IF you are fond of pearl-studded jewelry, just visit the island of Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara, where scores of shops sell shiny genuine pearls.

This item, fancied by wealthy people, which legend says are the frozen tears of the goddess, consists of various types, from the south-sea sort from the bottom of the tropical sea and the freshwater-cultivated variety, to the black pearls of Tahiti.

When passing Jalan Ahmad Yani, Selag Atas, Mataram,