1. Shape and size – Why real pearls are never perfect
Real pearls form naturally within a shell. This makes each pearl unique and usually exhibits slight variations in shape and size. Perfectly round pearls are rare in nature and are particularly valuable.
Tip: If all the pearls in a necklace are exactly the same size and round, they are often synthetic replicas.
For example, freshwater cultured pearls are often slightly irregular and organically shaped. Akoya cultured pearls, on the other hand, are often almost round, but never completely identical.
2. The surface – Natural flaws as a quality feature
Real pearls never have a completely flawless surface. Artificial pearls often appear very smooth and perfect. In contrast, genuine pearls always exhibit small imperfections or fine structures created by the growth process.
Test yourself: Gently rub two pearls together or gently rub them over your front teeth. Real pearls feel slightly rough, while artificial pearls tend to be smooth and slippery.
Example: Despite their high quality, Tahitian pearls have small, natural features, even if their surface appears quite smooth.
3. The shine – multidimensional instead of monotonous
The luster, or shine, of a pearl is crucial to its quality. High-quality pearls reflect light on multiple levels, creating a vibrant and deep appearance. Artificial pearls, on the other hand, usually have only a shallow, artificial shine.
Tip: Look at the pearl under a light source. Real pearls have an intense, multi-layered shimmer, while artificial pearls often appear dull or monotonous.
Example: Cultured pearls such as South Sea or Tahitian pearls are characterized by their particularly intense and multifaceted luster.
4. The temperature test – noticeable difference
A simple test for authenticity is the temperature test. Real pearls initially feel cool and only slowly warm up when exposed to skin heat.
Tip: Take a pearl necklace out of the jewelry box and place it in your palm. If the pearls remain cool for a few seconds, this indicates they are authentic.
Why? Natural pearls are made of dense nacre, which absorbs heat more slowly than plastic or glass.
5. Color nuances – subtle shades as a sign of authenticity
Real pearls often exhibit subtle color nuances and overcolors that can change depending on the light. These subtle shades arise from the interplay of light and nacre.
Tip: Turn the pearls under different lighting conditions. Do you notice subtle color shading? This indicates a real pearl.
Examples:
- White pearls often have a rose, silver or gold shimmer.
- Tahitian pearls often shimmer in shades of blue, green or burgundy.
6. Natural pearls vs. cultured pearls – what's the difference?
Not all genuine pearls occur by chance in nature. Most high-quality pearls today are so-called cultured pearls.
Natural pearls – Extremely rare and valuable: These pearls are created entirely without human intervention. Because this rarely happens, natural pearls are extremely expensive and rarely available.
Cultured pearls – Sustainable quality with human support: Cultured pearls are created by carefully inserting a tiny foreign body (e.g., a small nacre nucleus) into the shell. Over several years, the shell then independently forms layers of nacre around this nucleus, allowing a genuine pearl to develop.
Tip: Cultured pearls are by no means artificial. They form just as naturally as natural pearls, only with initial human assistance.
Example: High-quality cultured pearls such as Akoya, South Sea, or Tahitian pearls are ideal choices if you want to buy genuine, high-quality pearl jewelry.
