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The Philippines are also renowned for its pearls. They are of high quality and considered to be among the best in the world. Pearls, which are the protective layer an oyster puts over an irritant inside its shell, are often cultivated. But the natural pearls are more valuable, especially if gray colored. Off many islands, the locals dive for the oysters. The pearls are sold to middlemen who then sell them again to the jewelers in Manila. Every time the pearls change hands, the price increases. But in the boutiques and shops of the metropolis, they are still cheaper than in western countries.

The Philippines has rich deposits of gold ore, which it refines and exports. In contrast to neighboring countries, gold is relatively inexpensive. Gold panning and searching is a daring adventure for foreign tourists. The best goldsmiths of The Country are supposed to be found in Meycauayan, Bulacan province, just north of Manila. Aside from the jewelers in the shopping centers, several jewelry shops are located in Ongpin St in Manila's Chinatown.

Foreigners interested in buying jewelry in the Philippines are advised not to take chances and to buy only from reputable jewelry shops to avoid being cheated. A lot of fake jewelry is offered on the sidewalks at bangketas (literally small benches).

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