How to Check if a Pearl is Real or Fake: 7 Easy Tests by Laxminarayan Pearls
“Are my pearls genuine?”
This is a question many first-time buyers ask — and it’s a smart one.
At Laxminarayan Pearls, we believe every customer deserves transparency and confidence in their purchase. Pearls are timeless treasures, and whether you’re buying a simple pendant or an elaborate necklace, you should know how to distinguish between natural beauty and clever imitations.
Below are 7 simple, educational tests anyone can perform to identify whether a pearl is real or fake.
1. The Surface Texture Test: Feel the Grit
A real pearl may look smooth, but under light friction, it should feel slightly gritty or sandy. Try this:
- Rub two pearls together gently, or
- Slide one across your teeth (lightly!)
Real pearls have microscopic ridges formed by layers of nacre. These ridges cause a rough feel.
Fake pearls, usually made of plastic or glass, will glide smoothly and feel slick.
Explore our collection of plain pearl necklaces to experience the genuine texture.
2. Look for Natural Imperfections
Authentic pearls are rarely perfect. Even high-grade pearls can have minor blemishes, such as:
- Tiny pits or ridges
- Slight shape irregularities
- Uneven surface shine
If every pearl in a strand looks flawless and identical, that’s a strong sign you’re looking at machine-made fakes.
Discover our real pearl earrings that celebrate natural uniqueness.
3. Observe Shape and Color Variations
No two natural pearls are 100% alike. Real pearls will vary in:
- Shape: From round to oval to teardrop
- Color: Natural tones may include cream, rose, lavender, or black with hints of green or blue
In contrast, fake pearls are usually uniform in color and shape, often looking too “perfect” to be real.
Browse our plain pearl necklace collection to appreciate the beauty of natural variations.
4. Temperature Sensitivity
Genuine pearls are sensitive to temperature. They should feel cool to the touch at first, then warm up quickly in your hand.
Fake pearls, especially plastic ones, tend to feel room-temperature from the start and take longer to warm up.
Feel the difference in every strand with our plain pearl necklaces.
5. Examine the Drill Holes
Take a close look at where the pearl is drilled (usually for stringing in necklaces or bracelets):
- Real pearls will have neat, small holes with no flaking
- Fake pearls often have chipped edges where the coating has cracked or peeled
Our pearl jewelry is crafted with precision, ensuring clean drill holes and lasting quality.
6. Watch the Luster (Shine)
One of the most defining qualities of a real pearl is its deep, glowing luster. You should see a soft, almost 3D reflection that changes with light.
Fake pearls, by comparison, tend to be:
- Too shiny (like plastic)
- Dull or chalky
- Reflective in a flat, unnatural way
Real pearls reflect light from within, not just off the surface.
Illuminate your style with our real pearl earrings.
7. Test the Weight
Natural pearls, especially if they are solid nacre, will feel heavier in the hand than their synthetic counterparts.
Quick check:
- Toss a real pearl slightly in your hand — it should have a nice weight to it.
- Fake pearls can feel either too light (plastic) or unusually heavy (glass core), but still feel unnatural when compared side by side with real ones.
Experience the weight of quality with our curated plain pearl necklaces.
Still Unsure? Let the Experts Help
If you’re still in doubt, bring your pearls to a reputable jeweler or gemologist. At Laxminarayan Pearls, we offer authenticity checks and guide our customers with transparency — because we know how valuable peace of mind is when purchasing fine jewelry.
Your Pearl Journey Starts Here.
Whether you’re new to pearls or a seasoned collector, knowing these signs can help you choose wisely — and with confidence.
