How to Tell If a Pearl Is Real: Expert Tips to Spot Genuine Pearls

Pearls have long been cherished for their natural beauty and elegance.

In short: Real pearls (natural and cultured) feel slightly gritty when rubbed against a tooth's edge — the nacre's microscopic crystal layers — while plastic and glass imitations feel smooth. Look for tiny surface irregularities, varying shapes, and warm body luster. Real pearls are slightly cool to the touch initially. Top Akoya 7-8mm strands run $400-$2,000; South Sea $2,000-$10,000+.

However, with the market flooded with imitations, distinguishing genuine pearls from fake ones can be a bit tricky.

If you're looking to identify whether your pearls are the real deal, here are some practical methods to guide you.

Understanding Real Pearls

Genuine pearls are formed when an irritant, such as a tiny organism, enters a mollusk, prompting it to secrete layers of nacre around the intruder.

Over time, this process results in the creation of a pearl.

There are two primary types: natural pearls, which form without human intervention, and cultured pearls, which are cultivated with human assistance by introducing an irritant into the mollusk.

Both are considered authentic, but natural pearls are rarer and often more valuable.

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Spotting Fake Pearls

Imitation pearls are man-made beads designed to mimic the appearance of real pearls.

Common materials include glass, plastic, or shell, often coated to resemble the luster of genuine pearls.