In Reply to: Pearls posted by cookie on Friday, 8. December 2006 at 12:00 Bali Time:
Not that it really matters, but there is no freshwater pearl production in Lombok or anywhere else in Indonesia. They all come from China. Sellers like to say they come from Lombok as pearls have kind of become associated with Lombok. Also your seller might even buy them from someone in Lombok who imports them from China - although many of the pearls come from China via Surabaya to Lombok.
There is sea water pearl production in Lombok - the quality varies - you have to be careful that the nacra is not really thin over a plastic ball or glass ball.
Regardless of the origin, there are some lovely pearls to be had at very reasonable prices.
Freo