Imitations made of glass, plastic, or coated shell cores often look deceptively real at first glance. However, with a few simple tests, you can quickly assess whether you have a real pearl before you.
Important to note beforehand: cultured pearls are real pearls. They grow in a shell just like natural pearls – humans simply give them a head start. Almost all pearls sold in jewelry stores today are cultured pearls.
1. The Tooth Test
Gently rub the pearl against the edge of your incisor teeth. Real pearls feel slightly rough or gritty – this is due to the fine layers of nacre. Glass or plastic imitations feel smooth. Afterwards, simply wipe the pearl clean.
2. Temperature
Real pearls feel cool to the touch initially and warm up slowly on the skin. Plastic pearls, on the other hand, quickly reach room temperature.
3. Small Irregularities
Examine the surface closely, preferably with a magnifying glass. Real pearls almost always show tiny imperfections, grooves, or variations in shape and color. Several pearls that look exactly alike are a sign of an imitation.
4. Luster
Real pearls have a depth of luster – light is reflected by many layers. Imitations often have a uniform, more superficial shine, sometimes almost like lacquer.
5. The Drill Hole
With drilled pearls, it is worth taking a look at the edge of the hole. On real pearls, it is usually clean. On coated imitations, you will often see chipped lacquer or a differently colored core.
6. Weight
Real pearls feel slightly heavier than plastic pearls for their size. Glass pearls, however, can be similarly heavy – so this test only works in combination with the others.
What You Should Avoid Testing
You should avoid tips such as "heating with a lighter" or "scratching with a knife". They permanently damage real pearls. For valuable jewelry, a gemmologist or jeweler can provide definitive certainty.
Our Pearls
At The Uniquora, we use exclusively real freshwater and baroque pearls. Because every pearl grows differently, each piece is a small unique creation – for example, the baroque pearl drop earrings, the Infinity pearl studs, or the double-strand baroque pearl bracelet. You can find all pieces in our real pearl jewelry.