However, there are many convincing fake pearls on the market that distinguishing between the real deal and the fake ones can be very difficult for the average consumer. Just like how diamonds are grown in a lab, pearls are now harvested in large farms where ‘farmers’ raise their oysters. Whether you decide to buy natural, cultured or fake pearls, is entirely up to you. The only difference in the process is that the pearl farmer carefully embeds the irritant in the oyster and then lets the oyster do its work. The difference is that pearl farmers have initiated the process of forming a Cultured Pearl, whereas Natural Pearls started growing by chance in the wild. Natural & Cultured Pearls Natural and Cultured pearls are both real pearls, grown by the same animals. So, if a freshwater pearl is cultured, then it can cost less than a natural freshwater pearl. Saltwater pearls can be black (Tahitian) and gold (Golden South Sea) although they typically come in varieties of white. An imitation pearl today, may not have the same features as a counterfeit pearl a couple of years ago. It can take roughly up to 6 years for a natural pearl to form. Freshwater Pearls. In short, perfection is a key indicator that your pearls aren’t quite real. These vendors often provide a certificate of authenticity to ensure that the pearls meet the standards and expectations you have of them. These pearls are created the old fashioned way, but with a little assistance from man. Momme weight. Freshwater pearls are the closest in pearl composition that you can get to a natural pearl formed on its own in the wild. Genuine pearls are quite pricey and what could be worse than spending all that money only to find out you were sold fake pearls! Selling Your Pearls Jackie Kennedy's much-loved triple strand of glass pearls went for over US$200,000 at auction in 1996. In general, if the surface is grainy, the pearl is real and if the texture is eggshell-like with a rugged look, the pearl is an imitation. Even a strand of freshwater pearls, the most affordable variety of cultured pearls, can cost up to $2000. Real pearls reflect light and appear to glow. Saltwater pearls from oysters and freshwater pearls from molluscs are the two main types of cultured pearls in production. We often have affiliate partnerships, and may generate some revenue from these links at no cost to you. Pearls from freshwater are not always round and white. If the pearl bounces back up more than 1 foot, it is most likely real, as imitation pearls’ rebound height is much lower. In order to do this, ensure that you have sought out a reputable jeweler. These are primarily sourced in China. When you are buying pearls, beware of cultured pearls as many of the so-called natural pearls today are in reality cultured pearls. These pearls usually have thicker nacre (mother-of-pearl outer coating), so they are not very glossy. If you observe carefully, you’ll notice that natural pearls have little fingerprint-like ridges on the surface, and other flaws such as blemishes. If budget is a concern, stick to imitation pearls. FACT: While observing pearls under a magnifier, specialists can easily tell whether they are a fake or a real gem. Because pearls are found in a range of different colors, and not just white, the overtones are different based on the color of the pearl. This is because it has small ridges on its surface. These are then coated in some substance that makes them appear like pearls, such as powdered mother-of-pearl, synthetic or natural pearl essence or plastic. The most commonly used are glass, ceramic, shell and plastic beads. Fake pearls are often very light, especially plastic or ceramic ones, while glass pearls often feel heavier than real pearls. But gorgeous gems like Freshwater Pearls make stunning jewelry pieces such as timeless stud earrings, complete with very attractive price tags. Counterfeit pearl products change over time. You may have heard that pearls are an organic gemstone. Pearl Surface Quality: The Gritty Feeling, How Much Are Pearls Worth? A real pearl should bounce about 13 or 14 inches high, whereas an imitation pearl’s bounce will typically be much lower. Tahitian Pearls Surface: Durable and Lustrous, Tahitian Pearl Shapes: It’s Not Just About Being Round, Tahitian Pearl Size Chart: Where Size Truly Matters, South Sea Pearl Harvesting: A Tedious Process, South Sea Cultured Pearls: Beauty On its Own, South Sea Pearl Value Depends on Size and Luster. The oyster then begins to create the pearl to combat the irritant. This might seem strange, but it’s one of the best ways to tell if your pearl is real. Freshwater pearls are real, cultured pearls, grown in lakes, rivers, as well as ponds. If you have two pearls, rub them gently against each other. With the increased number of online pearl stores, no wonder you question yourself more than once whether the pearls you want to buy are real. Fake pearls may flake paint but won’t produce powder. Fake pearls are smooth and perfect without flaws. The real differentiator is the environment in which they are made, either freshwater or saltwater. Counterfeit pearls don’t react to hydrochloric acid. Because they’re nucleated with a piece of tissue, most freshwater pearls are baroque in shape. A pearl is formed when an irritant, such as a piece of shell or fish scales, gets imbedded between the mollusc and the shell. Because they look beautiful on just about anybody, pearls can be found in almost every woman’s jewelry collection. You can unsubscribe at any time. I will never give away, trade or sell your email address. This means that unlike stones such as diamonds or sapphires, pearls come from an organic source – mollusc animals. From the two, freshwater pearls are more affordable as it is much easier to … Freshwater Pearls. If the pearl is a faux gem, then the surface will feel smooth. Fine Jewellery Auctions Online – A Handy Guide, 15 Stylish Pearl Necklace Designs to Wow You, A Complete Guide to Industrial Piercings (with Pics). Cultured Pearls Versus Freshwater Pearls | Pearls Shown Above are All Freshwater Throughout history, pearls have been treasured in practically every civilization imaginable. Amazon boasts an extensive range of pearl jewelry to suit all tastes, styles and budgets. Counterfeits may have a weight that is ridiculously small or an exaggerated heavyweight. Real pearls often have an overtone color, which refers to the slight color that is visible when touched by light. That’s right, the pearls from pearl parties are inserted into oysters just before packaging. In other words, there is no real difference when comparing cultured freshwater pearls vs. freshwater pearls. 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