The Pearl Lady

I've been to Beijing- but I've never seen anything quite like this.
Hundreds, if not thousands of women, well-dressed, cups of Starbucks in hand, flocked from near and far- to witness for themselves the phenomenon of The Pearl Lady.

She comes from China once a year with a stash of pearls so grand no woman can resist.
Set up in a townhouse flanked by the turning leaves of fall trees, photos of presidents line the walls and strings of pearls cover the tables.
Prices were a bit higher this year than last- at least one woman flew up from the deep south with a long list- an order from her friends and family back home- conversations laced the counters as thickly as the jewelry.

Women lined up in the kitchen sharing mirrors and swapping advice on size, shape, coloring and style. "Oh, those look lovely on you!" was heard more than once to be sure.

Pleasantries and English were probably what surprised me most.
Certainly the prices were higher, but the company was also notably different.
"Pardon me."
"Excuse me I'm just going to slip around you."
"Oh, no problem, please do!"

Not at all the sort of shopping I had done in Beijing, on a warm and dusty day at the flea market.
But a cultural experience without a doubt.
One not to be missed, and I am glad to say I didn't.
I have the pearls to prove it.