Beads from Hong Kong

Hello dear readers,

I have tried to purchase a few beads in each place we have visited.
We browsed the markets of Hong Kong, and, on the first stall at the first market on the first day in Hong Kong, I found some interesting beads.
Actually, I was quite excited which I was sure must have been apparent to the stall holder, even though I did try valiantly not  to show it. These guys have a sixth sense though and they can tell a person quite easily who is obviously fresh off the plane and not too good at bargaining!
So, the obvious did happen and we found out days later our little "bargain" was no bargain at all!

I have since learned that a bargain is really only a bargain in your own eyes if you want it badly enough!
Well, that's my theory and I'm sticking with it!

The bangles are Jade( debatable) Carnelian and Agate.

Tibetan(VERY debatable!) Dzi beads made from agate.

The red ones are glass.

Cute little clock pendant that I thought was unique until I saw it again and the again over the next few days! Oh well, I still love it.

The other aspect of bead buying that I really struggle with is authenticity. I am not someone who works a lot with gemstones, semiprecious etc, even though I really love them. So I am not terribly familiar with the real ones, let alone the copies!

I tend to be gullible enough to believe anyone if they tell me what the stone is, that is just my nature.

I think more than likely, each and every one of the larger stones (apart from the red glass ones ) are very good copies of what they are meant to be.

How on earth does one learn to know real from  a good copy, in a market that is SO clever at reproducing the original.??!! 

Anyway, real or copy, I still like them and will use them in my own personal jewelry.

I could not, in all honesty sell or give them knowing they may not be the real deal.

Are there any others who struggle with this problem or do you just believe/know and accept what you get is always authentic?

I guess the point is to buy from a reputable sales person and not a Hong Kong street market! LOL

Simple really.......!

Anyway guys, 

until tomorrow,