A long necklace made of Fresh Water Pearls

Just got back from a 4-day vacation, spent in Discovery Shores Resort, Boracay, Philippines. If we’re connected in Facebook, this ain’t news since I’ve been uploading photos (Hipstamatic prints) on my profile while I was still there (up until earlier this afternoon actually). I’ve got lots of things that I really want to share with you folks but my head is still swimming in the glorious memory of the trip. Yes, I’m hung over. I’m already missing Boracay! It doesn’t help much that I’ve had to go through photos taken during the trip. Gah.

Anyway.

I thought I’d start off with a quick story on my first set of pearls. Yes, on top of bumming around the gorgeous beach, I’ve managed to do a bit of shopping, too. I’ve always wanted to get me a long pearl necklace. I really can’t afford the South Sea Pearls so I reckoned it wouldn’t be too bad to start with the Fresh Water sort.

Real, genuine pearls being sold on the shores of Boracay. It’s actually a common sight. Folks who’ve been to the place can attest to that fact. I guess that’s why I was able to go shopping. The goods came to me — while I was lounging on the chaise no less — so doing a bit of browsing became highly convenient. Haggling till I’m satisfied with the deal I can negotiate with the local pearl vendor was all part of this shopping activity’s charm.

Manong was really courteous and friendly. Good-natured-ly accepted the outrageously low prices thrown at him, even personal questions like asking what his name is and if he knew what his name meant, etc. It was all in good fun. I managed to snag the pearl necklace for Php 900.00, which I thought wasn’t too bad (I think) and I did buy another set of Baroque pearls which are set in Sterling Silver (necklace, bracelet, ring and earrings). I’ll probably show ‘em to you folks as soon as I’m certain there’s no danger of spoiling the surprise. Yea, I bought it as a gift for someone else.

How about you? Have you had experience shopping for pearls? How about buying stuff from local pearl vendors who roam the shores of the Philippine islands like Boracay? Share your own story and let’s talk about shopping for pearls!

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