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Introduction
Pearls have always been a symbol of timeless beauty, elegance, and grace. But in today’s market, knowing whether your pearl necklace is truly authentic or just a convincing fake is more important than ever. If you’ve ever asked yourself, “How can you tell if a pearl necklace is real?” — you’re not alone. Let’s dive into the classic signs and expert tips to help you identify the real deal.
1. The Surface: Look for Imperfections
One of the easiest ways to tell if a pearl is real? Look closely. Real pearls, whether cultured or natural, will never be completely perfect. Their surface usually has:
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Slight ridges
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Small blemishes or dimples
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Unique overtones (a faint rainbow-like shimmer)
Fake pearls often look too perfect — smooth, shiny, and identical.
2. The Tooth Test (Yes, It’s a Thing!)
This old-school trick works surprisingly well:
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Gently rub the pearl against the edge of your tooth.
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A real pearl will feel gritty or sandy due to its layered nacre.
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A fake pearl (usually glass or plastic) will feel smooth and slippery.
It’s not glamorous, but it works.
3. Check the Weight and Temperature
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Real pearls tend to feel cool when first touched, then warm up.
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They’re also slightly heavier than fakes made of plastic or resin.
If your necklace feels light and always room-temperature, it might be synthetic.
4. Do Real Pearl Necklaces Have Knots?
Yes — and that’s a sign of quality craftsmanship. High-end real pearl necklaces are usually knotted between each pearl. This does two things:
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Prevents pearls from rubbing and damaging each other
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Protects you from losing all the pearls if the necklace breaks
If you see no knots, it’s either a low-quality string job or a sign the pearls may be fake.
5. Examine the Drill Holes
Take a peek where the string goes through the pearl. In real pearls:
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The drill hole is usually very small and clean.
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You may see some chipping, but the interior is not perfectly white.
Fake pearls often have larger holes, and you’ll see the paint or coating chipping around the edges.
6. Ask for Documentation
If you’re buying from a reputable jeweler or store, they should be able to give you:
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A certificate of authenticity
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Details on whether the pearls are freshwater or saltwater
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Grading information for size, luster, and shape
If someone avoids giving you paperwork, that’s a red flag.
7. What About Price?
A real pearl necklace isn’t cheap. If the price feels too good to be true — it probably is. For instance:
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A strand of genuine freshwater pearls may start around $100–$300.
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Saltwater varieties like Akoya or South Sea pearls can go well above $1000 depending on size and quality.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to buying real pearl necklaces, trust your eyes, your hands — and your instincts. Now that you know how to tell if a pearl necklace is real, you’ll be able to shop smarter and avoid costly mistakes.
Want to explore real, hand-knotted pearl necklaces crafted with care?