Perform the Tooth Test Rub the pearl gently against your front teeth. Real pearls feel slightly gritty due to their natural nacre layers, while fake pearls feel smooth.

Try the Friction Test Rub two pearls against each other. Real pearls will produce a slight sandy friction, while fake ones will glide smoothly.

Inspect the Surface Examine the pearls under good lighting. Real pearls have minor imperfections, such as ridges or bumps, and are not perfectly smooth.

Check the Shape Look for variations in shape. Real pearls are rarely perfectly round, while fake pearls are often uniformly shaped.

Conduct the Temperature Test Hold the pearls in your hand. Real pearls feel cool to the touch initially and warm up slowly, while fake pearls (especially plastic) feel room temperature.

Observe the Luster and Overtone Real pearls have a deep, rich luster and may display overtones (subtle colors like pink or green). Fake pearls often appear dull or have a glassy shine.

Examine the Drill Holes Check the holes where the pearls are strung. Real pearls have small, cleanly defined holes, while fake pearls may have larger, uneven holes with flaking coatings.

Feel the Weight Bounce the pearls gently in your hand. Real pearls feel heavier than plastic imitations but lighter than solid glass beads.

Use a Magnifying Glass Inspect the surface with at least 10x magnification. Real pearls show a fine-grained texture, while fake pearls may appear rough or uniform.

Seek Professional Help If unsure, consult a jeweler or gemologist for advanced tests like X-rays or microscopic analysis to confirm authenticity.