Valuable pearls are nature’s gift to mankind. Their splendor and vibrancy can amaze you every single time. As pearls originate from the ocean, they reflect the ocean’s exquisite beauty and tranquility. Also, they are radiant, graceful, and timeless. You can accessorize pearl jewelry easily with everything from pretty dresses to formal pantsuits. Before you begin your search for pearl jewelry, it is essential for you to know that the pearl you are looking at is real or fake. The knowledge of the same beforehand can ensure a successful shopping experience.
What are Real Pearls?
A real pearl is a hard and shiny gem that comes from oysters or shelled mollusks. The one that forms naturally is a natural pearl, and the one that develops with human intervention is known as a cultured pearl. But both are original as they follow the same process. The only difference is that in cultured pearls, the irritant is placed by humans. Due to the rarity of natural pearls, almost all pearls on the market today are cultured. And only these two are considered the authentic ones.
What are Fake Pearls?
Fake pearls, faux pearls, imitation pearls, lab-made pearls, or synthetic pearls are some of the names for artificial pearls. These are man-made beads, manufactured from glass, shell, ceramic, and plastic. The objects have a coating that gives them the appearance of real pearls. A Majorica pearl is a very well-known fake pearl which is made out of glass and can often fool your eyes.
The Difference Between the Real and the Fake Pearls
We have listed a few of the essential factors that you should consider while making your choice. The shape and size of pearls and the subtle, but noticeable dissimilarities in texture and temperature, below, are some of the most effective ways to tell the difference.
1. Real Pearls are Heavy
Holding real pearls will feel heavier in comparison to holding faux pearls. You can toss them gently and check the weight difference. But this method is not 100% accurate now because there are technologies used for manufacturing pearls. Because of this, many faux pearls feel just as heavy as the real gems. Pearls made of shell or solid glass beads feel heavy like real pearls, but plastic-made pearls will immediately feel very light.
2. Real Pearls have Irregular Shape
One of the first things that you should assess is the shape of the pearl. We think perfectly round pearls are the best ones, but this is not true. You will find natural pearls are rarely round. But manufactured pearls made of glass, composite, plastic, or shell are very round. When shopping for pearl jewelry, examine the pearls with a magnifying glass; if they appear perfectly round and symmetrical to your eyes, the pearl is most likely a fake.Real pearls, in most cases, will display small asymmetries and non-spherical shapes like ovals or elongated. While some natural pearls can be as close to perfectly round as possible, round pearls come at a hefty price as compared to pearls of other shapes.
3. Real Pearls Are Never Identical
No two pearls look the same. Natural pearls are imperfectly perfect as they vary in luster, size, and color. This makes it easy to tell if you are looking at a fake pearl or a real pearl. The gems in a fake pearl necklace will be the same size, tone, weight, and radiance as the real thing.
4. Real Pearls Have Gritty Texture
Real and fake pearls are quite different in texture. Speaking precisely, real pearls come with slight ridges and faux pearls have a smooth and crease-free texture. With bare eyes, you might not be able to see the wrinkly texture, but with the tooth test, you can easily see. For this assessment, the tooth test is suggested, where you have to take one or two pearls between your thumb and forefinger and press them gently into the biting edge of your front teeth. Lightly rub them against the front of your teeth and not against the edge. If the pearl is real (natural or cultured), it should feel rough or gritty in texture. On the other hand, glass or plastic-made pearls will be almost perfectly smooth and slippery. This is a good indicator of imitation pearls.
5. Real Pearls Radiate More
Another evaluation that you can do to solve your dilemma is to do a sunshine test. The radiance of real pearls cannot be replicated, and their reflective qualities set them completely apart from fake pearls. Exposing your pearls to the bright sun will let you know whether they radiate brightly or not. A jewelry piece that features pearls that look sharp white in the sun is most likely fake pearl jewelry. A necklace or pair of earrings that come with some color variations and are subtle yellowish or pinkish will most likely be the real thing.
6. Real Pearls Are Colder to Touch
Real pearls are cold to the touch, irrespective of the weather. Fake pearls will likely feel warmer and stay at room temperature. Real pearls will initially feel cooler, but they will later adjust to the temperature of the wearer’s body. Owing to technology, some great quality fake pearls imitate the thermic properties of real pearls. Faux pearls made of glass beads are cool to the touch and take some time to warm up to your skin. It takes even longer than real pearls.
7. Real Pearls Have Knots
In order to protect highly expensive and precious pearl jewelry, vendors tie the tiny knots made out of silk or microfiber strands. The knots protect the pearls in pearl necklaces from breaking. Keeping this in mind, don’t be fooled by knots – there are many high-quality fake pearl necklaces out there that come with knots. However, you probably won’t be able to find any real pearl necklaces without these little protective ties. For the best assessment, always make sure to test the pearls using at least three methods, including shape, radiance, and texture.
8. Real Pearls Feature Drill Holes
Real pearls have smaller drill holes. Jewelry designers take great care to retain their beauty, and that’s why they drill the small holes as delicately as possible. Real pearls have tidy holes that are free of cracks and discoloration, whereas imitation pearls have damaged paint around the drill hole. By closely looking at the finish, it will be easy for you to assess the quality of the pearly jewelry.
The market has a wide range of pearl jewelry in the form of pearl necklaces, pearl dangles and stud earrings, and pearl rings. Pearls are timeless, elegant, and very chic. They can beautifully elevate any outfit. But make sure you know which pearl you are buying, a real or faux one. With Rosec Jewels, you can be sure of their superior quality and modish designs.
