Why are pearls so cheap in Ise-Shima? Recommended places to buy and how to choose the best deal
Posted by GINZAREPEARL
Why are pearls so cheap in Ise-Shima?
There are three reasons why pearls are cheap in Ise-Shima.
- The reason why Ise-Shima is a famous pearl producing area
- Aquaculture is thriving, so intermediate costs are kept down
- Price competition specific to tourist destinations
By reading to the end, you will be able to purchase pearls in Ise-Shima with peace of mind.
The reason why Ise-Shima is a famous pearl producing area
Ise-Shima is known as one of the leading pearl producing areas in Japan. In particular, Akoya pearl farming is thriving, and high-quality pearls have been produced there for many years.
This region has a deep history of pearl farming, with skilled craftsmen passing on advanced techniques. As a result, Ise-Shima is a major producer of high-quality pearls, supplying pearl markets across the country.
Aquaculture is thriving, so intermediate costs are kept down
In Ise-Shima, locally cultivated pearls are distributed directly, which makes it possible to keep distribution costs down.Normally, pearls distributed to the market go through wholesalers and middlemen, which tends to increase the selling price.
However, in Ise-Shima, pearls are often sold directly by pearl farmers, so they can be purchased at a relatively low price without the middleman's margin . Furthermore, pearls are often sold at factory outlets and specialty stores at a reasonable price compared to other areas, because they are sold directly from the factory.
Price competition specific to tourist destinations
Ise-Shima is a popular tourist destination, and many tourists visit the area. There are many stores selling pearls, especially around Ise Shrine and in the Toba area, and the competition between the stores is fierce. For this reason, there are frequent special sales and accessories at affordable prices aimed at tourists. There are also plenty of small accessories and souvenirs for tourists to easily purchase, and you can get pearls at a relatively low price.
The appeal of Ise-Shima is that you can purchase high-quality pearls at a good price, as there are many stores that are particular about quality as well as price.
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Types and characteristics of Ise-Shima pearls
There are many different types and characteristics of pearls sold in Ise-Shima. By keeping the following three points in mind, you can choose the pearl that suits you best.
- The difference between Akoya pearls and freshwater pearls
- How to judge the quality of pearls (luster, shape, flaws)
- Prices vary depending on color and shape
By reading to the end, you will be able to find the perfect pearl for you in Ise-Shima.
The difference between Akoya pearls and freshwater pearls
In Ise-Shima, Akoya pearls and freshwater pearls are mainly available. Akoya pearls are a type of cultured pearl unique to Japan that are harvested from Akoya oysters, and are characterized by their beautiful luster and elegant shine. They are generally around 6mm to 9mm in size, and white, cream, and pink colors are popular.
On the other hand, freshwater pearls are harvested from shellfish such as the oyster, so they tend to be irregular in shape and come in a wide variety of colors, but they are relatively inexpensive to purchase . They are often chosen for casual accessories and are suitable for everyday use.
How to judge the quality of pearls (luster, shape, flaws)
In order to determine the quality of a pearl, three things are important: luster (luster), nacre (thickness of the nacre layer), and scratches (surface condition). The stronger the luster, the more beautiful the shine, and the higher the quality of the pearl, the more evenly it reflects light. The thicker the luster, the more durable it is, and the less likely it is to lose its luster even with long use. As it is a natural material, some small scratches are unavoidable, but it is important to check that there are no major irregularities. At the Ise-Shima store, you can actually pick up the pearls and check their quality, so we recommend making your selection while checking it out.
Prices vary depending on color and shape
The price of pearls also varies depending on their color and shape. Akoya pearls distributed in Ise-Shima are generally white, but there are also pinkish and gold-colored ones. Pinkish white pearls in particular tend to have a high market value and are very popular.
In terms of shape, the closer to a perfect circle it is, the more valuable it is, while those that are slightly distorted are sold at a relatively reasonable price.
Pearls are sold in a wide range of prices in tourist areas, so it is best to choose one that suits your purpose and budget.
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Recommended stores in Ise-Shima where you can buy pearls cheaply
In Ise-Shima, there are many pearl specialty stores and factory direct sales outlets, as well as plenty of shops aimed at tourists. By keeping the following three points in mind, you can purchase high-quality pearls at a good price.
- Tourist areas (Okage Yokocho, Toba, Shima)
- How to purchase from wholesale stores and direct sales outlets
- Tips for negotiating prices
By reading to the end, you will understand how to purchase high-quality pearls at a good price in Ise-Shima.
Tourist areas (Okage Yokocho, Toba, Shima)
There are many pearl specialty stores scattered throughout the tourist areas of Ise-Shima. In particular, Okage Yokocho, located near the Inner Shrine of Ise Jingu, sells reasonably priced pearl accessories aimed at tourists.
In the Toba area, there are high-end pearl stores such as "Mikimoto Pearl Island," which is recommended for those who value quality. In addition, in the Shima area, there are stores directly operated by pearl farmers, and they are characterized by the fact that you can often purchase pearls at prices lower than the market price.
How to purchase from wholesale stores and direct sales outlets
Ise-Shima has many wholesale stores and factory outlets, and in some cases pearl farmers sell directly. These stores sell without an intermediary, so the appeal is that you can purchase pearls at prices lower than the market price. In particular, if you buy in bulk or during sales periods, you can get high-quality pearls at an even better price.
Tips for negotiating prices
In stores in tourist areas, you may be able to negotiate the price. You can expect a discount, especially if you are considering buying a set or multiple pieces. You may also be able to get a discount if you choose to pay in cash. By checking the quality before purchasing and negotiating with the store clerk, you can get high-quality pearls at a good price.
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Tips for buying pearls cheaply
In order to purchase pearls in Ise-Shima at the lowest possible price, there are a few points you need to keep in mind. By understanding the following three points, you can get high-quality pearls at a better price.
- Tips for negotiating prices
- Seasonal sales information
- Differences between online shopping and local purchases
By reading to the end, you will be able to purchase pearls in Ise-Shima in the most cost-effective way.
Tips for negotiating prices
You may be able to negotiate prices at pearl specialty stores in the tourist areas of Ise-Shima, especially if you buy multiple items at once or choose expensive necklaces or earrings.
Also, if you wish to pay in cash, you may be able to get a discount since there are no card transaction fees. When negotiating, the trick is to gently ask, "Can you make it a little cheaper?"
Seasonal sales information
Pearl stores in Ise-Shima often hold sales every season, especially during the New Year holidays, Golden Week, summer vacation season, and other times when there are more tourists.
Also, products may be sold at special prices on store anniversaries and at fiscal year-ends (around March and September), so it's a good idea to check the information in advance.
Differences between online shopping and local purchases
Pearls can be purchased online, but there is a big difference between buying them locally. Online shopping has the advantage that the price is relatively low and you can buy them anytime and anywhere. However, since you cannot check the quality directly, the product you receive may be different from what you imagined.
On the other hand, when you buy locally, you can not only check the quality of the actual product, but also choose while consulting with the store clerk, so you can make a purchase with peace of mind. We recommend checking locally, especially when purchasing expensive pearl products.