Buying Pearls in Beijing

[Max Krusen]

Jeremy is right. These were the smallest clasps they had and were about $16.50 each. This was her lowest possible price and other sellers were asking twice as much even with bartering. The reason the pearls are so cheap is because they are so close to the original source (China producing tons of freshwater pearls and Japan being a neighbor), so you can expect to get better deals in China than elsewhere. That is why I didn't pass up the chance to get them while I was here.

Also, thanks everyone for your comments! It was definitely my biggest haggling experience so far.

 

[whicker]

What a great story! I felt like I was in the shop with you!