What % increase in the price of pearls hanks have you experienced recently?

[judimcc6]

I just tried to buy some stock of hanks of 10-11mm freshwater rounds and semi-rounds from a supplier and was told that the price of pearls had TRIPLED in the last couple of months. Hence, the incredible rise in price for his goods. Have any of you experienced similar price increases?

 

[pattye]

My supplier is in China now, so don't know what the story will be when he gets back. That does seem rather extreme.

 

[eric-anandia-pearls]

agreed, perhaps a bit exaggerated - but Hong Kong show is going on right now so we'll see what our buyers report. However, I do know from the Bangkok show (just finished) that colorstones have definitely gone up in price.

 

[Ramona]

That is kind of steep. however, out governments are working hard to chase our currencies to the bottom. I just lost 15% of purchasing power in the last two weeks, gratitude to the Swiss National Bank.

 

[Nerida]

I will let you know today... I will be buying at the HK show in a few hours' time. For all the stock I normally have shipped to me, there has only been a marginal change that I have noticed. I think someone is telling you a bit of a story, but will confirm with you this evening!

 

[jshepherd]

I've just returned from a week in Asia. Hisano, Wendy and I worked for three days selecting a few thousand strands and marking pearls for replacement - it took a bit over 26 hours. Natalie arrived on Sunday and we sent her to China yesterday.

As for prices ... you need to find a new supplier, Judi. I didn't purchase 10-11 mm goods, but did purchase a lot of 9-10 mm and everything below. None of our prices were raised. There might be increases in commercial merchandise, so if someone here deals in that and is buying in Hong Kong, they might have something different to report.

 

[judimcc6]

Jeremy,
Exactly my thoughts...I need to find a new supplier. Goods are being returned. The quality was not that great either.

 

[Nerida]

Judi - no real change at all in prices, as per Jeremy's comment. I bought larger stock, and paid equal or less than prices for identical goods at the February show.

 

[judimcc6]

Thanks Nerida. Valuable information!

 

[pearlescence]

I tried to post before I left Hong Kong but couldn't. Unless the price rise is somehow linked to currency variations then I haven't seen any rise in prices - and a distinct rise is quality. New supplier needed.