Pearls & Other Shopping - BKK or HK?
 

I will be traveling to both HK and BKK in March and would like to pick up some pearls (probably fresh water). I know that Beijing and Phuket are better markets, but I was wondering if BKK was better than HK, or vice versa.

As a matter of fact, that question goes for things other than pearls also. What types of things should I purchase in HK and what should I wait to buy in BKK? I already know to wait and get my silk tailored goods made in BKK.

Finally, I asked earlier and did not get a response - is there a good market for platinum in HK or BKK? (I am allergic to all other precious metals).

Thanks!

BKK wins hands down on jewelry over HK. Prices are much better in Bangkok, with the possible excpetion of some types of jade. BKK prices are better than Phuket prices.

I haven't shopped for platinum in BKK as I don't care for it, but I would expect it to be available at any good jeweler. I doubt you would get as good a price on platinum as you do on gold (all high karat. at least 18k), but I would expect it to be better priced than in North America or Europe.

For pearls, you would be better off buying in HK as they come from China in any case.
Cheers

Does anyone have recommendations as to where to purchase cultured pearls in Bangkok? I have limited time there, and can't shop around for very long, unfortunately.

Leaving for my trip this week-end...anyone with last minute suggestions for where to purchase round freshwater or cultured pearls in either BKK or HK?

I believe HK is a much better place to buy Pearls than BKK. I got a lovely strand at Rio Pearls in Kowloon that appraised very nicely upon our return to the US. Great selection. Rio was recommended to me by a friend who a HK native, so I was very comfortable making a purchase there.

I purchased some pearls on Phuket years ago at the Silk Center (or something like that), but they are not even close to the quality (or the price for that matter) of those I bought in HK. The HK pearls are large diameter baroque. The Phuket pearls were small and gray. I guess it depends on what you are looking for.

Contact info for Rio:

Rio Pearl
3/F, Front Blk, 39 Mody Rd
Tsim Sha Tsui
Kowloon, Hong Kong
Tel: 852-2723-7676
Fax: 852-2367-5169
E-mail: [email protected]

You might also want to check out this article: http://www.tdctrade.com/prodmag/jewe...200202pf02.htm

Have a wonderful trip!

Thanks for the information. I e-mailed Rio Pearl for directions from my hotel.