[Zeke]

I bought cultured pearls a few years ago. Make sure the string is long enough to not look like a choker chain. With graduated sizes and a decent length and good color, you're going to spend more than 500. 24" is a nice length and can be worn in a lot of ways. I paid 800.

Actually, Costco has a pretty good selection from time to time. The tend to show stuff on the moderate side. Tell them what you are looking for and I think they will bring them in for you. Otherwise, you will be traipsing all over the jewelry mart.

Or take the advice here. The thing is about Costco is that you could take your purchase and have them appraised and if they don't look good, you take them back. No questions asked.