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How to Tell if Pearls are Real

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The allure of pearls: A brief history and significance

Pearls have bewitched humanity for thousands of years, and because of their sparkling elegance and rarity, they have been worn by royalty, nobility and the elite. Such beautiful real pearls, formed in the depths of mollusc shells, have found their way into mythology, legend and culture around the world. 

For centuries, pearls were regarded as a symbol of purity, knowledge and prosperity. In prehistoric cultures, they were treated as valuable sacrifices to the gods and ascribed mystical attributes. From Egyptian pharaohs to Roman emperors, pearls graced the necks and wrists of the powerful, and they indicated rank and wealth. 

Until this day, pearls remain the treasured jewels in the fine jewellery collection, cherished for their timeless elegance and versatility. Whether a simple strand, or woven into intricate designs, these natural wonders hold a beauty that is beyond fashion. 

The different types of real pearls and their characteristics

natural pearls

Pearls of different kinds have their own properties and origins. Having a clearer appreciation of these differences is essential to understanding the real worth and splendour of these stones. 

  1. Natural Pearls: Created spontaneously from the living tissues of some marine mollusc species, natural pearls are very uncommon and extremely valuable. These gems are natural and human-made, and are the best and rarest pearls. 
  2. Cultured Pearls: Cultured pearls are grown in a controlled manner, where a foreign substance is introduced into the shell of the mollusc, making them more common and cheaper. These pearls are available in a wide variety of sizes, shapes and colours, from traditional white to golden, pink and black. 
  3. Freshwater Pearls: These pearls are sourced from freshwater mussels, and are generally cheaper than their saltwater cousins. They come in all sizes from baroque to non-standard pearls, and they provide a distinctive organic element to jewelry. 

Each pearl has a unique hue, sheen, shape and surface quality, making it beautiful in its own way. 

How to differentiate between real and fake pearls

When you live in an age where pearl imitators have become more sophisticated, it is extremely important to learn to recognize a real from a fake pearl. If you know what to look for to make sure you’re getting real pearls, you won’t make a costly mistake. 

Examining the pearl’s surface: Identifying imperfections and irregularities

lucky natural freshwater pearl bracelet in sterling silver with gold plating

Surface texture is the best way to tell whether it’s a real pearl or not. True pearls have natural flaws and anomalies in contrast to their smooth emulations. 

To inspect the surface of a pearl, observe for ridges, bumps or grooves. These imperfections result from the natural pearl-making process in the mollusc’s shell, and can be observed with the naked eye or magnifying glass. 

Real pearls might also feel slightly rough or sandy if rubbed onto front teeth or on the inside of the lip. It is caused by microscopic slivers of nacre lining the surface of the pearl. 

Imitation pearls on the other hand are more of a smooth glassy shell and do not exhibit the natural variations and textured characteristics of pearls. 

The weight test: Distinguishing between real and imitation pearls

natural baroque pearl sterling silver gold plated chain necklace

Pearls are fashioned from sheets of nacre, a sticky material released by the fish. This makes real pearls have an observable weight and density that is very apparent. 

For the weight test, take the pearl in your palm or flatten it. Genuine pearls ought to appear larger and firmer than their size; fake pearls are lightweight and hollow. 

A variant of the weight test involves putting the pearl in a glass of water. Because of their bulk, real pearls sink to the bottom, while artificial pearls (usually of lighter materials such as plastic or glass) float or hang in the water. 

The tooth test: Assessing the texture and feel of pearls

Tooth testing is one of the oldest tests used to judge pearls authenticity. It is simply rubbing the pearl against your front teeth or the inside of your lip. 

Real pearls are slightly sandy or rough due to their textured nacre surface. If you rub the teeth or lip, you should experience a slight heaviness or texture to it, which is due to the micro-layers. 

Imitate pearls, on the other hand, tend to be glassy and lack the characteristic texture of pearls. They can even be slippery or excessively smooth when applied to the teeth or lip. 

Note: Be careful when taking the tooth test as applying too much pressure or rubbing can damage the surface of the pearl. 

The luster test: Evaluating the shine and reflection of pearls

One of the most appealing aspects of pearls is their shine and reflection. This shine is a reflection of the sunlight on the nacre that coats the surface of the pearl. 

To assess the brilliance of a pearl, place it in front of a light and see the reflection of light on its surface. Real pearls are dark, warm and slightly iridescent, the glow glinting as if it were shining from inside the pearl. 

By comparison, imitation pearls are usually rough, glassy, or too glossy. They can have a dull or flat shine without the fullness and luminosity of real pearls. 

Depending on the pearl type, it might also show variations in lustre. Akoya pearls, for instance, have a high luster while South Sea pearls are usually more slender and cream. 

The drill hole test: Analyzing the drilling process and its impact on authenticity

Pearls are often drilled to make a hole for stringing or setting into jewelry. Drilling can give you a clue as to whether or not a pearl is authentic. 

A real pearl is typically drilled with a special tool that produces a slight irregular, or cone, shape. That distortion arises because of the layered nacre of the pearl, and may cause the drill to shim slightly through the layers. 

When looking at a natural pearl’s drill hole, you may see minor flaws or differences in the inside appearance and texture of the hole. 

Italic pearls, however, tend to be bored with high-speed machines that leave nothing but angular, smooth drill holes. It is often an indication of an imitative pearl that the drill hole does not exhibit any anomalies. 

The price factor: Understanding the correlation between value and authenticity

sterling silver rectangle pearl drop earrings

Though not an absolute criterion, a pearl’s price can tell you much about its trueness. True pearls, in particular of rare and premium quality, sell for more money as a result of their rarity and the labour involved in growing or harvesting them. 

if a pearl looks too cheap for its advertised price or quality, you might want to be wary and get a little more information. Italicized pearls are usually more inexpensive and might sell at a price that is quite low compared to the real pearls. 

But not all real pearls are terribly expensive. The price can vary depending on size, luster, and origin and some types of real pearls, such as freshwater pearls, may be cheaper than others. 

Expert advice: Seeking professional opinions and certifications

These tests are helpful but only after a consultation with a qualified gemologist or jeweler will you be sure that your pearls are authentic. 

Expert jewelers and gemological laboratories make use of cutting-edge technologies, including X-ray fluorescence or microscope studies, to assess the content and qualities of pearls. 

The vast majority of pearls, especially the rare or expensive ones, are accompanied by certificates from recognized gemological institutions stating that they are genuine and of the highest quality. These certificates provide the exact origin, type and grade of the pearl, which gives buyers another layer of security. 

Caring for your pearls: Maintenance tips for both real and fake pearls

elegant 925 silver pink and purple pearl necklace with adjustable chain

No matter whether your pearls are real or imitation, they need to be kept up and properly maintained to maintain their beauty and durability. 

Since real pearls are natural gemstones, they should be kept away from the light and do not scratch or color. Below are some guidelines to maintain real pearls: 

  • Don’t expose them to toxic chemicals, cosmetics or perfumes, which corrode the surface of the nacre. 
  • Store pearls separately from other jewelry to prevent scratches or abrasions.
  • After wearing, wipe them gently with a damp cloth to eliminate the dirt or oil. 
  • Pull pearl necklaces tight every few years to prevent them from slipping or breaking. 

Though imitation pearls are more hardy than real pearls, they still need to be taken care of so they look good. Imitation pearl care advice: 

  • Don’t heat them too hot or it can cause discoloration or damage. 
  • Keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. 
  • Remove the dirt or debris using a clean, dry cloth. 
  • Do not use any harsh chemicals or abrasives, as these will scratch or scratch the surface of fake pearls. 

If you take care of your pearls properly — not just the ones you buy — they’ll still look beautiful and be treasured for many years. 

Conclusion: Embracing the beauty and significance of pearls

For centuries, pearls have been captivating us; their beauty transcending the wearing, and becoming a symbol of eternal elegance and beauty. Whether you own or love fake pearls, they’re a prized jewel in jewelry. 

Knowing the different ways of checking for the authenticity of a pearl can help you decide on your own and see how truly valuable and beautiful these gems really are. Never forget, the pleasure of wearing and owning pearls comes not from their rarity or cost, but from their connection to our culture and nature. 

Be in love with pearls, enjoy their tales, and allow their shine to sparkle your life with a dash of timeless grace. 

If you’re searching for high quality pearls or fine pearl jewellery, browse our website’s latest collections. Our gemologists and jewellery designers would be happy to browse our vast inventory and help you select the right pearls for your personality and taste. Take in the ancient beauty of pearls and allow us to create precious memories with these ayurvedic gemstones. Come visit us and find out how to own pearls. 

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