Wow - what a thread! I must confess to a certain reluctance as far as some sort of "blacklist" for unethical vendors because of the legal ramifications. I also think that while a list of recommended vendors will be useful to many people, the folks who will be best off in the long run are those who stick around long enough to educate themselves. I am so grateful for the knowledge that I have gleaned from being a member of this forum, and that knowledge has helped me to gather together the fabulous pearls that I am lucky enough to call my own. Folks who just jump onto this site to pick a name off a list will certainly be directed to fine and reputable sellers, but will they have learned anything about why that Akoya bracelet they want to buy might not make them as happy as something else?

Just my $0.02...