I can assure you that most of these businesses are run by genuine people trying to make a living. I totally accept this Danniejade. Unfortunately, they are the very same desperate or gullible people that would be taken in by various MLM schemes, believing that they really will make their fortunes by flogging overpriced mascara and sugary diet drinks.
All of the akoya oysters from this business are certified real with authentication. Certified by whom? Independent jewellers? And where did your friend obtain the knowledge to hand out valuations based on size and lustre? Does she use the pearl grading system that actual, real pearl dealers use?
Please correct me if I'm wrong, but I was under the impression that not every oyster has a pearl in it, so how do the hosts of these parties manage to get a pearl from each of the oysters she buys, if they haven't been inserted and dunked in chemicals in China beforehand? Genuine Akoya pearls don't even come in the colours that pop out of some of these oysters.
I'm sure your friend is as nice and supportive as you say, and isn't one of the many con artists buying these oysters for a few pounds each, before selling them for a huge profit to people who know bugger all about quality pearls. But if so, she's the exception rather than the rule.