| Patrick,
The chance that you pay overpriced goods in Hongkong or Tokyo is very great. If you really want good stuff in both Akoyas or Freshwaterpearls trust me and buy online from one of our members. I have been a customer for quite some time and I canīt say that I regrett it. With a budget of Ģ 500.00 you should be able to get something really nice.
Look at some of these sites:
Pure Pearls.com
Pearl Paradise.com (here you probably have the biggest choice)
Pearls of Joy.com
Pearls and Jade.com
The Pearl Outlet.com
The list is never ending, but if You want really good value for Your money I would proposing "Freshadama" freshwaterpearls from Pearl Paradise since it is the only company that offers these beauties. Why not go for a nice necklace, earrings and a bracelet for Your mum?
Akoyas You can get from the other companies as well but my advice would be to go for the massive freshwater pearls. They are unbeatable.
At Mikimoto you get first quality Akoyas but they donīt get near the quality in freshwater pearls, do read the threads on this forum and You will know why. At Mikimoto You pay for the name, the clasp and the package. The pearls will not last for generations to come though.
Good luck and let us know once you have decided what to buy!
__________________ Inge Jernberg  |