Are you thinking about purchasing a pearl necklace, earrings or ring, but worried about whether the pearls are real or fake? It's a common concern, as fake pearls can be difficult to distinguish from the real thing. In this blog post, we'll go over some key ways to tell whether a pearl is real or fake, so you can be confident in your purchase.

Surface

One of the easiest ways to tell whether a pearl is real is to look at its surface. Real pearls have a slightly rough or bumpy texture, while fake pearls are often perfectly smooth. This is because real pearls are formed over time as layers of nacre, a substance secreted by oysters and other mollusks, build up around a foreign object, such as a grain of sand. The nacre layers have a slightly irregular texture, which gives real pearls their characteristic bumpy surface. Fake pearls, on the other hand, are usually made of glass or plastic, which have a smooth surface.

Weight

Another way to tell whether a pearl is real is to check its weight. Real pearls are denser than fake pearls, so they will feel heavier for their size. This is because real pearls are made of a combination of nacre and the foreign object around which they form, while fake pearls are made of lighter materials such as glass or plastic.

Luster

The luster of a pearl is another key factor in determining its authenticity. Real pearls have a high, lustrous shine, while fake pearls may have a dull or plastic-like appearance. This is because the layers of nacre in real pearls reflect light differently than the surface of a fake pearl. To get a good sense of a pearl's luster, hold it up to a light source and move it around to see how the light reflects off its surface.

Colour

The colour of a pearl can also be a clue to its authenticity. Real pearls come in a range of colours, including white, cream, pink, and black, and the colour can vary depending on the type of mollusk that produced the pearl, as well as the conditions in which it was formed. Fake pearls, on the other hand, are often uniform in colour and may appear too bright or synthetic.

Setting

If the pearl is set in a piece of jewellery, such as a necklace or ring, you can also examine the setting to see if it is high quality and well-made. Fake pearls are often set in low-quality settings, so if the setting looks cheap or poorly made, it could be a sign that the pearl is fake.

Tooth Test

Finally, you can conduct what is known as the "tooth test" to determine the authenticity of a pearl. Gently rub the pearl against the front of your teeth. Real pearls will feel slightly gritty, while fake pearls will feel smooth. This is because the rough surface of a real pearl provides a bit of resistance when it is rubbed against the teeth, while the smooth surface of a fake pearl does not.

While these tests can be helpful in determining whether a pearl is real or fake, it's important to note that they are not foolproof. If you are unsure about the authenticity of a pearl, it is best to consult a jeweller or a certified gemologist. These professionals have the expertise and equipment to accurately assess the authenticity of a pearl.