Real pearls have a depth and glow that imitations rarely match, but telling them apart isn't always obvious at first glance. Here's what the terms mean and a few simple checks you can try at home.
Natural, Cultured and Imitation Pearls
- Natural pearls form inside a mollusk without any human help. They are extremely rare, and most are found in antique jewelry.
- Cultured pearls are real pearls grown by a living mollusk after a pearl farmer starts the process. Almost all real pearls sold today are cultured.
- Imitation pearls are made from glass, plastic or shell beads with a pearly coating. They are not grown by a mollusk.
Every pearl in our collection is a genuine cultured freshwater pearl.
1. Look for Small Differences
Real pearls are grown, not molded, so a strand usually shows slight differences in shape, size and tone from pearl to pearl. A strand of perfectly identical beads is often a sign of imitation pearls.
2. Check the Luster
Luster is the way light reflects from a pearl's surface. Real pearls tend to show a soft, deep glow with reflections that seem to come from within. Imitations often look glassy or flat.
3. Look for Overtone
Many real pearls show a faint secondary color, such as pink, cream or silver, when you tilt them in the light. Imitation coatings usually look like a single, even color.
4. Try the Gentle Tooth Test
Lightly rub a pearl against the edge of your front tooth. Real pearls usually feel slightly gritty because of their layered surface, while most imitations feel smooth. Be gentle, and remember this test isn't definitive.
5. Inspect the Drill Hole
Look closely at the edge of the drill hole. On imitation pearls, the coating can chip or peel around the hole. On real pearls, the edge usually looks clean.
6. Notice the Weight and Temperature
Real pearls often feel cool when you first touch them and have a pleasant heft. Plastic imitations tend to feel light and warm up quickly. This check is only a rough guide.
When You Need Certainty
At-home checks can point you in the right direction, but only a gemological laboratory can confirm whether a pearl is natural or cultured. For valuable or antique pieces, ask a qualified gemologist.
Caring for Real Pearls
Pearls are softer than most gemstones. Put them on last, wipe them after wear, and store them separately. Read our freshwater pearl care guide for more tips, or browse our pearl and gemstone jewelry.
