How to Test if Pearls are Real
- 1). The Tooth Test: Though this is not always reliable, you can rub the side of a pearl with your tooth. The surface of a real pearl feels rough and a faux pearl feels smooth.
- 2). The Sun Test: A more reliable test, this one requires taking your pearls into the sun. A real pearl shows variations in color and reflective quality, whereas a fake one is more uniform in color.
- 3). The Magnification Test: Look at your pearls under a microscope or strong magnifying glass. Irregularities should be present in the surface of the pearl if they are real.
- 4). The X-ray Test: The most advanced option is to have a certified gemologist examine your pearls. As in the previous two tests,an x-ray will show variations in density, and simulated pearls show uniformity.
- 5). Wear them. Fake pearls will show wear over time. Real pearls will not. This means they lose their shine and slightly change shape (if you wear them a lot), though this will be a discrete change.