I know little about pearls but soon will know more after discovering this forum. It's awesome. In the meantime, on my buying trips I have been purchasing pearl strands. I have wanted and coveted what I'm being told are "Cornflake or Petal" pearls. The ones I really like are quite large as in over 13mm and the edges are quite thin. First, can you tell me what these really are and second, where can I find them? Are there suppliers in China someone can direct me to? The resources I find at the shows are quite expensive. I'm sure I can find more true "wholesale" pricing. Thanks for any information you can share. Sincerely, Diane

Hi Diane,

What you are describing are freshwater pearls of the second generation also referred to as freshwater keshis. In large sizes they can be quite costly especially if they have good water, mirror, and orient and attractive colors.
Zeide

Hi Zeide and Diane,
I am seeing less and less of these large size petal pearls on ebay. About 2 years ago I got some for as low as $50 and as high as over $200 per strand for really large, good quality. Are they more of a byproduct, or are the farms actually working to produce them? Is going for the round pearls more lucrative?
Pattye