| I also suggest you limit your golden South Sea pearl shopping to Hong Kong, not Guangzhou. If you are looking at a round, 30" strand, it is not from China. If it is, and it appears to be of fine quality, be wary, it is probably shell.
The goldens in the area nearly universally come from Indonesia or Philippines. There are large auctions held in Hong Kong, and the pearls are disseminated from there. If you can get into a wholesale company that deals in the golds (ie. Wong or Man Sang), you will get a good deal for your money (safely). |