Rio Pearl was the last stop on our Hong Kong Day tour and billed as a factory demonstration. After a hike to the 3rd floor, I was expecting some version of a Turkish rug demonstration. Or maybe I was thinking about my friend Norm's uncle who owned a jewelry supply business years ago in the old Chicago diamond district?
What I experienced instead was a large room and a very well appointed set of jewelry counters, heavy in pearls and associated expensive baubles. There was also a nice selection of jade of which Gayle's strong glare towards me discouraged any serious shopping. Rio Pearl staff were attentive, knowledgeable, and not intrusive.
Percentage-wise, this business model might work as a few fellow tourist couples were soon sitting down, trying on various necklace or bracelet combinations, and making deals. And if it wasn't for the fact that I had already purchased a wonderful gold bracelet for Gayle in Istanbul's Grand Bazaar, we might have been one of those couples. read more