Zhuji or Hongqiao Pearl Market

[jshepherd]

Jeremy...remember when you spotted the usually good vendor who had three duff pearls at each end of nearly every strand..just where you hold the strand to roll it. I've never forgotten that lesson!

Yeah, for the most part we don't see that in Hong Kong. There is no local or tourist traffic, just wholesale buyers. So there are a lot fewer games.

 

[Deep]

Most wholesale buyers prefer the Hong Kong shows over the mainland. It's a lot easier to find what you want, and to understand pricing structures when vendors are lined up in booths.

But affordability and price depends on you no matter where you choose to go. If you are unfamiliar with the product and pricing and this is your first time venturing in, you'll be met with sharks who recognize your situation in either place. If you don't truly understand the product and what you are buying ...

I could write pages about different ways you will be separated from your $$ in the markets ... 6-7 mm strands actually measuring 5.5-6.5 ... 75% of the pearls used in the smaller 1/2 mm range ... short clean potato in the center and longer spotted on the ends. You will have your eyes "washed" thinking you've finally found a good deal only to learn the truth later.

Thank you so much. This helps.