If you’re in the market for pearl jewelry, you’re in the right place. Not only are authentic pearls a classic gemstone, they’re a stylish way to elevate any outfit. However, with the popularity of pearls growing every year, it’s not uncommon to come across imitation or counterfeit pearls on the jewelry market. So, how to tell if pearls are real, and avoid spending money on fake pearls?
With some careful inpection, determining the authenticity of a pearl is actually easier than you may realize. As you shop for your next piece of pearl jewelry, here are some easy ways to tell if a pearl is real:
The determing factor between an authentic pearl and a fake one is the surface quality. So, most of these examinations rely on phsyically interacting with the pearl. While some of them won’t be possible if the pearl is already set into a piece of jewelry — or may be inappropriate if you’re in a jewelry store — there’s likely at least one or two of these tests that can help confirm whether a pearl is real.
And if you’re shopping online so aren’t able to inspect a pearl in person, keep reading for some virtual authentication tips further on.
It sounds simple, but sometimes you can authenticate a pearl just by looking at it closely. Inspect the pearl’s surface, especially around the drill hole — if you spot any chipped paint around the hole, then you aren’t looking at an authentic gem.
A real pearl will also have a telltale luster. The luster should be bright, deep and sharp, and the pearl should have a subtle overtone. When examined under direct light, a real pearl will have have rich reflective properties, while a fake pearl’s luster will look slightly chalky or ‘plasticky’.
Also, real pearls come in different sizes and shapes, so they won’t look identical to each other. This includes Akoya pearls, which are generally have the most consistent shape! Fake pearls will appear perfectly round and will have a very smooth surface.
Another way to examine a pearl’s authenticity is by physically feeling it. When you touch a real pearl, it will feel cool to the touch before slowly warming up. Fake pearls feel warmer from first touch, and may have a slightly sticky feeling to them.
Also, authentic pearls have a unique weight to them, which can be learned with time. A fake pearl made with plastic will feel too light, while a glass imitation will feel to heavy. With experience, you’ll be able to recognize the hand feel of authentic pearls.
Another unique quality of authentic pearls is that the surface is actually rough on a microscopic level. This means that when you rub two real pearls together (or with a knife) it will feel chalky, and a fine pearl powder will be produced. On the other hand, if two fake pearls are rubbed against each other, they will feel smooth, and no powder is produced.
PEARL FACT: When examined under a microscope, the surface of a pearl may appeal almost scaly. So, while it may look smooth and lustrous to the eye, it’s this textural landscape that allows physical surface tests like rubbing two pearls together, or the tooth test!
Because of a pearl’s textured surface, you can actually check for authenticity by gently rubbing a pearl against one of you teeth. A real pearl’s surface will feel gritty, while fake plastic pearls and glass pearls will feel smooth. Just note that many jewelers won’t let you try this in store, for obvious hygiene reasons!
Real pearls bounce when dropped, so if you have access to a single pearl, try dropping it from a height of around two feet onto a glass surface. A real pearl will bounce at least one foot in height.
While some imitation pearls will be easily discounted, there are higher quality fakes out there. In these cases, more complex examination may be needed.
A reliable way to tell if a pearl is real is by using a lighter or match. When you gently hold a flame to a genuine pearl, it will remain shiny, intact and produce no odor. If the flame is consistent for about 2 minutes, the pearl will produce a popping sound. On the other hand, a counterfeit pearl coming across a naked fire will produce a bad odor, and it will lose its luster.
Acetone, the main ingredient of nail polish remover, will have no effect on a genuine pearl (don’t worry, it’s safe!) However, when a counterfeit pearl is rubbed with acetone, it will lose its luster, and the surface color may even be completely removed. This is an indication that it was finished with paint.
There are many different examinations than can help determine whether a pearl is authentic, but they all need to be used in person. However, if you’re shopping for jewelry online, you’ll need to resort to other methods to authentic your gemstones.
While you could order a piece, examine the pearls, and return it, the truth is that this isn’t always convenient or even possible. Instead, opt for reputable online retailers that have a history of positive reviews, and a clear authority in the pearl jewelry space.
Natural pearls can come in a range of colors, and certain colors can be very expensive. However, if a color is not generally found in nature, is too vibrant, or is being sold for a suspiciously reasonable price, you should investigate further. Sometimes natural pearls are dyed, or it could be a fake pearl.
Use these tips to examine the colored pearl for yourself, or take it to any expert for further inspection. Note, we don’t sell dyed pearls on The Pearl Source!
Akoya pearls are the type of pearls that are the most round, but any type can be close to round. This means that they have a diameter variation in any direction of less than 2%. If pearls are absolutely, perfectly round, there is a chance they are fake — pearls are made by nature, after all!
Real pearls are cold to the touch, but will then start to warm up after a few seconds. Fake pearls, likely made of plastic, will be warm or room temperature.
Pearls are coveted for a reason. Their unique luster and versatile style makes them a worthwhile investment. However, their popularity makes the pearl industry rife with fakes, so it’s important to know how to spot authentic pearls for yourself.
By using these trustworthy examination techniques, and by shopping online from trusted sellers like The Pearl Source, you can feel confident in your purchasing power. Happy shopping!
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