Pearls have captivated hearts for centuries. Known for their soft luster and natural beauty, they are often seen as a symbol of purity, grace, and timeless elegance. But with the rising popularity of pearl jewellery, the market has also seen an influx of imitation and artificial pearls that look similar at first glance but lack the authenticity and depth of the real thing.
At Mukta, we take pride in using only genuine pearls in our collections. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to distinguish real pearls from fake ones — so you can invest in beauty that truly lasts.
What Are Real Pearls?
Real pearls are formed naturally or through cultured processes inside mollusks when a foreign particle enters the shell. The mollusk secretes layers of nacre around the irritant over time, creating what we know as a pearl. Depending on their origin, real pearls may be:
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Natural pearls: Rare and entirely formed without human intervention
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Cultured pearls: Grown with human guidance but still using organic nacre layering
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Freshwater pearls: Cultured in freshwater lakes and rivers, known for their variety and beauty
Mukta primarily works with freshwater and cultured pearls, offering high-quality, hand-selected pieces that reflect authenticity and grace.
What Are Fake Pearls?
Fake pearls, also known as imitation or synthetic pearls, are man-made from glass, plastic, or other coated materials. While they may look polished, they do not carry the same depth of shine, weight, or texture as genuine pearls. Their smoothness, low cost, and overly uniform appearance are telltale signs of being artificial.
How to Tell If a Pearl Is Real or Fake
Identifying the authenticity of a pearl is simpler than it seems. Here are key differences you can check:
1. Surface Texture
Real pearls usually have slight imperfections, dimples, or ridges. Their surface reflects light in soft, diffused ways.
Fake pearls are often too smooth and shiny, with a glassy or plastic-like finish that looks synthetic under light.
2. Shape and Size
Genuine pearls are rarely identical. Even in a necklace, you’ll find small variations in shape, size, or color.
Imitation pearls are often perfectly round and consistent, which is a clear red flag.
3. Weight
Real pearls feel heavier and denser due to their natural layering of nacre.
Fake pearls tend to feel light and hollow in comparison.
4. Temperature Test
Real pearls feel cool to the touch at first, then warm with your body heat.
Fake pearls often feel room-temperature or slightly warm immediately, especially plastic-based ones.
5. The Tooth Test
This is a quick at-home test. Gently rub the pearl against your front teeth (not recommended for polished or mounted pieces).
Real pearls feel slightly gritty due to the nacre.
Fake pearls feel smooth or slippery.
6. Drill Hole Inspection
In real pearls, the area around the drilled hole is typically clean, with visible nacre layers.
Fake pearls may have chipped coatings or visible glue.
Why Real Pearls Are Worth It
Investing in real pearls means investing in craftsmanship, quality, and legacy. Unlike fakes, genuine pearls:
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Age beautifully with time
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Carry sentimental and heirloom value
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Reflect light in a uniquely soft, natural glow
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Are hypoallergenic and skin-friendly
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Hold long-term value in both fashion and tradition
At Mukta, every pearl used in our jewellery undergoes careful selection and quality checks. Our pieces are crafted not just to be worn, but to be cherished.
