Related Post: Nature’s Sunshine MLM Review

What is Paparazzi Jewelry?

Paparazzi Jewelry (officially Paparazzi Accessories) is a U.S.-based multi-level marketing company that sells fashion jewelry and accessories at extremely affordable prices—most items retail for just $5.

paparazzi-jewelry-website-image

The company was founded in 2010 (not 2013—just a small factual update) by sisters Chani and Misty Kirby, along with their husbands. Their goal was to create fun, accessible jewelry that women could feel confident wearing—without breaking the bank.

What Makes It Different?

While many MLMs push overpriced skincare or supplements, Paparazzi’s biggest selling point is its low cost and fast-moving inventory. Consultants can buy jewelry at a 45% wholesale discount (around $2.75 per item) and resell them for $5 each, keeping the profit.

paparazzi-jewelry-product-line

This setup lowers the barrier to entry and gives Paparazzi an edge over some MLMs with high-ticket items that are harder to sell.

But don’t let the low prices fool you—low cost means lower commissions too. You’ll need volume to make decent money.

Here’s a quick sales video from Paparazzi Accessories showing off the product line:

(Note: This is a promotional video, not a review.)

Related Post: Immunotec MLM Review

Who Owns Paparazzi Jewelry?

Paparazzi Jewelry was founded in 2010 by sisters Chani Reeve and Misty Kirby, along with their husbands Ryan Reeve and Trent Kirby. The two couples wanted to create something fun, fashionable, and affordable—and the idea of $5 jewelry caught fire fast.

paparazzi-jewelry-founders

paparazzi-jewelry-founders-1

They started by selling handmade jewelry at events and house parties. The response was so strong that it evolved into a full-blown MLM jewelry company with a rapidly growing consultant base.

Today, Paparazzi Accessories is headquartered in Hurricane, Utah, and operates with thousands of independent distributors across the U.S. and its territories.

The founders are still actively involved in the company’s direction and branding, which gives Paparazzi a family-run vibe—but also means they control most aspects of the business.

Knowing the faces behind the brand is important. It adds transparency—but it also means that decisions (like pricing, product drops, and compensation rules) are made from the top down.

Related Post: Juuva MLM Review

Turn Your Passion into Profits

Want Help Getting Started? Sign Up For Our 7-Day Online Passive Income Bootcamp & Learn The Skills You Need!

Is Paparazzi Jewelry a Pyramid Scheme?

No, Paparazzi Jewelry isn’t a pyramid scheme. But to help you understand that a little better, let’s go through what a pyramid scheme actually is…

What Is a Pyramid Scheme?

A pyramid scheme is an illegal business model that pays members solely for recruiting others, rather than for selling actual products or services. These schemes eventually collapse because they rely on constant recruitment—and there’s only so many people you can bring in.

Here’s the key red flag:

If the only way to make money is by recruiting new members, it’s a pyramid scheme.

Is Paparazzi Jewelry a Pyramid Scheme in Disguise?

No—Paparazzi Jewelry is not technically a pyramid scheme.

Consultants can earn commissions by selling jewelry to customers, and they’re not required to recruit anyone to make money. This keeps the company legally compliant and gives it a layer of legitimacy.

However… this is where things get murky.

While it’s possible to make money from retail sales alone, many consultants find that real income only starts when they build a “downline” (a team of recruits). You get bonuses based on their sales, and this is often marketed as “residual income.”

So, is Paparazzi Jewelry a pyramid scheme in disguise?
Not blatantly—but like many multi-level marketing companies, it walks a fine line.

The structure heavily rewards recruitment, and that’s where most top earners focus their energy. This is why many critics lump it in with other MLMs that “hide behind” low-cost products.

Want to learn how to spot a pyramid scheme wrapped in MLM packaging? Check out this short video breakdown:

Related Post: Carelumina MLM Review

How To Make Money With Paparazzi Jewelry

Paparazzi Accessories offers consultants two primary income streams:​debsjewelryshop

  1. Retail Profit from Direct Sales: Consultants purchase jewelry at a wholesale price of $2.75 per piece and resell them at the standard retail price of $5, yielding a 45% profit margin on each item sold. ​
  2. Bonuses from Team Building: By recruiting new consultants and building a team (known as your “downline”), you can earn additional bonuses based on their sales and purchases. The compensation plan is structured to reward team growth and sales performance. ​

(Source: Debs Jewelry Shop)

paparazzi-jewelry-distributor-signup

It’s essential to note that while direct sales can provide immediate income, substantial earnings often come from effectively building and managing a team. However, this requires significant effort in recruitment, training, and leadership.

Related Post: CorVive MLM Review

How Much Does It Cost to Join Paparazzi Jewelry?

Starting your Paparazzi Jewelry business involves selecting from several enrollment options, each catering to different budgets and business goals:​

  1. Party Permit – $20: This option grants you Consultant status with access to the Back Office and the ability to purchase inventory at wholesale prices. It does not include any starter jewelry or business supplies. ​
  2. Verified Influencer Pack (VIP) – $99: This starter kit includes 35 pieces of jewelry that you personally select, along with a planner notebook and pen. It’s designed to provide you with initial inventory and basic business tools to kickstart your venture. ​

Additionally, there are more comprehensive starter kits available at higher price points, offering more inventory and business tools. These options are ideal if you’re looking to launch with a broader selection of products. ​

Monthly Maintenance Costs:

To maintain “active” status and qualify for team bonuses, consultants are required to purchase at least 50 PV (Personal Volume) points each month, equivalent to 25 pieces of jewelry. This ensures eligibility for bonuses and commissions from your downline.

It’s crucial to factor in these ongoing costs when considering the overall investment in your Paparazzi Jewelry business.​

Related Post: Anovite MLM Review

Paparazzi Jewelry Compensation Plan Explained

Paparazzi Accessories offers a structured compensation plan designed to reward consultants through both direct sales and team-building efforts. Here’s a breakdown of how consultants can earn:​

  1. Retail Profit: Consultants purchase jewelry at a wholesale price of $2.75 per piece and sell it at the retail price of $5, earning a 45% profit on each item sold. ​debsjewelryshop.com
  2. Team Bonuses: By recruiting new consultants and building a team (referred to as your “downline”), you can earn additional bonuses based on their sales and purchases. The compensation plan is structured to reward team growth and sales performance. ​

The compensation plan includes various ranks, each with specific qualifications and corresponding bonuses. As consultants advance in rank, they become eligible for higher percentages of bonuses from their team’s sales. ​

It’s essential to note that while direct sales can provide immediate income, substantial earnings often come from effectively building and managing a team. However, this requires significant effort in recruitment, training, and leadership.

Related Post: 4Life MLM Review

Can You Make Money With Paparazzi Jewelry?

Earning potential with Paparazzi Jewelry varies significantly among consultants and is influenced by factors such as individual effort, sales skills, and the ability to build and manage a team. To provide a clearer picture, let’s examine the 2021 Income Disclosure Statement released by Paparazzi Accessories:

Income Breakdown by Rank:

Rank% of ConsultantsAverage Monthly BonusHighest Monthly BonusLowest Monthly Bonus
Consultant3.07%$12.49$60.75$2.25
Star Consultant69.77%$23.67$2,565.00$0.10
Director19.34%$196.22$9,710.65$15.00
Premier Director3.17%$617.73$18,508.50$193.60
Executive Director1.99%$1,033.87$15,936.48$392.62
Producer1.27%$2,049.04$26,988.92$881.02
Premier Producer0.49%$3,207.04$12,585.96$1,357.02
Executive Producer0.42%$5,185.32$21,436.90$2,402.78
Fashionista0.23%$10,170.12$49,102.16$4,241.26
A-Lister0.08%$17,266.97$54,394.22$8,617.48
Maven A-Lister0.07%$28,918.04$72,221.36$16,698.80
Jetsetter0.05%$76,623.90$229,310.94$25,479.52
Luxe Jetsetter & Above0.01%$154,710.18$246,362.25$100,571.05

Key Observations:

  • Majority Earnings: A significant portion of consultants (approximately 72.84%) are at the Consultant and Star Consultant ranks, with average monthly bonuses of $12.49 and $23.67, respectively. These figures highlight that most consultants earn modest bonuses.
  • Higher Ranks: Less than 1% of consultants achieve ranks of Executive Producer or higher, where average monthly bonuses exceed $5,000. Reaching these levels typically requires substantial team building and consistent high sales.

Considerations:

  • Retail Profits Not Included: The above figures represent bonuses from the compensation plan and do not account for profits earned through direct sales of jewelry. Consultants can earn a 45% profit on each item sold, which can supplement income but requires consistent sales efforts.
  • Expenses: It’s essential to factor in business expenses, including inventory purchases, marketing materials, and other operational costs, which can impact net earnings.
  • Time and Effort: Success with Paparazzi Jewelry, as with many MLMs, demands significant time, dedication, and effort. Building a substantial income often involves not only selling products but also recruiting, training, and managing a team.

Conclusion:

While there is potential to earn money with Paparazzi Jewelry, the income disclosure indicates that substantial earnings are achieved by a small percentage of consultants. Prospective consultants should set realistic expectations, thoroughly understand the compensation structure, and consider the required investment of time and resources before joining.

Related Post: Purium MLM Review

Paparazzi Jewelry Review: Pros

Paparazzi Jewelry stands out among MLM companies for several reasons. It’s not perfect, but there are definite positives that set it apart—especially for beginners testing the waters with direct sales.

✅ 1. Established Company with Staying Power

Paparazzi Accessories was founded in 2010 by Misty and Chani Kirby and their husbands—not 2013 (just a quick correction!). That gives them well over a decade of experience in the MLM jewelry business.

Considering that more than 50% of MLM companies shut down within five years, Paparazzi’s longevity shows it’s built on a more solid foundation than many quick-flip operations.

✅ 2. Affordable, Easy-to-Sell Products

When evaluating any MLM opportunity, the product is key. And Paparazzi Jewelry makes a strong first impression:

  • Everything is priced at $5 retail
  • Consultants get a 45% discount, buying each item at $2.75 wholesale

This low price point makes it easier to sell products without feeling like you’re pushing overpriced junk—something that plagues many health-and-wellness MLMs.

For customers, it’s a guilt-free purchase. For sellers, it’s simple to explain and share—especially with friends or at parties.

✅ 3. Sales-Focused, Not Recruitment-Heavy

Paparazzi Accessories pays a straightforward 45% retail commission, which means you can profit by just selling products—no need to recruit a team to earn.

This puts it a step above recruitment-heavy MLMs that practically force you to build a downline just to break even. You’re rewarded for moving product, not just people.

And hey—if someone loves the jewelry, they may decide to join anyway just to get the discount, which makes your “recruitment” feel more organic.

✅ 4. Positive Reviews from Real Users

Compared to many MLMs that are swamped with complaints, Paparazzi does have a fair number of positive reviews online, especially from people who genuinely enjoy the jewelry or had good experiences selling casually.

Of course, not everything is glowing—but the presence of real product fans is a good sign that Paparazzi Jewelry is not a scam.

Paparazzi Jewelry Review: Cons

That said, no MLM is without its flaws—and Paparazzi Jewelry has its share of red flags you need to know before diving in.

❌ 1. Success Depends on Who Recruits You

As with most MLMs, your sponsor (the person who recruits you) can make or break your success.

If you join under someone who understands online marketing, teaches duplication, or supports your growth—you’ve got a shot.

But if you end up under someone who simply tells you to host Facebook Lives or home parties? You’ll hit a ceiling fast. After all, you can only sell so many $5 necklaces in person each week.

Without digital strategies, your reach—and income—is limited.

❌ 2. Monthly Sales Quota = Hidden Costs

To remain “active” and earn from your downline, you must hit a monthly quota of 50 PV (Personal Volume)—equivalent to about $125 in retail sales.

If you can’t sell that much, you’ll need to buy it yourself. With the wholesale discount, that’s $56.25/month—or $675/year just to stay qualified.

This isn’t always highlighted up front, and for many, it means paying to stay in business.

❌ 3. Very Low Income Potential

The latest Paparazzi Jewelry income disclosure shows that 98.23% of consultants earn less than $900/month—and most earn far less.

For the majority, this is a side hustle at best—not a path to financial freedom.

Unless you’re an experienced marketer or influencer, the odds of earning substantial money are slim.

❌ 4. No Online Marketing Training

If you’re serious about building passive income or scaling sales through content marketing, SEO, or automation—Paparazzi doesn’t teach you how.

There’s no official training on how to build a blog, run ads, rank on Google, or grow through YouTube or Pinterest. You’re mostly expected to use old-school tactics like Facebook Lives and vendor events.

If you’re looking for a real business model that includes long-term growth strategies, you’ll need to learn online marketing somewhere else.

Paparazzi Jewelry Review: Conclusion

So, is Paparazzi Jewelry a scam?

No—Paparazzi Jewelry is not a scam. It’s a legit MLM jewelry business with affordable products and a compensation plan that rewards sales over recruiting. That already puts it a step above many other MLMs that lean heavily on recruitment just to stay afloat.

That said, let’s be honest:

  • The income potential is low for most consultants
  • There are monthly sales quotas that can turn into hidden costs
  • And there’s no real training on how to build a long-term, scalable income

If you love the jewelry and want a side hustle selling fun accessories to friends or at vendor events, Paparazzi might be a decent fit.

But if you’re here because you’re looking for a way to work from home, earn passive income, and build a flexible lifestyle, then there’s a better alternative…

A Better Alternative to Paparazzi: Start a Blog That Earns Passive Income

If you’re tired of pushing products or chasing recruits just to hit quotas, let me introduce a business model that changed my life: blogging for affiliate marketing.

Here’s why blogging beats MLMs like Paparazzi:

  • No inventory to buy or store
  • No monthly quotas
  • You don’t need to recruit anyone
  • You write content once—and it can generate traffic and sales for months or even years
  • You earn by helping people solve problems (instead of convincing them to join something)

In fact, blogging is how I built Smart Passive Income Success and started generating consistent income online—without hosting parties, messaging strangers, or hitting sales goals every month.

Want to learn how it works?

I put together a free guide that walks you through the step-by-step process of building a blog that earns:

👉 Click here to learn how to start a blog and build passive income the smart way.

It’s beginner-friendly, affordable, and completely doable—even if you’ve never built a website before.

Final Verdict:

Paparazzi Jewelry is a legit business, but it’s not the best path if your goal is financial freedom or passive income. If you love jewelry and don’t mind hosting events or selling in person, it could be worth exploring.

But if you’re ready to build something that scales with your time and skills—and works while you sleep—blogging is the smarter path forward.

Thanks for reading my Paparazzi Jewelry Review!  If you have any questions, or any experiences to share then please write them in the comments below. ;). 

0 0 votes
Article Rating
Subscribe
Notify of
guest
0 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
0
Would love your thoughts, please comment.x
()
x
small_c_popup.png

Passion to Profits

Get Access to our 7-Day Online Passive Income Bootcamp Now

Get our free guide and learn how to Launch a Successful Affiliate Marketing Business.

Plus, Get Tips, Strategies, and Valuable Insights Straight to your Inbox