Hey folks,

We're making our third trip to Bali this coming July and would like to find a more 'upscale' quality place for some jewelry and/or pearls. We already know about the beach hawkers in Kuta/Lovina/Jimbarren (really don't want to Kuta again), and the high-end sterile stores for the Japanese . What we'd like are some nice(er) quality pearls (the stuff we've seen on the beach are not 'firsts').

I've heard there is a jewelry district in Denpasar. can someone please suggest a street or shops that are a nice balance between convenience / quality / and price


Thanks much!!

John N

Like all things in Bali, if you go to upscale shops, you will pay upscale prices. Many such shops pay your driver a commission if you buy anything, so even if you tell him where to take you (which shop), you are paying plenty on top. Many of the silver, etc. shops in Celuk are way, way over-rated and way, way, over-priced. As you are up in Lovina, I have a better suggestion for you. The road going out of Singaraja (past Hardy's Department Store and then the bus station) has a straight section of nicely tree lined road; there you will find the silver smiths of Singaraja. Although some may argue you can get a wider range and higher quality of workmanship in the south, I disagree with such sentiment as a general statement and the silversmiths in the north are not used to tourists, so you will get more authentic goods and as less inflated prices. You will still pay more than a local, but not too much.

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I'm looking for suggestions somewhere between the hawkers on the beach and the high end shops for some quality pearls.

Recommendations are most appreciated


John N

Pearls are not Bali's strength, at all. Most jewelers, including the ones in Singaraja I mentioned, have access to and will often incorporate them. Having lived in Phuket where they have Pearl shops and where one of my neighbours owned one of those pearl shops, unless you are an expert, I would treat pearls as with other expensive natural gems and metals with some suspicion. Most if not all of the pearls are going to be cultured at best and many are fakes. Bali hypes its jewelry business but I managed to buy better quality with more guarantee as to authenticity and grade in Bangkok. I used to wear one of those alleged solid silver rope chokers from a "reputable" shop in Bali which turned black within days. For a little more, I managed to have a jeweler in Bangkok replicate the thing in white gold which although I no longer wear, is still as good as the day I bought it. The jewelers in Singaraja have authentic items at better prices, if a limited selection, and I hope you take the time out to take a look. One of them has (had) several Dutch items from colonial times (the silver bowls they use) - I wish now I had bought one.

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There are two categories of travellers, those that experience a country and those that take their home with them wherever they go.

Be warned, as with any forum, picking a fight with the admin guy is not recommended!

John if you are after high quality pearls , south sea all colours including black call any of these boys from lombok : Armin :- +628123700423 Sahara :- +6285237448990 Jun :- +6281338503394 They all work in Bali but generally have a higher quality or access to higher quality pearls than those sold on the beach . Also they will design anything you want . I have been dealing with these boys for a number of years and am very happy with the products they sell .Hope this helps for your next trip .

Will make a note of the numbers for future reference. Always good to have a good source for top quality product.

Thanks
Catherine