I am a big fan of pearls and have really cherished my pieces. Over the last 5 years I have been to China twice and bought freshwater pearls in China and loved the prices. Nothing was set in precious gold so I did not spend big bucks. I do access the two major pearl dealers's sites referenced here and have really learned a lot. Now I find myself going to Tahiti and New Caledonia and am interested in buying Tahitian pearls there. I know that these pearls are expensive. We are not on a cruise (far from it) and most of the shops I have been able to research cater to this crowd. I wondered if anyone has a place in Papeete or New Caledonia that they can recommend. I am not talking about any large purchase and would rather buy a few AAA quality beautiful pearls for a ring or pendant than a rope. Are tours to pearl farms a rip off? Are the Chinese freshwater dyed pearls making their way to these places and sold as 'Tahitians'? Any recommendation or advice is most appreciated.