Can you guys explain this phenomenon?

My company recently merged with another bigger company so we are all just
getting to know one another still. The subject came up about how we spend
our free time and of course I had to mention that I make jewelry. That
started the whole... "really? what kind? can you bring it in so I can see
it?" type enthusiasm. I got a lot of new co-workers who truly wanted to see
my stuff. - side note: my old co-workers have seen it all before so this
is nothing unusual for them, but this newly merged company is a whole new
group of people, and whole new avenue of potential buyers. Right? I mean,
they sounded sincere like they were very interested in seeing my jewelry.

Anyway, I recently did another home show that finished up kinda late so I
just left my stuff in my truck planning to bring in it after work the next
day. Well, the next day at work, there were a bunch of people who knew of
my previously nights activities and asked about how well I did at my home
show. Since I had my stuff still in my truck, they wanted to see it so I
brought it in.
Now, here is where they get trifling... I keep my jewelry separated in
boxes. A box for anklets, a box for earrings, a box for bracelets, and a
box for necklaces. Each piece is enclosed in a zip loc baggie to help keep
them tarnish free. So these people are half heartedly pawing thru my boxes
of stuff. I urge them to try on any piece they like (I don't want them to
feel like they cant touch the stuff for gawdsakes)

The thing is this.... when I said half heartedly, I mean it. These are
the same people who, with great enthusiasm, wanted to see my stuff but when
presented with the chance, only give a cursory glance. Does anyone know
why? Some even acted like the baggies were gonna bite them, or they'd get
cooties from touching the bags of jewelry.
In my defense, I have to say that I don't and have never tried to sell
anyone anything. My motto is "if they want it they will buy it" so I don't
badger, or force sell my jewelry. What I cant understand was their
reactions. My jewelry is not cheaply priced but its also not over priced
either. Can you guys explain this phenomenon?

Sterling