How to spot quality pearls

Dear Tingting,

I love pearls but am hesitant to buy from the Muslim traders at the Greenhills tiangge. Every one seems to be buying them in all colors and sizes, and they’re affordable enough. Can you tell me how to spot good quality pearls that I can buy? With the bright halogen lights, I get confused and hold back from purchasing any.

Elena

Yes, I get duling, too, looking at all those pearls. Look at the pearl’s lustre. Is the pearl’s coating thick or thin? Get what you prefer. Don’t buy one with dimples you can’t hide. Ask if the pearls have a natural color or if they were treated.

Tingting

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Mary Prieto’s Active Lifestyle

Dear Mary,

I find that you are looking young and fit. Could you please tell me what your lifestyle is?

Amy

They say that you are what you eat – that’s a good start. I do not eat meat, only chicken and fish plus vegetables and fruits. I do not drink or smoke. I try to walk for an hour daily. At my age, I don’t socialize in the evenings, unless it is for a concert, ballet or opera. I lunch out with my friends, I have meetings with the different organizations that I belong to. I enjoy going to Tagaytay on weekends. As you can see, I have quite an active lifestyle.

Mary

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RX For Dark Knees

Dear Lucy,

I have this problem that sticks like a sore thumb. I’ve got dark knees. I’ve tried scrubbing and every other trick in the beauty book, but nothing works. Do you think there’s hope for my dark knees?

Vina

Go to a reputable dermatologist and/or beauty center for bleaching/whitening options. The Belo Medical Group has one called scrub-bleach and they also have another one called Skin Master. Have your problem assessed by an expert in the field so that your treatment will be effective. And worthwhile.

Lucy

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Where To Get Cica-Care

Dear Tingting,

You mentioned Cica-Care adhesive gel sheets in your last column. Where is Cica-Care available and how much?

Mary

You can buy Cica-Care anywhere in the world. I buy mine in America and in Hong Kong. Try Watson’s in Hong Kong or Wallgreens in America. Manila may have it in reputable drug stores or they may have a substitute plaster that works just as well.

Tingting

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