How to Test for Pearls

There are several tests for pearls that will tell you if your pearls are natural or artificial. However, some of these tests are not easy on the jewelry itself, so if you are just curious, don't be too hard on your pearls and damage them. Testing for pearls can be useful because it will let you know if you need to get your pearl jewelry insured and will also help you make sure that you clean the pearls correctly so that they do not wear away over time.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Scissors

1. Rub two of the pearls together. This will not damage the pearls. If the pearls are real, then you will feel a grainy texture grating through the pearls when you rub them together. However, false pearls are coated with a smooth, shiny coat and there will be no rough feeling when you rub them together. As long as you do not press on the pearls really hard, you will not damage them by testing them in this way.

2. Slide your teeth back and forth over the pearls. Do this gently so that you do not hurt your teeth or your jewelry. You should be able to detect that same grainy texture and uneven feel if the pearls are real. If they are fake, then you will feel just a smooth, flawless surface.

3. Scrape the side of a pearl gently with the pair of scissors. If the pearl is real, then the luster of the pearl will appear unchanged even where you scraped it. On the other hand, if the pearl is fake you will remove that smooth, shiny coat and a darker interior will appear. If you scrape fake pearls with scissors, you will ruin them and it is not great for real pearls either. Be sure to scrape one of the pearls on the back of a necklace or the backside of the pearl on an earring or ring.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are really concerned about your pearls, take them to a jeweler to be appraised.