Pearls are beautiful evergreen objects that have an elegant appeal. They complement all types of outfits and can be worn for various occasions. But, have you ever wondered if the pearl you’re flaunting everywhere is fake?
Pearls are commonly used for making jewellery and decorative pieces, thus making them popular in the counterfeit market. There are several fake pearls that are being sold as real pearls at high prices. Differentiating between a real pearl and a fake one is not easy, especially when you lack experience or have less knowledge about pearls.
So, how can you identify a real pearl? Here are 4 ways that can help you spot authentic pearls.
Real pearls have imperfections
No two pearls are identical. Each piece has some imperfections and differs from other pieces in size, shape, and lustre. That said, the outer layer of a pearl will reflect light differently at different parts and the shape will not be perfectly spherical. If all the pearls you own have the same smooth, round shape, then its definitely a counterfeit one. When buying pearls, look for minor variations in colour and shape to get a genuine pearl.
Real pearls have a cooler sensation
You can spot an authentic pearl by touching it as true pearls have a cooler sensation even when the weather is hot. Fake pearls are warm to touch on hotter days and have a sticky feeling when rolled. The difference can be felt when you touch it for the first time. A real pearl will feel cool but quickly adapt to your body’s temperature when worn. However, a fake pearl will be at room temperature when you first touch it.
Real pearls generate friction when rubbed
As mentioned earlier, genuine pearls don’t have a smooth outer surface because they are made naturally and have imperfections. Take advantage of this feature to find out whether your pearl is real or fake. Gently rub two pearls against each other and notice the friction. If the two pearls generate a little friction, then its because of nacre (the outer coating of pearls) which is not perfectly smooth. However, if the two pearls don’t give a sensation of
friction, that’s a big clue that they are not authentic.
Real pearls have a clear outer nacre layer
If you have a pearl necklace, then the authenticity of those pearls can be checked by looking at the drill hole in them. The outer coating of the pearls (nacre) is clear in real pearls whereas fake pearls have a thin coat of artificial nacre or paint. Observe the drill hole carefully. If you see chipped paint around the drill holes, you have a counterfeit pearl in your hand. On the other hand, if the pearl is real, it will have a noticeable line separating nacre from the inside part of the pearl.
Use these helpful tips to find out whether your pearl is natural or artificial. These tests are easy to apply and give good results. However, if you want to be completely sure, contact a certified jewellery expert and get your pearls appraised.