Quote:
Originally Posted by Heidi  *edit* Is the apparent difference in availability due to externally applied controls (and how would we really know other than pestering Josh for his detailed experience since there's no DeBeers)? |
Re: your edit. I believe the externally applied controls, the government, who suposedly monitors the nacre depth before releasing the pearls, is for sale to the highest bidder.
I have personally seen Tahitians with beads showing through in high-end retail stores here in the states. How is that possible if the government supposedly has strict controls on their export?
The answer is, it isn't possible.
So, what is possible? The rad tech looked the other way when someone's (the Wiz's) harvest was inspected, or the inspection was never done and the paperwork is up for sale. The little guy is forced to adhere to the government regulations while the Wiz gets breaks which, down the road, allow him to squeeze the little guy. It's a ploy that's been used forever.
Seeing beads in Tahitians wasn't a fluke. I guarantee I could go into that very same retailer and see them again tomorrow. I even asked how this could happen. I was told, "that's why they aren't $5,000."
The little guy is caught in the squeeze between playing by the rules and running up against those who don't have to play by the rules. They are forced out leaving a sole survivor.