Delving into a sea of pearl jewelry can feel as enigmatic as diving for these precious gems themselves.

However, the question that will likely knock at your curiosity’s door is whether these shiny pearls are real or fake. 

To add to your pearl prowess, this blog will guide you on a riveting journey of 'Testing Pearls.' 

From determining 'Real Pearls' from their deceptive counterparts, 'Fake Pearls,' to identifying 'Genuine Pearls' hidden in your collection, we've got you covered. 

So, come along as we untangle the knotted string of knowledge to your shiny pearl treasures. 

What Is a Real Pearl?

A pearl, in essence, is an exquisite gem formed within the soft tissue of a living shelled mollusk, typically an oyster or a mussel.

Natural Pearls are rare gems created without human intervention.

When an irritant invades an oyster, it retaliates by coating the intruder with layers of nacre, producing these spontaneous pearls.

Like an uninvited guest at a party, the oyster makes the best of an awkward situation, and voila – a pearl!

On the other hand, we have 'Cultured Pearls.'

These pearls are cultivated by humans who carefully introduce a nucleus into the mollusk, mimicking the natural process.

They're found across the globe, from China's freshwater rivers to Tahiti and Japan's saltwater farms.

In terms of location, our glistening friends favor warm sea waters, coastal lagoons, and rivers.

The geography impacts their size, shape, and color, making each pearl as unique as a fingerprint.

So, whether your pearls are cultured in cloistered farms or the product of chance meetings between oysters and intruders, each pearl carries a tale of struggle, adaptation, and unparalleled beauty.

What Is a Fake Pearl?

Fake pearls, or imitation or artificial pearls, are often crafted from materials like glass, plastic, or coated ceramic, capturing the luster of real pearls without the high price tag.

They are the costume jewelry of the pearl world, created to mimic their more esteemed counterparts.

These replicas can be as round as a well-aimed cannonball, a quality rare in genuine pearls.

So, if you stumble upon a string of flawless, uniformly round pearls at a price that seems too good to be true, be skeptical!

Remember, even in luxury jewelry, perfection can be suspicious.

Moreover, fake pearls tend to have a surface as smooth as a pirate's tall tale, unlike genuine pearls that carry subtle surface ridges akin to the unique imperfections that make us human.

In the end, the charm of pearls lies not just in their beauty but also in their authenticity.

Unraveling the mystery of 'Real vs. Fake Pearls' allows us to appreciate the wonder of these natural gems.

So, clutch your pearls and magnifying glasses closer as we continue our captivating quest.

The Best Ways to Tell if a Pearl Is Fake

It’s time to separate the genuine stars from the glassy extras.

We'll be pearl whisperers, understanding their stories in the minutest detail, from the temperature they maintain to the weight they carry.

Temperature First

The genuine pearls are like the sea from whence they came, starting cool but warming up as they bask in the glow of human contact.

The phonies, however, stay as indifferent as a bored cat at room temperature. So give 'em a little cuddle, and let them reveal their truth.

Pearl Irregularities 

Real pearls aren't ashamed of a few beauty spots. But the fakes? They're like airbrushed magazine covers - too perfect to be true.

The Shape

True pearls are like clouds in the sky, each one different, a testament to their individual journey.

They are the mavericks, refusing to conform to the symmetry that their fake peers do.

Drill Holes 

The real ones often have a little rugged edge around the hole. 

The imposters, in contrast, sport holes as clean and perfect as a freshly pressed suit.

The Weight

Genuine pearls feel satisfyingly solid, like a firm handshake.

They have a certain gravitas.

The frauds, though, feel light and empty.

Try at Home

Finally, we come to the crème de la crème, the tooth test. 

It may sound like a strange dance, but if you waltz with a pearl across your teeth, the real ones will feel as gritty as an old detective novel.

The phonies? 

They'll be smooth and slick, like an overeager salesman. 

But remember, this method isn't as foolproof as you'd think.

It's best used in combination with our other pearl-probing techniques

For instance, check out that string (or silk) that your lovely pearls are collected on.

Have a little peek between the pearls and inspect if the string is tied or knotted. If they do have ties between each ocean gem, it’s likely you have a real set of pearls.

Fake imposters usually find themselves sliding right on to the string with no spacial awareness or they may be held together with mono-filament wire. 

Why? Well, the real pearly deals have a lot to lose by knocking and scraping together.

The ties prevent them from damaging one another. The fake types are hard as nuts and can take the hardship without ruining their aesthetic!

How Can I Ensure I Only Buy Real Pearls?

Seek out reputable sources that have been in the business long enough to know the difference between real and fake. 

Genuine pearls love a good show and tell. 

They come bearing certifications like the X-Ray certificate or the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) approval - the "I'm legit" badge they proudly wear.

Also, keep your ears perked for the price tag. 

Real pearls carry a rich and satisfying melody, not a shrill jingle.

If a deal seems to be humming "Steal of a lifetime," remember, cheap ditties are often out of tune in the pearl world.

Lastly, embrace your inner Sherlock. Inspect, ponder, investigate.

And yes, don’t shy away from the tooth test (after purchase - don’t go chomping in the store!).

Bring out your inner detective because when it comes to pearls, curiosity is not just a virtue; it's a lifestyle.

Pearls Ahoy with Ben Garelick

Why stop at the shore when the vast ocean of pearls awaits us? The real quest lies in turning this pearl wisdom into pearl-wearing splendor.

The Ben Garelick showroom or our online jewelry maestros are your trusty co-captains, ready to guide you through your pearl odyssey. 

We are your very own Pearl Pals, here to navigate the sea of genuine pearls with you. 

No more treading water! 

Plunge headfirst into the dazzling currents of pearl discovery with Ben Garelick. 

Your extraordinary pearl jewelry is just a splash away!

Visit us at our Buffalo, NY store today. Not nearby? Not to worry - chat with our jewelry experts online 24/7, call us at (716) 631-1584, or text (888) 841-5391. Let’s find the perfect ring for you!!

Peter Manka Jr. - Owner at Ben Garelick

Peter Manka Jr. is a passionate member of the family business who joined Ben Garelick in the early 2000s after working in product licensing for Sesame Workshop & The Jim Henson Company for many years. He obtained a degree in diamonds and jewelry from the prestigious Gemological Institute of America (GIA) in order to sharpen his jewelry skills. He takes great pride in providing exceptional customer service and helping clients find the perfect piece of jewelry.