When shopping for pearls, you may wonder about “How to Tell If Pearls Are Real?”. Real pearls are exquisite, but fake ones can often look surprisingly similar. The IAM and its initiatives are taking a step further. In this article, we will look at the various ways to tell if pearls are real. We will also take a look at the uses and benefits of these beautiful gems.

Key Takeaway


  1. Understanding Authenticity: Real pearls feel cool to the touch and retain their coolness longer, while fake pearls feel warm and lose heat quickly. This simple temperature test can help you identify genuine pearls.

  2. Natural Imperfections: Genuine pearls are rarely perfectly round or smooth. Small imperfections and irregularities on their surface are signs of authenticity, unlike flawless imitation pearls.

  3. Color and Shape: Real pearls come in varied, natural colors and irregular shapes, while fake pearls tend to have a more uniform color and perfect roundness. Natural formation gives pearls their unique characteristics.

  4. Testing the Surface and Weight: Rubbing a real pearl against your teeth reveals a slightly gritty texture, and real pearls are denser, feeling heavier than their fake counterparts made of plastic or glass.

What Are Real Pearls?


Real pearls develop naturally inside mollusks like oysters or mussels over a long period of time. The presence of a grain of sand or parasite inside the mollusk’s shell prompts it to secrete nacre, forming a protective coating. Therefore, over a period of time, this buildup occurs, resulting in a pearl. It takes time for a real pearl to form. The time it takes to form a pearl can range from several months to multiple years, depending on the type. 


Unlike imitation pearls which are made from glass or plastic with a coating to give it shine, real pearls have a smooth surface which reflects light. The uniqueness that makes it charming is the fact that it is natural and organic.

What Are Fake Pearls?


Fake pearls are known as imitation pearls. They are man-made pearls that do not come from the same source. The faux pearls are either produced with different components like glass, plastic, or shell. They are also coated with a shiny finish to represent real pearls. They certainly seem real at first glance. However, they do not have the depth, texture, and feel of real pearls.

Touch and Feel the Temperature


One of the simplest methods for ascertaining the authenticity of a pearl is via its temperature. A genuine pearl feels cool to the touch, and it retains its coolness for a while. Most manmade alternatives will lose their coolness very quickly. Therefore, pearls have the ability to stay cool longer. However, Faux pearls will almost always feel warm to the touch. This is because glass or plastic was likely used in their production.

Pearls Are Real

Check for Tiny Irregularities


Real pearls display subtle variations in shape and surface, unlike flawless imitation pearls. You will also find some lumps and ripples (and other irregularities) on the surface of a pearl if examined closely. A few blemishes indicate that the pearl is natural and not man-made. Fake pearls appear whole and flawless. They do not have any bumps or pits, unlike real pearls.

Examine the Colour


The hue of a pearl may reveal a lot about its authenticity. The true pearls may be white, black, golden, pink, or so. Colour is an organic quality of the pearl, which is not just a surface coating. In contrast, imitation pearls tend to have a more uniform colour and less shine, which can look artificial when you shine them under the light.

Observe the Shape


Different shapes do occur in pearls; however, real pearls are mostly slightly asymmetric. The stones are irregular, and that is their character, which is a result of their natural formation. If you find pearls that are perfectly round, they are likely man-made. Yet the cultivated pearls, which grow under controlled conditions, can also be round, but they will still be natural because of the conditions in which they are grown.

Test the Feel of the Surface by Rubbing the Pearls


One of the most effective ways to tell if this pearl is genuine is to rub it on your teeth. Pearls have a slightly gritty or rough texture when rubbed, which comes from the nacre that makes up the pearl. Fake pearls feel smooth and slippery. They sound like glass or plastic when you rub them against your teeth.

The Weight of the World


Real pearls are denser than their fake counterparts. If you have a pair of pearls to compare, you will notice that fake pearls are lighter than real ones. Most of the fake pearls are constructed from light plastic beads or similar materials. If you’re unclear, then the weight difference is a useful indication of whether the pearl is real or fake.

Check for Drill Holes


One of the biggest signs of a fake pearl is the drill hole. The holes in real pearls are irregular and off-centre as they are drilled in order to make them strung. The slight drilling difference is the result of real pearls being organic and natural. Fake pearls will have uniform drill holes that are neat and clean. This is a sign of mass production.

Where to Buy Freshwater Pearls?


Beads of Cambay offers the highest quality of freshwater pearls that you are looking for. Beads of Cambay has an assortment of stunning, authentic freshwater pearls in various shapes and sizes, and in all colours of the rainbow.  Our Freshwater Pearls are handpicked for their superior quality and true perfection. You can directly buy freshwater pearls from our online store and pick your favourite beads out of them. Create amazing jewelry using our pearls, which enhance the beauty of any jewelry you make with them.

In Conclusion


It is important to learn how to know if pearls are real if you are considering buying a fine pearl piece. In the beginning, it may seem like a lot of work to do all these methods on a pearl to gauge its authenticity. But in the end, it will be handy when you actually go shopping for pearls! Genuine pearls are timeless beauties that have been in vogue for centuries. Moreover, you can differentiate a fake from a real pearl with the help of these tips. 


Have more questions related to How To Tell If Pearls Are Real? Contact our support team via email at info@beadsofcambay.com or make a call +1-877-255-5058 to get clarification for all your questions. Beadsofcambay's Expert Support Team will be happy to assist you. To learn more about How To Tell If Pearls Are Real, visit our blog section and get answers to all your questions.


August 14, 2025 — Arun Yadav
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Arun Yadav

Arun Yadav is a distinguished expert in the gemstone industry, with over 18 years of experience honed through his family's legacy in sourcing and manufacturing beads. As the CEO of Beads Of Cambay, Arun combines his deep knowledge of the bead market with innovative strategies to lead the company to new heights. Arun's background includes previous roles at UPS and a BA in Business and Economics from Stony Brook University, equipping him with a robust skill set in E-Commerce, B2B sales, online marketing, brand development, and more. 

Based in Lawrenceville, Arun is a prolific writer and thought leader, sharing his insights and experiences through engaging content that resonates with both industry professionals and consumers. His work not only sets new standards in the gemstone market but also inspires excellence and innovation.

To learn more about Arun Yadav's expertise and stay updated on his latest contributions to the gemstone market, connect with him on LinkedIn, and Facebook. His innovative approach and dedication make him a pivotal figure in the ongoing evolution of the bead and gemstone industry.

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