Make Money While You Travel
Introduction and Background of Peter Stone Jewelry
Peter Stone, founder of Peter Stone Jewelry, shares his journey and the origins of his business, which he started in 1987. Initially, Peter worked as a chief engineer on merchant ships, traveling extensively to over 45 countries. His engineering work involved steam turbines, but due to the fuel crisis and technological changes, he decided to leave that career. This decision was driven by his desire for “total life freedom,” a lifestyle where one lives life on their own terms rather than conforming to traditional jobs or expectations.
Peter’s passion for travel and freedom led him to start buying and selling jewelry, initially gemstones, but the early attempts were hampered by external economic factors like the SNL crisis in 1989. Shifting focus, he found success selling sterling silver jewelry, which was lightweight, valuable, easy to store, carry, and sell—perfect for a traveling lifestyle. His business model revolved around mobility and flexibility, catering to his love for coastal areas like Key West, Florida, Cape Cod, Massachusetts, and Ocean City, Maryland.
Business Development and Expansion
Peter’s jewelry business evolved from simply buying and selling to designing and manufacturing his own collections. Over the years, he created more than 43 different jewelry collections, expanding his product range significantly. He found that selling jewelry at fairs, festivals, and events was highly lucrative because customers at these venues expect to spend money within a concentrated timeframe. This sales channel became a cornerstone of his business approach.
One pivotal moment in 1993 was meeting the Rollins family in Oregon, who transitioned from selling pottery to jewelry. They embraced the traveling lifestyle by living in a motorhome and selling Peter Stone Jewelry at various events. Their success story exemplified the potential of this business model for retirees or those seeking location-independent income.
Peter highlights that the most successful sellers in his network are those who regularly attend niche fairs and festivals, such as new age, Celtic, renaissance, highland, horse shows, scuba diving, boating, and aromatherapy events. This diversity in niche markets allows sellers to connect with passionate buyers looking for specific themes or interests, increasing sales potential.
Product Strategy and Market Niches
Peter Stone Jewelry caters to a wide variety of niche markets, which is a key factor in the brand’s success. By offering specialized collections—ranging from new age themes to industry-specific lines like heifer calls for dairy workers—Peter Stone Jewelry taps into communities with strong interests and buying power. This targeted approach helps sellers differentiate themselves and attract loyal customers.
The business also supports sellers in creating their jewelry lines, customizing designs based on their unique customer base. This entrepreneurial flexibility encourages creativity and personal branding within the Peter Stone ecosystem. The company currently employs 65 people making jewelry, emphasizing quality craftsmanship and consistent supply.
Business Model and Financial Insights
Peter Stone Jewelry operates primarily as a wholesaler, offering products to individuals who then sell them at retail prices at fairs, festivals, and other events. This model allows sellers to double or triple their investment quickly, as sterling silver jewelry is both a precious metal and a desirable product that customers value highly.
Peter emphasizes the resilience of investing in sterling silver jewelry—on a bad sales day, the metal can simply be melted down, minimizing financial loss. On average, sellers at fairs can expect to make anywhere from a few hundred dollars to $10,000 in a day, depending on the venue and customer turnout. Sellers who manage to turn over their inventory multiple times a year can generate substantial income.
Marketing, Sales Channels, and Support
Peter Stone has adapted to changes in the market, especially with the rise of online commerce. While the company previously paused marketing efforts, it is now actively promoting its wholesale programs and jewelry lines through its website, peterstone.com. Customers can purchase retail jewelry, become affiliates, or even engage in dropshipping without holding inventory initially.
This flexibility lowers barriers to entry for new sellers and allows them to test the market before investing heavily. Peter also offers weekly webinars every Wednesday at 8:45 p.m. EST to educate potential sellers about the business, selling strategies, and opportunities available worldwide.
The company serves a global client base, reflecting the widespread appeal of the traveling jewelry sales lifestyle. Sellers can choose when and where to sell, creating a personalized business model that accommodates retired individuals, part-timers, or anyone seeking financial freedom combined with travel and social interaction.
Lifestyle and Personal Philosophy
At its core, Peter Stone Jewelry is about more than just selling products—it represents a lifestyle choice centered on freedom, travel, and joy. Peter himself embodies this philosophy, having spent decades traveling, meeting new people, and enjoying the outdoors while earning a living.
He encourages others to embrace this entrepreneurial path as a way to live life on their terms. The business offers exercise, fresh air, social interaction, and the satisfaction of making money doing something enjoyable. Peter’s closing message reinforces that the journey and lifestyle are the true measures of success, not just the financial gains.
Key Insights
- Total Life Freedom: Peter’s initial motivation was to live a flexible, travel-oriented lifestyle with financial independence.
- Jewelry as a Portable Asset: Sterling silver jewelry is ideal for traveling sellers due to its compactness, value, and ease of sale.
- Niche Markets Drive Sales: Targeting specific interest groups (e.g., new age, Celtic, dairy industry) enhances product appeal and sales success.
- Direct Sales at Events: Fairs, festivals, and niche events are the most profitable sales channels, generating up to $10,000 on a good day.
- Entrepreneurial Flexibility: Sellers can design custom lines, choose their sales venues, and control their business schedules.
- Wholesale and Dropshipping Options: These sales models reduce startup costs and inventory risks for new sellers.
- Community and Support: Regular webinars and a global client network provide education and networking opportunities.
- Resilience of Investment: Sterling silver jewelry holds intrinsic value, offering a safety net if sales are slow.
- Lifestyle Benefits: The business combines financial rewards with enjoyment, social engagement, and physical activity.
Conclusion
Peter Stone Jewelry represents a unique blend of entrepreneurial opportunity and lifestyle freedom. Peter Stone’s journey from merchant ship engineer to jewelry entrepreneur illustrates how passion and flexibility can create a sustainable business model. The company’s focus on high-quality sterling silver jewelry, niche marketing, and event-based sales empowers individuals worldwide to live and work on their terms, making this opportunity attractive to retirees, travelers, and anyone seeking a fulfilling side business or full-time career. The business model’s adaptability, combined with ongoing education and support, ensures sellers can thrive in diverse markets while enjoying the rewards of total life freedom.