Jewelry. Paper money. Gift certificates.

It may not be your typical Penn State party, but this gathering offers a different atmosphere.

Jewelry parties are becoming more popular across the country, as well as in the college scene.

"I think it's just a good way to get a lot of people together and socialize," Kim Seidel (junior-accounting) said.

Seidel was one of nine girls who attended a jewelry party at a fellow student's apartment last week.

During the party, jewelry consultant Denise Rockey introduced the girls to lia sophia jewelry.

Rockey began the evening by setting up the jewelry and having everyone introduce themselves.

She presented the host with a large piece of paper money amounting to $100, explaining that the host would receive any piece of jewelry from the catalogue that was worth up to $100 for only $10.

She made a point to describe the other benefits of being a host of a jewelry party, the biggest benefit being the discounts that a host receives.

"Hosting a show is the absolute best way to get any jewelry because you get such good savings," Rockey said.

She spoke about her job as a lia sophia consultant, encouraging everyone to ask any questions they had, rewarding them with fake paper money. Rockey said she usually does three to four shows each week, and this was her second show for college students. Rockey also described the benefits of her job in addition to the discounts on jewelry.

"The good thing about lia sophia is that you can do it right in your own community or you can venture out," she said.

She said if you become a jewelry adviser with lia sophia, you receive a pre-picked starter kit worth at least $1,000. If you decide not to continue, you can keep the jewelry.

Rockey showed the girls her collection of jewelry, pointing out her favorite pieces, all of which she owned. She gave an explanation of different kinds of earrings and had examples of different types, including Eurowires, Leverbacks and posts.

"The rubber stoppers [that come with the Eurowires] are also to wear in your ears," Rockey said. "Don't throw them out. Most people don't know that."

Later in the evening, the guests were able to try on jewelry while they enjoyed snacks. They received prizes for having the most paper money, and other door prizes, including gift certificates.

Guests were also offered the option to host a party and receive host discounts. Several girls chose to schedule their parties that night, including Amanda Gibson (junior-biology) who had never attended a jewelry party before but now plans on hosting one in December.

"I just liked looking at all the jewelry," said Gibson. "It was different than anything I'd ever been to before."

Seidel, who also had never attended a jewelry show before, said the night was fun and that she also now plans on hosting her own party.

"When you're in a jewelry store, there's tons of pressure to buy things, but this was actually easier," she said.

According to Rockey, jewelry parties have about eight to 10 guests in addition to the host. However, there is no one correct way to have a jewelry party.

Also, there are several companies like Silpada Designs and Luxe Jewels that offer similar benefits to hosts and consultants as lia sophia.