Identifying Natural Pearls from Cultured Pearls by: Yvonne
Hi Lori, I understand your frustration. I have an antique georgian pearl ring, set with three pearls and I know one of the pearls is a replacement. It's not exactly matched, but close.
It's very difficult to find a perfect match, especially if the pearls are natural pearls. I think the best way to go about this, is to find out first if the two remaining pearls are indeed natural pearls.
The only way you can do this and get conclusive results, is by having the pearls x-rayed. GIA can have the pearls verified. This will also give you some peace of mind, knowing if the remaining pearls are natural pearls, cultured pearls, or heaven forbid, Pearl Imitations.
Sometimes dealers try to pass off antique rings claiming the ring is set with natural pearls, (Mr Mikimoto perfected the culturing process in the 1920s) however they are replacement pearls. Sometimes the dealers really do not know what type of pearls they are themselves.
To match the replacement pearl with the remaining 2 pearls you will need to know the exact size of the pearls, the shape and the shade or color of the pearl, also the lustre, this is going to be the hard part. Matching pearls is not a science, it's and art!
