Sometimes customers interested in buying pearls are concerned that they won't know the real thing from the imitation. Here are some tests to help you determine if you are looking at well-done "fakes" are genuine pearls. The tooth test The tried-and-true method of determining if a pearl is real is to rub it against your teeth. Real pearls will feel slightly gritty and rough because of the layers of nacre than have formed over time. An imitation pearl will feel smooth and glasslike. That's because the imitations are made by dipping a plastic or glass bead into some sort of paint, sometimes including iridescent fish scales. If you are looking at a strand of pearls at an antique store or estate sale, look carefully at the drill holes. The coating over imitation pearls will fade, chip or even discolor over time. You can easily see chips or flakes around drill holes. Warm versus cool An old wives' tale says that if you hold real pearls in your hand, they'll be cool to the touch for several seconds before warming up. This is not a sure-fire method to check for authenticity. The best way to guarantee you buy real pearls is to always deal with a reputable pearl dealer. |
