In Reply to: Pearls posted by Blossom on Wednesday, 1. June 2005 at 14:12 Bali Time:
Hi
We buy from Ali all the time for family and friends. We also know of people who sell his pearls back here. Great guy and will give you a fair deal. Lalu is also another of the better sellers. The guys travel back and forth to Lombok to farm the pearls themselves. If you go to the bech in front of Benny's cafe and ask for him, they'll find him for you - he's well known. Benny's cafe is just up from the Jayakata heading away from Kuta. We got this info from Ali:
They're Lombok Cultured Pearls (South Sea Pearls). An accumulation of thousands of tiny layers of NACRE, each less than two or three thousandths of a millimeter thick. Lombok pearls are created by large Pinctala Maxima oysters only found in Western Australia and Indonesia.
Each of Ali's strands has been individually hand knotted for extra security. He can also get them in many colours and sizes. Earings and braclets are available as well.
To maintain your cultured pearls Ali recommends to keep them away from water, dry any perfume applied to your neck before wearing them and hang the pearls when your not wearing them the keep them straight.
I hope this is of help. Pearls are available at most of the jewellery stalls but these guys do have pick of the bunch. Let me know if you need further information. I also have Ali's mobile number.