I have been searching villages and outlying areas, and must admit that finding the "deal" is a difficult process. i find these people try to get a higher price than if I were to go to LA. Not sure where they get their ideas. I recently landed in Palawan and scoured the village for days untill a few women brought me their private stash. i was not impressed and they wanted typical major city prices.
many try to peddle obvious Chinese fresh water as well and try to say local.
I am working some local contacts in Indo, Philippines and Thailand at the moment. So far the SS pearls are like some kind of Indiana Jones mystery diamond.
Seems the SS's just travel around the markets.
Either way, got my camera at my side.
www.ourayphotography.com
Spent 10 days in Philippines and returned with a whopping 4 loose SS.
Hoping to find that village link someday.