Pearls in Beijing vs. Shanghai

[lc3]

Hi,

I have the opportunity to visit Beijing and Shanghai in a few weeks. I was wondering what city would be the better (quality, price, and selection) to buy freshwater pearls? Thanks for any imput!

 

[lambskin]

I think in both places you really have to bargain hard. I have purchased pearls in Shanghai and have gotten some good deals- better the second time around. I think that anything of really high quality goes out wholesale. I also think forward design is lacking. This forum was invaluable in my purchases!! I think if you are looking for super high quality-I would stick with the vendors/experts on this site of which I am neither.

 

[scannon]

I have shopped in both cities. Based on the recommendation of Jeremy Shepherd I bought a number of things at Ling Ling on Nanjing Road in Shanghai. Good quality, and the prices seemed reasonable. There isn't much bargaining there. A different experience from many other places where you have to play the negotiation game. I remain quite happy with the things I b ought there.
Then when I went to Beijing I shopped at both Ling Ling and at a number of places in the Silk Market. Found the best value and quality at Marie's at the Silk Market, up on the 5th floor. She is Chinese American, returned to China in the past few years. Terrific inventory and a joy to deal with. Prices are fabulous. Also not really any bargaining. I like her so much I have ordered and had her make things up and send them here. The latest is a marvelous copy of a Coco Chanel piece with pearls, gold beads and "diamonds" all separated by lengths of gold chain. She first made me a stunning 22 inch necklace of 11mm mulitcolor metallics and we used the leftovers to make several "tin cup" type necklaces with mixtutes of pearls and semiprecious stones. As I said, a joy to work with, and I can hardly wait until my next trip to create some new things in person. Best of luck to you on your shopping trip, Susanne Cannon

 

[Roger Fairbank]

Almost all the fresh water pearls around China are from Zhuji, Zhejiang, which is very near to Shanghai. In Shanghai, you will have more options. About the price, it's really hard to say. Hope you are good at bargaining


(Shanghai Pearl Markets: Hongqiao; City God Temple; Subway Line2 Science Museum stop; East Nanjing Road...).

Hope it helps.
Roger

 

[Caitlin]

Scannon!
You can't talk about all that luscious stuff and not put up photos!

 

[Daddys Little Pearl]

Scannon, yes, photos please! Show us your treasures, they sound wonderful!

Daddys Little Pearl