How to Tell If a Pearl is Real
Don’t be fooled at – find out if you're looking at the genuine article.
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You Will Need
- Teeth
- Another pearl
- A magnifying glass
- A jeweler's loupe
- Sunlight or bright lights
- Professional jeweler
Steps
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Step 1
Use your teeth
Scrape the pearl across your front teeth. Real pearls typically feel gritty or slightly rough, while fakes will likely feel smooth.
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Step 2
Test for friction
Rub one pearl against another lightly. If you feel a sandy friction, then they are probably real.
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Step 3
Magnify them
Using a magnifying glass or a jeweler's loupe, examine the pearl’s surface. Real pearls look scaly; imitations look grainy.
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Step 4
Check for flaws
Check for flaws in the surface and shape of the pearl. Real pearls usually have imperfections.
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Look at a strand of pearls carefully. If the pearls seem uniform in size, color, or shape, it is likely the pearls are not real.
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Step 5
Perform a sunlight test
Take the pearls into the sunlight or hold them under bright lights. Real pearls will reveal a colorful luster that shifts as they move.
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Step 6
X-ray the pearl
Have the pearls x-rayed by a jewelry expert. This may cost you, but knowing for sure may be worth it.
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Did you know? It may take as long as six years before a cultured pearl is ready to harvest.
