Pearls are a popular type of jewelry that are used in the design of many jewelry products, such as pearl necklaces, pearl earrings, pearl rings, pearl dresses, etc. However, there are real and fake pearls on the market, so learning how to distinguish real from fake pearls is very important for us consumers. This article tells you 13 ways on how to tell if pearls are real.
Table of Contents
What are real pearls?
To know how to tell if pearls are real you must first know what real pearls are. Real pearls are organic gems formed inside mollusks, typically oysters or mussels, when an irritant (like a grain of sand) enters their shell. The mollusk secretes layers of nacre around the irritant, gradually creating a pearl. Real pearls can be either natural, formed without human intervention, or cultured, where humans introduce the irritant to initiate pearl formation.
What are fake pearls made of?
Fake pearls, also known as imitation or artificial pearls, are typically made from materials like glass, plastic, or shell coated with a substance that mimics the luster of real pearls. The coating can be made from fish scales or synthetic materials to give them a pearly sheen. They lack the natural formation process and value of real pearls.
What do pearls symbolize?
Another reason why pearls are loved by many people is because of their beautiful meaning. Pearls represent purity and flawlessness, and they symbolize loyalty, so pearls can be seen in many bridal accessories. In addition, pearls also mean tranquility and patience, which is also a reflection of the pearl formation process. It takes a long time to grow a complete pearl.
Key Differences Between Real Pearls vs Fake Pearls
To know how to tell if pearls are real, know the key differences between real pearls vs fake pearls are very crucial. Real pearls are generally different from fake pearls in the following ways: luster, texture, weight, temperature and friction sound are different. How to distinguish real pearls can rely on the following 13 methods.
How to Tell If Pearls Are Real?
The Touch & Temperature Test
The Touch & Temperature Test is one of the simplest methods. Real pearls feel delicate and have a slight friction, and they feel relatively cold, while fake pearls have a smooth surface and a temperature closer to the temperature of your hand. This method does not damage the pearls and does not require additional tools. It is a commonly used method on how to tell if pearls are real, but only people who have touched pearls and have identification experience can feel the difference.
Appearance Inspection
Checking the appearance of pearls is also a simple way on how to tell if pearls are real. Authentic pearls usually have slight irregularities, while fake pearls are perfect. In addition, real pearls have a natural luster, while fake pearls may have a too shiny luster and appear unreal. Generally speaking, pink pearls are classic ones, and the pink luster is also very soft.
The Tooth Test
The pearl tooth test is one of the simplest and easiest methods to know how to tell if pearls are real. You only need to gently rub the surface of the pearl with your teeth to clearly feel the difference between real pearls and fake pearls. Real pearls feel rough when bitten because the surface of real pearls is composed of layers of nacre (which is also called mother of pearl). The mother-of-pearl layer is made up of alternating calcium crystals and proteins, forming tiny irregular textures. In contrast, fake pearls usually have a smooth coating that makes the pearls look round and shiny, so they feel smooth but not rough when bitten.
Drawbacks to the tooth test are that it is not suitable for places like jewelry stores because pearls are not given to customers for biting, and now some manufacturers have used similar rough-feeling coatings to make it difficult for you to distinguish between real pearls and fake pearls. So you can rub two pearls instead of biting.
Weight Test
One of the easiest ways to tell if pearls are real is by looking at its weight. You can feel the weight of the pearl by placing it in your hand. Usually, authentic pearls are denser and heavier than fake pearls of the same size because they are made of layers of natural materials. Fake pearls (especially those made of plastic) are usually lighter. This method also does not require any equipment, but it does require someone who has touched pearls to feel the difference, and for some high-quality imitation pearls (such as those made of glass), the weight difference may not be noticeable.
X-ray Test
X-ray test is a less used method on how to tell if pearls are real. Because it requires the use of professional instruments and technicians. It has restrictions on who can test, on the equipment and on the venue. This has requirements for the scene and the person of the test. To use this method to test the authenticity of pearls, you must use a professional X-ray machine and place the pearls in the X-ray equipment to scan their internal structure. The interior of real pearls usually has a concentric layered structure, while the interior of fake pearls is usually uniform or artificially filled.
Water Drop Test
The water drop test is also a simple method that ordinary people can do to know how to tell real pearls. Just drop water on the surface of the pearl. The performance of real pearls is: the surface of the pearl will absorb water, and the water drop will quickly spread on the surface of the pearl to form a large water spot. This is because the tiny holes on the surface of the real pearl will absorb water. The surface of fake pearls is smooth, and the water drop will stay on the surface and is not easy to spread. This method is simple and will not cause damage to the pearl. It is a common method about how to recognize real pearls.
Spectral Analysis
Spectral analysis can also help how can you tell real pearls. Spectroscopic instruments can analyze the spectral characteristics of absorption, emission or scattering of substances. Compare the spectral characteristics of pearls with the standard spectra of known real or fake pearls. Real pearls and fake pearls may show different characteristics in the spectrum. This method is not very convenient because it requires professional instruments, so it is also a way that few people use to know how to tell if pearls are real.
Microscope Observation
By scrutinizing the surface features, internal structure, and potential presence of inclusions, one can assess a pearl’s authenticity. Key aspects to consider include examining the texture, flaws, reflective properties, and verifying the presence of a genuine luster. This method is also used less often because of the limitations of the instrument. on how to tell if pearls are real.
UV Light Test
The UV light test is a common method to identify the authenticity of a pearl. During this test, the pearl is exposed to ultraviolet light to see how it reacts under different wavelengths of ultraviolet light. The observed responses are compared to the standard responses of known real or fake beads to help make accurate judgments. Although this method is a common way how you can tell real pearls, but it requires professional knowledge and relevant experience, again is a limited method.
Acid Test
The acid test is to drop a small amount of acid solution on the surface of the pearl or an inconspicuous place. Observe the reaction of the pearl to the acid. Real pearls are usually calcium structures, which will be dissolved and corroded by acid. Artificial or synthetic pearls usually do not react at all because of their different structures. This method is an extreme method about how you could know if pearls are real. It will damage the pearl itself, so this method is not recommended.
Exposure To Strong Light
Exposure To Strong Light is one of the ways to identify genuine and fake pearls. The pearl is placed under a strong light and the observed response is compared to the standard response of a known real or fake pearl to help make an accurate judgment. This method is not commonly used for how to tell if pearls are real, as it requires relevant experience.
Density Test
Density test requires observing the pearls’ floating and sinking in water. Real pearls are usually denser than water, so they will sink to the bottom of the container; while fake pearls may have a density close to or less than that of water, so they will float on the water or be suspended in the water. Although density test is a simple method, it is still recommended to be performed by professionals.
Echo Test
The echo test is not a common method for authenticating pearls. It identifies pearls by testing for different echoes of genuine and fake pearls and comparing them with specimens. It is almost a very rare test method used on how to tell if pearls are real.
Conclusion
Pearls can be a great way to enhance the wearer’s temperament. However, how to tell if pearls are real is not a easy thing. If you are looking for high-quality pearls, you can choose natural cultured saltwater akoya pearls. This type of pearl is usually more precious and of higher quality, and is a popular choice in pearl jewelry. If you are just worried about buying fake pearls, you can consider cultured pearls. Amandafinejewelry provides you with exquisite pearl jewelry, and customized services are also encouraged. Contact Amanda to choose your fine jewelry.
FAQs About How To Tell If Pearls Are Real
Are cultured pearls real?
Yes, cultured pearls are real pearls. They are formed in oysters or mollusks with human intervention, where a small bead or tissue is inserted to stimulate pearl formation, but they have the same properties as natural pearls.
Are colored pearls real or fake?
Colored pearls can be real or fake. Real pearls come in various natural colors like white, black, pink, and gold, depending on the mollusk species and water conditions. Some pearls are dyed to enhance or change their color, but they are still genuine pearls. Fake pearls are typically made of glass, plastic, or other materials and can be any color.
What is the rarest color of pearls?
The rarest color of pearls is blue, particularly naturally occurring blue pearls. These pearls can be found in certain species like the South Sea and Tahitian oysters, and their color can range from light to deep blue. Other rare pearl colors include gold and purple. The rarity of these colors makes them highly sought after and often more expensive.
How do oysters make colored pearls?
Oysters make colored pearls through a natural process that involves the secretion of nacre, a combination of calcium carbonate and conchiolin, around an irritant or foreign object inside the oyster.
How to tell if freshwater pearls are real?
To tell if freshwater pearls are real, check for a cool touch, gritty texture against teeth, deep luster, slight shape variations, and weight. Also, inspect the drill holes for clean edges. Consulting a jeweler is the most reliable method.
Which method is most recommend to Identify the pearl among the article “How to Tell If Pearls Are Real”?
The most recommended method to identify real pearls are the touch & temperature test, appearance inspection, weight test and water drop test. These tests can help how can you tell if pearls are real and won’t damage the pearls.
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