Pearl Imitation Tests
Glass Pearl Imitation are produced in sizes from 3 mm to 16 mm, in different shapes and range of colors.
It's and industry standard, Imitation pearls or simulants of Natural Pearls and Cultured Pearls require a verbal explanation (prior to sale) that it is an imitation or simulant of a pearl or cultured pearl. If there is a written presentation, it should be immediately preceded by the word ‘imitation’ or ‘simulated’. The pearl market is flooded with fake pearls and Identifying Cultured Pearls from Imitation Pearls is not always easy! You might be surprised to know that rhinestone costume jewelry may contain faux pearls too, along with clear and colored rhinestones, beads and semi-precious stones set in white metal. Pearl experts recommend using several tests to eliminate the pearl impostors. No one test is fool proof and certain tests are less effective with different types of imitation pearls. Types of Imitation PearlsHollow glass beads containing wax Plastic beads Mother-of-pearl shell beads
Imitation Pearl Tests
Genuine Cultured and Natural Pearls will feel gritty or rough. A pearl Imitation will feel smooth. When you purchase a jewelers loupe make sure to get a loupe 10x that is "fully corrected" meaning that you can look through the whole lens and get a clear and undistorted image, not just through the centre. Genuine pearls will appear fine-grained. An imitation pearl appears grainy. Unless the Imitation pearls are solid glass beads, the impostors will usually feel light. You can tell alot about the quality from the weight of a strand of pearls. The exception to this rule is Amber Jewelry which is lighter than its counterfeit cousin. Natural pearls will not be perfect in shape and most likely will have slight blemishes or even a pimple or two. These a good signs! Unless it's a really good pearl cheat, a pearl imitation will appear flawless. A pearl cheat will price the impostor pearls close to the price of genuine pearls to deceive unwary consumers; pearl cheats mark-up the price of the pearl imitation so that it will pass the genuine pearl price test, and enjoy the outrageous profit from the fraud. Image courtesy : http://www.lubos-sadovsky.cz/foto/glass.html Reference: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pearl
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