Pearls of the Orientto

China is Japan's main competitor in the pearl business. Abundant supply makes the price of pearls in China much more reasonable than in overseas markets.

Hongqiao Market

Two hundred retailers are crammed into the third floor of Hongqiao Market, opposite the east gate of Tiantan. Hongqiao is said to be the largest pearl market in China. It has already become a popular attraction in Beijing for overseas tourists, and a "must see" for pearl lovers and business people. Thanks to the fierce competition and low marketing costs, retailers here tend to offer very good prices.

The owner of stall number 163 is the young and sweet Ru Pei Pei. She came to Beijing when she was 18 years old, and for eight years has been working hard to develop her world of pearl. Now she is not only involved in the retail business, but is also trying to develop trading business. To increase the competitiveness of her products, she has made a catalogue of the designs she offers, which have been made by overseas designers.

Rue says many of her customers come from overseas - primarily the United States and Europe, with some from Russia, Australia and the Middle East. Good prices and some custom-made services have brought them back time after time.

One of Ru's foreign customers, Beverly from the United States, said the prices in Hongqiao are five to ten times cheaper than in the States. She enjoys bringing in a lot of new designs from home to have them tailor-made here, which sometimes takes only one night.

Pearl Characteristics

The quality of pearls is basically defined according to the following characteristics:

Lustre - the brighter, the more expensive

Surface - the more flawless, the more expensive

Shape - the rounder, the more expensive, except for some unique shapes

Color - the whiter, the more expensive, except for pink necklaces due to the difficulty of selecting consistent pink color pearls.

Size - the bigger, the more expensive. But it still depends on the quality.

The price of a common pearl necklace ranges from 100 yuan to 500 yuan. Design also has an impact on the price, but it depends on how complicated the design work is. Most of the time, the jewelers here do not charge for simple work. They can have the job done while you wait. Some complicated work may take until the next day to be ready.

Top-range pearls cost a lot more. But cheaper choices can be very attractive depending on how you match the pearls with your dress.

Design is an important consideration when you select your jeweler. You can ask them to try to tailor a design of your choice if you provide a sample.

Identifying Real Pearls

Before you go and spend a fortune, here are a few tips to help avoid getting burned:

Method 1

Touch - Put the pearls against your neck. Genuine pearls will feel cooler than fakes

Method 2

Teeth - Bite the pearl. A fake will be smooth and slippery, while the real thing has a tangible grain.

Method 3

Torch - If the shop allows, set a light to the pearl. The real thing will not burn and turn black.

Care Tips

DO NOT use perfume or soap when you wear pearls. DO NOT put them close to high temperatures. DO NOT mix your pearls with other jewelry. This may damage their surface. Always put your pearls inside a silk bag.