Buying Pearls In China
Caveat Emptor When Buying Pearls In China
This week I received two emails about buying pearls in China. The first came from a guy who spent $1,600.00 for a matching necklace and bracelet of Tahitian black pearls. When he returned to the States he took them to his jeweler for an appraisal where he was told he’d bought dyed freshwater pearls worth a few hundred bucks.
The second email came from a woman whose daughter was going to China. She wanted to buy pearls to commemorate the trip and wanted my advice on where to shop.
I’m not eager to give away my contacts and sources. But buying pearls in China is like buying pearls anywhere else….only more so. You need to:
- Educate yourself on pearl value factors
- Train your eye to recognize luster and nacre thickness
- Buy from someone you trust
The last point is the most challenging for the one time visitor who wants to make a purchase. For every honest broker in China there are plenty of clowns eager to rip you off. The guy who bought the Tahitians in China has no recourse now that he’s discovered his pearls are frauds. If he’s like most men, the sting of being played a fool will last far longer than the pain of losing a grand or two.
The advice I gave the woman boldly asking for my sources is what I tell anyone going to China:
- Buy Chinese freshwater pearls only
- Stay away from Tahitian, South Sea and investment pieces
- Find something inexpensive that you like
- If you don’t spend a lot of money you can’t lose a lot of money
Lastly, if you want to take the risk out of buying pearls buy from a knowledgeable source that backs your purchase with a guarantee. At Seabourn Pearls we offer more than the world’s finest pearls at wholesale direct prices. We offer peace of mind.
If you’re in the market for fine pearls visit our gallery or contact us today. We look forward to serving you.
Tags: black pearls, buying pearls, chinese freshwater pearls, freshwater pearls, Maine, New England, Pearls, Seabourn Pearls, south sea pearls, tahitian pearls