| David,
Shanghai is a good place to buy pearls. I see, however, that you have posted this question in the Akoya pearl forum. I would strongly suggest purchasing only freshwater pearls at any of these markets. You really need to be comfortable with Akoya pearls to get a good deal and not buy low-end goods. Shanghai is very near the freshwater pearling areas of China, so you can get good deals on these.
Purple pearls are available, and they may be natural but only if the color is a light lavender. If the pearls are deep purple, they are fancy-color dyed pearls (except for the very high-end Tahitian pearls). They do not naturally occur.
I would suggest this address is Shanghai, 558 Nanjing East Road. Also, I have a friend who owns a pearl company there. Her name is Li Ling Lin. She is honest and does not take tourists for a ride. You may reach her here:
(21) 63229299 or cell: (10) 67688008
Good luck!
Last edited by jshepherd; 09-12-2005 at 04:51 PM.
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