Pearls Guide

3 Types of Pearls You Should Know—Before You Spend a Dime

1｜Freshwater Pearls Aren’t Always Cheap

People think freshwater means “low-end.” But top-tier freshwater pearls can be stunning—and pricey. Perfectly round, clean-surfaced, high-luster ones? Yes, $100+ per pearl is normal.

2｜Akoya = Classic, Round, Small

Akoya pearls are usually 6–8mm, with sharp luster and perfect roundness. If someone sells you a big, dull “Akoya” for $59… run.

3｜South Sea & Tahitian = Rare and Expensive

South Sea pearls = big, white or gold, luxury feel. Tahitian = unique dark tones. A single pearl for $300? Okay. A full strand for $299? Probably fake.

Final Note:

You don’t need to become a gemologist. But now, you know what really matters—and what doesn’t. Next time someone says “South Sea style luxury strand, only $79”… you’ll smile.

How to Spot a Fake Pearl — No Biting, No Tricks Needed

You may have heard people say: “Real pearls need to be bitten,” or “Fake ones peel in water.”

But let’s be honest—you can’t go around biting pearls or soaking them at a jewelry counter, right?

So here are 3 simple, no-awkwardness ways to spot a fake, fast.

1｜Check the glow: Real pearls glow from within. Fakes just glare. A real pearl looks like it’s softly glowing—like light is breathing through it. Fake pearls? They reflect light harshly, like plastic or a shiny coating. → In natural light, real pearls have depth. Fakes just scream “shiny!”

2｜Look at the drill hole: Perfect is suspicious. Pick up a pearl and look where the hole is drilled.
• A real pearl will usually have tiny lines, pits, or irregular edges around the hole.
• A fake pearl? Smooth, machine-perfect, almost too clean to be true.
→ If it looks too flawless—it probably isn’t real.

3｜Turn the pearl and watch the color. Real pearls change slightly in color and tone when you move them under light. It’s called “orient”—those soft, layered hues that shift. Fake pearls stay flat in color, like paint on a bead. → Twist it gently. If it shimmers differently from each angle, it’s probably real.

Bonus tips if you’re holding the pearl:
• Feel the temperature. Real pearls feel cool at first touch. Fakes usually feel room temp.
• Rub two pearls together. Real ones feel a little gritty. Fakes? Slippery and silent, like plastic balls.

Extra Knowledge: Can you burn a pearl to tell if it’s fake?

Yes—but don’t try it unless you’re 100% ready to risk it.

Real pearls might darken a little but won’t burn, melt, or smell.
Fake pearls with plastic coating? They bubble, peel, and smell like burnt glue.

So yes, fire works—but it also destroys. We recommend learning the signs instead. You don’t need flames to know your pearls—you just need a sharp eye, and now you’ve got one.

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