Jewellery town
Shanxiahu pearl market
Zhuji, China
A town in Zhuji, Zhejiang, where most of the world's freshwater pearls are traded, in large pearl market halls and, increasingly, by livestream. Buyers come for strands by the hank and loose pearls by the kilo.
Shanxiahu, a town in Zhuji, Zhejiang, is where most of the world's freshwater pearls are traded. Pearl farming in the lakes and ponds of the region grew from the 1970s, and Shanxiahu built large pearl market halls that now draw buyers from around the world.
What you find
Freshwater pearls of every size, shape and colour: loose pearls by the kilo, strands by the hank, and finished jewellery; drilling, sorting, bleaching and stringing workshops; and a growing number of livestream sellers.
How it works
Dealers sell from stalls in the market halls and from offices; prices depend on size, shape, lustre, surface and colour, and are negotiated. Much of the trade now happens online.
Tips
- Most freshwater pearls are bleached; some are dyed. Ask, and compare lustre under daylight.
- Check strands for consistent size and drilling.
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