Getting straight to the pearl facts! If you've ever wondered whether the pearls you’re purchasing are authentic or not, we’ve brought you a little guide on how to tell the difference between the real deal and clever imitations. (us vs. them)

Real pearls have a distinct coolness to them when first touched, gradually warming up against your skin. In contrast, fake plastic pearls feel room temperature, while glass beads may initially feel cool but take longer to warm up.

Hold the pearls in your hand and give them a gentle toss. Real pearls typically have more weight to them compared to their fake counterparts. This slight difference in weight can often be detected with practice.

Inspect the drill holes of the pearls. Real pearls usually have small, neatly drilled holes with a thick, lustrous coating. On the other hand, fake pearls tend to have larger holes & thin, flaky coatings that peel off over time.

Surface Texture:

Run your fingernail lightly across the surface of the pearls. Real pearls have a slightly gritty texture due to their layered structure, while fake pearls feel smooth or glassy. You can also gently rub the pearls against each other or your teeth to feel for this difference.

Judging Quality:

When comparing the quality of pearls, consider factors such as shape, luster, and color. High-quality real pearls often have a round shape, a deep and reflective luster, and consistent color throughout the strand.

Additional Tips:

• Look for imperfections: Real pearls may have tiny blemishes or irregularities, adding to their unique beauty.
  
• Seek professional opinion: If in doubt, consult a reputable jeweler or pearl expert for authentication.

At Kairi, all our pearls are natural freshwater pearls, sourced and handcrafted in our home country Japan, the land and sea of pearls. We hope this helps you a bit in how and where you purchase your pearls!