There’s something effortlessly timeless about pearls — soft, luminous, and quietly elegant. But with so many imitation options out there, it’s easy to wonder: how can you tell if pearls are real? Whether you’ve inherited a string from your grandmother or found a gorgeous pearl choker online, a few easy checks can help you recognize genuine beauty from a lookalike.
At OBY Jewelry, we’ve worked with both freshwater and cultured pearls for years, and we believe that understanding your jewelry is part of truly appreciating it. So here’s a simple, no-stress guide on how to see if a pearl is real, plus a few thoughts on why real pearls are always worth it.
1. The Texture Test
Gently rub two pearls together — or glide one against the edge of your tooth. Real pearls feel slightly gritty or sandy because of their layered nacre, while fake pearls (usually glass or plastic) glide smoothly. That soft grainy feeling? It’s one of nature’s signatures.
2. The Luster and Light
A real pearl doesn’t just shine — it glows. Look closely under natural light: genuine pearls reflect light softly and have depth in their color, while imitation pearls tend to look flat and overly reflective. Real pearls have a subtle radiance that feels alive, never artificial.
3. The Shape and Perfection
Real pearls are rarely flawless. Tiny surface variations, uneven roundness, or delicate dimples are normal and even desirable — they’re proof of authenticity. Fake pearls often look too perfect, with identical shapes and identical sizes.
4. The Weight and Temperature
When you first hold real pearls, they’ll feel cool to the touch and slowly warm against your skin. Plastic pearls warm up instantly. Real pearls also tend to be a bit heavier and more substantial, giving them a pleasing, balanced feel when worn.
5. The Drill Hole Details
If your pearl jewelry has visible drill holes, take a look: in real pearls, the edges of the hole are usually sharp and clean, with nacre visible around it. Fake pearls often show chipped coating or flaking paint around the drill.
Why It Matters
Real pearls carry a quiet strength. Each one forms slowly, layer by layer, in nature — a process that can’t be rushed or replicated. That’s why when you wear real pearls, you’re wearing something that connects craftsmanship, time, and the natural world.
At OBY Jewelry, our pearl pieces are made using genuine freshwater and cultured pearls, hand-selected for their glow, symmetry, and natural character. Every necklace, choker, and pair of pearl earrings tells a slightly different story — just like the people who wear them.
Our Favorite Ways to Wear Pearls
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Pearl Nugget Beaded Necklace : A modern take on vintage grace. Layer it with silver chains or wear it solo for a soft, luminous statement.
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Pearl Bead Bracelets: Perfect for everyday wear — delicate, balanced, and timeless.
- Pearl Drop Earrings: For moments that call for quiet sophistication.
Explore our latest pearl jewelry collection — each piece designed to highlight what’s real, natural, and beautifully imperfect.
A Final Thought
Learning how to tell if pearls are real isn’t just about testing authenticity — it’s about appreciating the beauty behind every detail. The tiny irregularities, the gentle glow, the way pearls catch the light differently each time you move.
At OBY, that’s the kind of beauty we design for — not perfection, but character. The kind that lasts, quietly, and never goes out of style.
Hammered Pearl Drop Earrings
