FRESHWATER PEARLS: REAL OR FAKE?
Are they real or fake? How to differentiate a real freshwater pearl to a fake one? Here’s a few basic guides to determine whether or not that strand of pearl that you bought at a fancy boutique is the Real McCoy.
- The good o’l “tooth rub” technique. Rub the pearls lightly across the upper front teeth. (do not bite or swallow it!) If the Pearls feels gritty, rough or sandy. Then, you’ve got a Winner!!! it’s a real freshwater or natural pearl. However, if the pearls feels smooth and just slides through your teeth. most likely, you’ve got a fake.
- Examine the surface of the Pearl with a magnifying glass. A real one should appear FINE GRAINED and imitation appears GRAINY.
- Flaws- examine the Pearls for flaws and blemishes. A real one should have at least minimal flaws- If they appear, absolutely perfectly flawless, most likely they are fake pearls.
- Weight- bounce the pearl in your hand- real Pearls feels heavy to hold and fake ones are light or weightless (unless they are made of solid glass beads)