Imitation pearls have gotten better, but real nacre still gives itself away. Here is how to check before you buy.
1. The tooth test
Rub a pearl lightly against the edge of your front tooth. Real nacre feels gritty, like fine sandpaper. Glass and plastic feel perfectly smooth.
2. Look for imperfection
Real pearls vary — slightly different shapes, tiny surface marks, subtle color shifts along the strand. Flawless uniformity at a low price is the clearest sign of a fake.
3. Temperature
Real pearls feel cool when you first pick them up and warm to your skin within seconds. Plastic is room temperature immediately.
4. Weight and drill holes
Real pearls have a satisfying heft. Look into the drill hole: nacre shows a clean edge, while imitations often show flaking coating over a visible bead or a plastic core.
5. Luster with depth
Real nacre reflects light from beneath the surface, so the shine has depth and your reflection is slightly soft. Faux pearls shine flatly, like painted beads.
Buying knotted strands with sterling silver findings from a seller who states the pearl type, size and treatment is still the simplest protection there is.
