We just regretted not buying pearls for Paul's mom when we got home from China, being as they were 1/10th the price they are here. We had our guide/translator/friend who not only was apparently an expert haggler, but insisted on inspecting the merchandise - even running her fingers along the edges of every silk scarf we bought. She said afterwards it was her mother's training - she wouldn't buy *anything* without a complete inspection of it first.