I just bought a fab ultra long pearl necklace. I had a day off work so went out to this huge chinese shopping mall on the outskirts of the city. Everyone kept telling me how great it was.
I found this little shop which sells ready made jewellery and all the stuff to make your own. They had strands of irregular shaped fresh water pearls for under $2. I used 4 in total to make the length that I wanted and the girl strung them for me free of charge. They are such a great length you can wear them all different ways. I also got a bangle/bracelt which wraps round the wrist 2 and a half times with little silver ends on it, and a nice little pair of drop pearl earrings, the total came to 50 dhs which is about $18. I am very please with my new purchase.
Now I am no pearl expert, but I am pretty sure these are cultured pearls, but still I think great value and look as good as natural anyway.
I will post some pics first time I wear them!