Real vs. Fake Pearls: How to Spot the Difference in 5 Seconds
Are your pearls real or fake? Learn the Tooth Test and other simple ways to identify authentic cultured pearls from imitation glass or plastic.
Our team of certified gemologists and jewelry experts provides in-depth analysis to help you make informed purchasing decisions.
Real vs. Fake Pearls: How to Spot the Difference in 5 Seconds
You found an old pearl necklace at an estate sale, or maybe you were gifted a strand years ago and are finally curious: Are these real?
In the world of pearls, "Real" usually refers to either Cultured (farmed) or Natural (wild) pearls. "Fake" refers to man-made imitations made of glass, plastic, or shell.
Here is the good news: You don't need a lab to tell them apart. You just need your teeth.
The 5-Second Tests
- •The Tooth Test: Real pearls feel gritty like sand. Fake pearls feel smooth like glass.
- •The Temperature Test: Real pearls feel cold to the touch initially. Fakes warm up fast (plastic) or match room temp.
- •The Shape Test: Real pearls are rarely perfect spheres. Fakes are often identical factory-made balls.
The #1 Method: The Tooth Test
This sounds strange, but it is the most reliable way to identify a pearl without tools.
- Take the pearl and rub it lightly against the cutting edge of your front tooth.
- If it feels Gritty / Sandy: It is likely REAL. Real pearls are made of thousands of layers of aragonite crystals, which feel like fine sandpaper.
- If it feels Smooth / Glassy: It is likely FAKE. Imitation pearls are usually coated glass or plastic, which feels slippery.
Note: Be gentle. You don't need to bite it!
Visual Tests (No Touching Required)
If you are in a store and can't put the pearls in your mouth (please don't), use your eyes.
1. The Surface Test Real pearls are made by nature, and nature isn't perfect. Look closely under a bright light.
- Real: You will likely see tiny blemishes, bumps, or variations in the surface.
- Fake: The surface will be perfectly smooth and uniform, like a polished marble.
2. The Drill Hole Test Look at where the string enters the pearl.
- Real: The edges are usually sharp and well-defined.
- Fake: You might see "chipped paint" or a ragged edge where the coating has flaked off around the hole.
3. The Shape Test Roll the pearls on a flat surface.
- Real: Unless they are extremely high-end ($$$), real pearls are rarely perfectly round. They might wobble slightly.
- Fake: They will roll perfectly evenly because they are factory-molded spheres.
Grading the "Real": Cultured vs. Natural
It is important to clarify what "Real" means.
- Wild/Natural Pearls: Formed by accident in the wild. Extremely rare and expensive (Museum pieces).
- Cultured Pearls: Farmed by humans who insert a nucleus to start the process. This is what 99.9% of "Real" pearls on the market are today.
- Imitation Pearls: Man-made beads.
Popular Fake Pearl Brands to Know
Not all fakes are "scams." Some are sold as high-end costume jewelry.
- Majorca (Mallorca): Famous high-quality glass pearls from Spain. They are beautiful but not real.
- Swarovski Crystal Pearls: A crystal core with a pearlescent coating. Very durable and uniform, perfect for fashion jewelry.
- Shell Pearls: Made from pulverized mother-of-pearl dust glued together. They share the same chemical composition as real pearls but are man-made.
Where to Buy Guaranteed Real Pearls
If you want the real deal—pearls that will hold their value and last for generations—avoid the "fashion jewelry" aisle. Stick to reputable jewelers who specialize in cultured pearls.
About this guide
Written by the TheCaratCut Editorial Team. Our recommendations follow our editorial policy, and we may earn commissions through affiliate links. See our affiliate disclosure.