Are My Pearls Real? A Simple Guide to Identifying Genuine Pearls
Pearls are timeless, elegant, and cherished pieces of jewellery, but how can you tell if your pearls are real or imitation? Whether you’ve inherited a pearl necklace or purchased a new pair of earrings, this guide will help you determine if your pearls are authentic.
At Jewellery Repairs UK, we specialise in pearl jewellery repairs and evaluations. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through some easy methods to check whether your pearls are the real deal.
1. The Touch Test
One of the simplest ways to determine if your pearls are real is by feeling their temperature. Real pearls tend to feel cool to the touch when you first pick them up, and they will gradually warm to your body temperature. Fake pearls, typically made from glass or plastic, usually feel room temperature right away.
2. The Tooth Test
This classic method involves gently rubbing a pearl against the surface of your tooth. Real pearls will feel gritty due to their layered nacre (the substance that gives pearls their lustre). On the other hand, fake pearls will feel smooth because they’re often made from glass or plastic.
3. Inspect the Shape
Real pearls are rarely perfect in shape. They can be slightly uneven, displaying organic roundness, whereas fake pearls are usually perfectly round. Look closely at the pearls; if they all appear uniform, they might be synthetic.
4. The Lustre Test
Authentic pearls have a deep, rich lustre that reflects light beautifully. If your pearls appear dull or flat in their reflection, they may not be real. A high-quality, real pearl will glow from within.
5. Check for Weight
Genuine pearls have a noticeable weight when held in the palm of your hand. Fake pearls, especially plastic ones, feel very light. Glass imitation pearls might feel heavy but will still lack the genuine touch of real pearls.
6. Look for Flaws
Real pearls naturally have minor imperfections such as slight ridges, dimples, or irregularities on their surface. Fake pearls are often flawless, as they are manufactured to look perfect.
7. Professional Appraisal
If you’re unsure after trying these home tests, we recommend getting a professional appraisal. At Jewellery Repairs UK, we offer expert pearl evaluations. Our jewellers can help you determine whether your pearls are authentic and provide insight into their quality and value.
Are my Pearls Real? – Why Knowing Matters
Knowing whether your pearls are real can impact not only their sentimental value but also their financial worth. Real pearls, especially those from natural or cultured sources, tend to be far more valuable than imitation ones.
Need Help with Your Pearls? Contact Jewellery Repairs UK
At Jewellery Repairs UK, we offer services for pearl restringing, pearl cleaning, and jewellery repairs. If you’re uncertain about the authenticity of your pearls or need them restored, our skilled team can assist you.
Conclusion: Are Your Pearls Real?
Determining whether your pearls are real doesn’t have to be a mystery. With these simple tests and the help of a professional jeweller, you can be confident in your pearls’ authenticity and value.
If you’re still unsure or want expert advice, you can send your pearls to us for a free appraisal . Our experienced jewellers are here to help!
