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Pearls have been cherished for centuries, not only for their beauty but also their rarity and timeless elegance. When it comes to investing in these exquisite gems, knowing how to distinguish real pearls from imitations is essential. With various types of pearls available in the market, including natural, cultured, and imitation pearls, it can be challenging for enthusiasts to discern the genuine from the fake. However, armed with the right knowledge and a keen eye, one can navigate this intricate world of pearls and confidently select a treasure that is truly authentic. In this guide, we will explore the key factors to consider when distinguishing real pearls, including examining their luster, surface quality, shape, and weight. By the end, you will be equipped with the expertise necessary to confidently identify genuine pearls, ensuring that your collection sparkles with authenticity and beauty.
This article was co-written by Michael Arnpdi. The Michael Arnpdi family owns Arnpdi Jewelers in California, a three-generation family jewelry business that started in Italy and later moved to the United States. Michael has over 10 years of experience in the jewelry industry.
There are 10 references cited in this article that you can view at the bottom of the page.
This article has been viewed 31,412 times.
If you’re shopping for pearl jewelry or have a family heirloom made of pearls, use the following tests to tell real and fake pearls in just a few minutes. To no longer have to worry about buying the wrong fake, you need to learn how to see and touch to distinguish the signs of real pearls.
Steps
Visual Check
![Image titled Tell if a Pearl Is Real Step 1](https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/6/64/Tell-if-a-Pearl-Is-Real-Step-1-Version-4.jpg/v4-728px-Tell-if-a-Pearl-Is-Real-Step-1-Version-4.jpg)
Tip: Although it is rare to find perfectly round pearls, it is impossible for a necklace to be made from all equally perfectly round pearls . If you see any string with identical round and shiny pearls, it is almost certainly a fake. [2] XResearch Source
![Image titled Tell if a Pearl Is Real Step 2](https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/8/84/Tell-if-a-Pearl-Is-Real-Step-2-Version-4.jpg/v4-728px-Tell-if-a-Pearl-Is-Real-Step-2-Version-4.jpg)
- The weakness of this test method is that it cannot distinguish low-quality real pearls, because they have the same dull, dull luster as fakes. You should compare the results of the different tests in this article to make a more accurate distinction. [4] XResearch Sources
![Image titled Tell if a Pearl Is Real Step 3](https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/a/a2/Tell-if-a-Pearl-Is-Real-Step-3-Version-5.jpg/v4-728px-Tell-if-a-Pearl-Is-Real-Step-3-Version-5.jpg)
- Because sometimes you can’t see the color of some real pearls, this is not necessarily a sign to distinguish fake from real.
![Image titled Tell if a Pearl Is Real Step 4](https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/5/5d/Tell-if-a-Pearl-Is-Real-Step-4-Version-4.jpg/v4-728px-Tell-if-a-Pearl-Is-Real-Step-4-Version-4.jpg)
- Sharp bore edge. Real pearls often have a very sharp bore (like a hollow cylinder), while fake pearls have rough or rounded edges. However, very old and worn gems can also have rounded edges. The bore in imitation pearls may have a curved edge facing outward instead of being absolutely cylindrical.
- Paint or coating chipping around the hole. During use, the pearls collide with each other and cause the outer coating to peel off around the drill hole. If you can see patches of glass or plastic underneath, it’s definitely a fake.
![Image titled Tell if a Pearl Is Real Step 5](https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/e/e3/Tell-if-a-Pearl-Is-Real-Step-5-Version-4.jpg/v4-728px-Tell-if-a-Pearl-Is-Real-Step-5-Version-4.jpg)
Friction Method
![Image titled Tell if a Pearl Is Real Step 15](https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/6/6e/Tell-if-a-Pearl-Is-Real-Step-15-Version-4.jpg/v4-728px-Tell-if-a-Pearl-Is-Real-Step-15-Version-4.jpg)
- You should brush your teeth before doing this experiment to make sure the teeth are completely clean, as food residue on the teeth can give false results.
![Image titled Tell if a Pearl Is Real Step 16](https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/f/fe/Tell-if-a-Pearl-Is-Real-Step-16-Version-3.jpg/v4-728px-Tell-if-a-Pearl-Is-Real-Step-16-Version-3.jpg)
- Look closely at the hands after doing the experiment. When rubbing two pearls, the outer shell will be slightly abraded, so if you notice some fine white powder, it is most likely nacre, a sign of real pearls. [8] XResearch Sources
![Image titled Tell if a Pearl Is Real Step 17](https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/1/1d/Tell-if-a-Pearl-Is-Real-Step-17-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Tell-if-a-Pearl-Is-Real-Step-17-Version-2.jpg)
- Real pearls have the ability to be perfectly round. But such cases are “very” rare and often sell for very high prices. [9] XResearch Source
- Not sure if the pearl is perfectly round or not? Be careful rolling the gem on a flat surface, remembering that if the shape is not perfectly round the gem cannot roll in a straight line. [10] XResearch Source
![Image titled Tell if a Pearl Is Real Step 18](https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/2/2a/Tell-if-a-Pearl-Is-Real-Step-18-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Tell-if-a-Pearl-Is-Real-Step-18-Version-2.jpg)
- In contrast, pearls made of plastic always stay at room temperature and warm up very quickly. [12] XResearch Source
- Attention: Good quality glass imitation pearls also feel “cool”, so compare with the results of other test methods if this is your first test.
![Image titled Tell if a Pearl Is Real Step 19](https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/2/29/Tell-if-a-Pearl-Is-Real-Step-19-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Tell-if-a-Pearl-Is-Real-Step-19-Version-2.jpg)
- This method is not perfect for a very understandable reason, it is not easy for you to judge the mass of a few small gems. If you want a more accurate result you should compare the mass of your gems with other gems that you “know” are real or fake. No matter how certain you are about the mass of a gem, you should confirm the result with other testing methods.
Advanced Testing Methods
![Image titled Tell if a Pearl Is Real Step 10](https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/8/8e/Tell-if-a-Pearl-Is-Real-Step-10-Version-4.jpg/v4-728px-Tell-if-a-Pearl-Is-Real-Step-10-Version-4.jpg)
- In contrast, imitation pearls often have a surface composed of relatively uniform protrusions (a bit like the moon’s surface with many pits). [14] XResearch Source
![Image titled Tell if a Pearl Is Real Step 11](https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/6/61/Tell-if-a-Pearl-Is-Real-Step-11-Version-4.jpg/v4-728px-Tell-if-a-Pearl-Is-Real-Step-11-Version-4.jpg)
- Remember to use intuition when performing testing methods for real pearls. For example, you should not use brushing or scrubbing on other people’s precious items.
![Image titled Tell if a Pearl Is Real Step 12](https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/6/6f/Tell-if-a-Pearl-Is-Real-Step-12-Version-4.jpg/v4-728px-Tell-if-a-Pearl-Is-Real-Step-12-Version-4.jpg)
![Image titled Tell if a Pearl Is Real Step 13](https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/3/3c/Tell-if-a-Pearl-Is-Real-Step-13-Version-4.jpg/v4-728px-Tell-if-a-Pearl-Is-Real-Step-13-Version-4.jpg)
![Image titled Tell if a Pearl Is Real Step 14](https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/c/c2/Tell-if-a-Pearl-Is-Real-Step-14-Version-4.jpg/v4-728px-Tell-if-a-Pearl-Is-Real-Step-14-Version-4.jpg)
Things we need to avoid
![Image titled Tell if a Pearl Is Real Step 6](https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/8/80/Tell-if-a-Pearl-Is-Real-Step-6-Version-3.jpg/v4-728px-Tell-if-a-Pearl-Is-Real-Step-6-Version-3.jpg)
- There is information that real pearls that have been polished by a special method will feel very smooth when tested by tooth brushing or rubbing test, which is an example of if only one way to test it. only can lead to confusion.
![Image titled Tell if a Pearl Is Real Step 7](https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/2/2f/Tell-if-a-Pearl-Is-Real-Step-7-Version-4.jpg/v4-728px-Tell-if-a-Pearl-Is-Real-Step-7-Version-4.jpg)
- Also you should remember that real pearls are good conductors of heat, so they can become very hot when burned directly on fire, so measures should be taken to avoid burns when applying this test.
![Image titled Tell if a Pearl Is Real Step 8](https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/d/d8/Tell-if-a-Pearl-Is-Real-Step-8-Version-4.jpg/v4-728px-Tell-if-a-Pearl-Is-Real-Step-8-Version-4.jpg)
![Image titled Tell if a Pearl Is Real Step 9](https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/0/0b/Tell-if-a-Pearl-Is-Real-Step-9-Version-4.jpg/v4-728px-Tell-if-a-Pearl-Is-Real-Step-9-Version-4.jpg)
- As a general rule, you should only buy certified gems from reputable retailers or jewelers. If you buy pearls from street vendors or pawn shops, the risk of counterfeiting is very high. You should consult your guide to buying real pearls for more specific advice.
Advice
- Remember, there are two types of real pearls: “natural” pearls obtained from wild-caught mussels and “raised” pearls obtained from mussel farms. Natural pearls and cultured pearls have slight differences in color, mother-of-pearl, luster and even shape. Natural pearls are usually rarer and more expensive than cultured pearls.
- If you want to clean “real” pearls, you should have an experienced jeweler do this, as the solvents or cleaning solutions you use every day can permanently tarnish the pearl’s surface. Fortunately, there are now a number of jewelers who are offering pearl cleaning services. [17] XResearch Source
Warning
- Be careful when applying the pearl polishing method to your teeth. Hold the gem tightly to avoid accidentally getting the gem into your throat.
- Small scratches may appear on the pearl after rubbing or rubbing. If this is the case, you should use your thumb to rub it over and over again, the scratches will disappear.
This article was co-written by Michael Arnpdi. The Michael Arnpdi family owns Arnpdi Jewelers in California, a three-generation family jewelry business that started in Italy and later moved to the United States. Michael has over 10 years of experience in the jewelry industry.
There are 10 references cited in this article that you can view at the bottom of the page.
This article has been viewed 31,412 times.
If you’re shopping for pearl jewelry or have a family heirloom made of pearls, use the following tests to tell real and fake pearls in just a few minutes. To no longer have to worry about buying the wrong fake, you need to learn how to see and touch to distinguish the signs of real pearls.
In conclusion, learning how to distinguish real pearls from imitations is essential for anyone interested in purchasing these precious gems. By considering various factors such as luster, surface quality, shape, and weight, one can determine the authenticity of a pearl. Real pearls typically possess a deep, warm luster, a smooth and flawless surface, a rounded shape, and a heavier weight than imitations. Additionally, the use of professional testing methods like the X-ray examination and the tooth test can further help confirm the authenticity of a pearl. By familiarizing oneself with these characteristics and methods, one can confidently navigate the market and make informed decisions when it comes to purchasing real pearls.
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