Adding pearls to a piece of jewelry is beautiful and timeless.It is difficult to tell if the pearls are real or fake due to their age and the fact that they were not bought new with certifications.There are ways to inspect pearls in vintage jewelry without taking them to a jeweler.Techniques to inspect the look and feel of pearls are the best way to identify them.
Step 1: There are rings around the drill hole.
There are no rings or ridges around a drill hole for a fake pearl.You can use a magnifying glass to look at the drill hole.The pearls are likely fake if the holes are smooth.
Step 2: Examine for differences in size and color.
A string of fake pearls is usually the same color and size.There will be differences in real pearls.The pearls have variations in size and color.The differences should be noticeable.
Step 3: Look at the shape of the pearl.
A pearl that is perfectly round will sell for a very high price.A typical pearl won't be perfect.It could be shaped like an oval or a round pearl.A string of pearls is likely not real.
Step 4: Take the pearls out of your hand.
You may not be able to hold the pearls on your own.The weight can be used to determine if a pearl is real or fake.A set of pearls should be big in your hand.There is a set of fake pearls.
Step 5: Rub the pearls with your fingers.
Real pearls have texture, along with deviations in size and shape.You can make fake pearls feel smooth by rubbing them between your fingers.There are small bumps and flaws in real pearls.
Step 6: You can feel the pearls with your teeth.
If you want to identify a real pearl, rub the pearls over the bottom edge of your tooth.A real pearl has a light shine to it.A pearl made of plastic or glass is smooth.A fake pearl will feel similar to a polished nail.
Step 7: Feel like you're cool.
A set of real pearls will be cool no matter what the temperature is.They should feel cool even if they don't feel cold.There is a sticky feeling when you roll fake pearls around in your hand.
Step 8: There is a light on the pearl.
There are real pearls with depth and luster.Light does not reflect light from fake pearls.The fake pearls will appear shallow.If you want to shine a flashlight on the pearls, take them to a well-lit room.If they reflect the light well, they are probably real.
Step 9: There are onion-skin-type layers.
There are onion-skin-type layers inside a real pearl.If the pearl has a hole from where it was drilled, use a flashlight and 10x magnification to shine it inside of the hole.The layers should be looked for.There won't be any layers if it's fake.A regular magnifying glass can be used.
Step 10: The pearls should be x-rayed.
A sure way to identify pearls is to have them x-rayed.If the pearls have onion-like layers, an x-ray will show it.It's possible to get an x-ray done for a fee if you ask your doctor, dentist, or vet.The x-ray will show if the pearl is cultured or natural.A bead can be seen in an x-ray.