To tell if pearls are real, perform the tooth test (real pearls feel gritty, fake ones smooth), check for irregularities (real pearls aren't perfectly uniform, fake ones often are), feel their temperature and weight (real pearls are cool to the touch and feel heavier), and examine the drill holes (real ones have crisp edges, fake ones may show buildup). Real pearls have a deep luster with overtones, while fakes have a glassy shine.
In water, pearls do not float.
Microscopic Analysis. A jeweler may also use a microscope to examine the pearl's surface and internal structure. Under magnification, the natural crystalline structure of nacre is visible in real pearls, while fake pearls will lack this texture.
How To Tell If Pearls Are Real
Fake pearls made out of glass or plastic are worth literally nothing.
Imitation pearls might have a magnetic core, but genuine pearls are made from organic material that does not respond to magnets.
It was Jackie Kennedy who said 'pearls are always appropriate,' meaning that they suit all occasions and all outfits. Indeed pearls are still worn by many brides on their wedding days and feature in most jewellers' windows today.
The shine, or luster, of a pearl is what makes it so unique. Real pearls have a bright luster, so they should clearly shine when exposed to light. If the pearl is dull, it's fake.
The most expensive pearl colors are often deep, rich hues like Golden South Sea (especially 24k deep gold), rare Peacock Tahitian (dark green/blue/purple overtones), and intensely pink or pink-overtoned White South Sea pearls, with value heavily depending on rarity, luster, size, and lack of blemishes, rather than just the base color itself. While white and black are common, specific, saturated, and rare overtones within these categories command the highest prices.
This is not a foolproof test because good fake pearl necklaces will have knots. Just know that real pearls will never be strung without knots.
Pearls are believed to offer protection and security, fostering a sense of calm and reassurance in the wearer. They help to balance emotions, reducing stress and anxiety. Traditionally associated with purity and innocence, pearls encourage honesty, wisdom and personal integrity.
Look for tiny irregularities
When you examine real pearls closely or under magnification, you'll notice tiny irregularities and ridges on each pearl's surface. In a strand of cultured pearls, you can always see very tiny differences between them, even when they are top quality and well matched.
Diana's love for pearls started early in her life. While her school friends often wore diamond studs, the future princess usually chose pearls. At the age of 15, Lady Diana Spencer was first seen wearing a pair of simple pearl earrings; she wore them as a bridesmaid at her sister's wedding.
People with strong or negative Mars, Saturn, or Rahu in their horoscope should avoid wearing pearls. Pearl also doesn't go well with gemstones like Gomed (Hessonite), Lehsunia (Cat's Eye), or Neelam (Blue Sapphire). If you're unsure, always get your horoscope checked before wearing a pearl stone.
“A woman needs ropes and ropes of pearls.” - Coco Chanel.
The sad reality is that old, second-hand cultured pearls aren't worth a lot. There's no obvious place to sell them and you won't get much from a jeweller or by putting them on eBay. Our advice is to keep them as a memento or give them to someone who'll appreciate them.
Pearl jewellery and pearls are not traded like gold or silver. They are considered elite gemstones and do not have a high resale value, at least as of now. Used pearl jewellery, which is sold for higher prices, is usually that which has been worn by celebrities, queens or antique pieces.
The price for a real pearl necklace will range anywhere from $100 to $10,000 and more. A strand of lower quality, small Freshwater pearls, for example, will start right around $100 or so, while the highest quality Hanadama Akoya pearl strands in the largest sizes top out around $10,000 to $11,000.
If you store your pearls in airtight containers or in plastic bags, they won't be able to breathe and are more likely to dehydrate and go yellow. Store your pearls in unbleached cotton, silk, velvet, or Chamois leather. These materials retain moisture from the air, reducing the likelihood of dehydration.