Hi Space Needle,
if a retailer is buying their pearls from Hong Kong, expect the prices to be significantly higher as most people in Hong Kong are all distributors (also remember that there is an additional cost with getting the pearls all the way from the French Polynesia to Hong Kong that you will also have to factor in). Any time one goes direct to the source you will greatly reduce the cost of the product regardless of what the product is. In my experience with anything related to pearls in Hong Kong, the prices are always considerably higher in Hong Kong rather than other parts of Asia.
I have traveled and spent a fair amount of time in Hong Kong, Southern and Northern China as well as I've been to Tahiti. I myself would never buy any of my pearls from Hong Kong, but then again I am not a retailer I am a wholesaler. It really makes a difference as to how comfortable you are traveling in other parts of Asia or in this case going directly to the French Polynesia. Most retailers will add roughly a 100% mark up on their product, but with that you have to factor in what the original cost is which all comes down to how good they are at negotiations.
I think quality and price of course would be better if you were to buy directly from the farms in Tahiti, but as we all know that is not an easy task, as to my understanding you have to have a special invitation to attend the annual Tahitian Pearl Auctions. I would suggest speaking to Josh (whom is on the site) who owns and runs a pearl farm in the French Polynesia and ask for his point of view in the matter if you are interested in purchasing Tahitian Pearls, perhaps he knows of a good wholesaler if you are looking. Best of luck!!
