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How to Tell a Real Pearl From a Fake
Pearls have been treated as something rare for about as long as people have worn jewelry, so it is no surprise fakes exist too. There are a few reliable ways to check whether the piece in front of you is the real thing.
You can check a pearl three ways: by eye, by touch, and, if you really need certainty, in a lab.
Visual Examination
- Color: Real pearls commonly appear in different and natural colors such as white, cream, pink, and black. In fake pearls, besides these natural colors, many different artificial colors can be encountered.
- Luster: One of our biggest helpers in distinguishing real pearls is the luster of the pearl. A real pearl has a natural shine, resembling a reflective surface. Fake pearls have a more matte, plastic-like appearance.
- Surface: Due to the formation process of pearls, it is not possible for real pearls to have a completely smooth and flawless surface. Fake pearls often appear flawless and smooth.
Tactile Examination
- Temperature: When you touch real pearls, they usually feel colder. Fake pearls, especially those made of plastic, tend to feel warmer.
- Weight: A real pearl is much heavier compared to a fake pearl.
- Tooth Test: Another method that can be used to distinguish real and fake pearls is the tooth test. When you rub a real pearl against your tooth, it feels rough. For fake pearls, it's the opposite.
Laboratory Tests
There are several laboratory tests that can confirm a pearl beyond doubt. Touch and sight get you most of the way there, but a lab test is the only way to be completely certain. If you would like to see real pearls up close, our pearl necklaces and pearl earrings are handmade in our own atelier in Istanbul.
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