How to tell if a golden pearl is fake? A complete guide to how to tell the difference between real and fake golden pearls
Posted by GINZAREPEARL
Here are six ways to spot fake golden pearls:
- Texture when touched
- Weight
- temperature
- Hole
- Surface scratches
- Fluorescent reaction when exposed to black light
Golden pearls are pearls that are attractive for their beautiful golden color and elegant shine.
There are also counterfeits on the market, and it is not rare for people to accidentally purchase golden pearls and then regret it. When purchasing golden pearls, it is important to be able to distinguish between fake and real.
In this article, you will mainly find out the following:
- What is a fake golden pearl?
- How to tell if a Golden Pearl is fake
- Measures to avoid accidentally purchasing fake Golden Pearls
By the end of this article, you will know the characteristics of fake golden pearls and how to spot them, allowing you to choose the jewelry that satisfies you.
Golden Pearl can be purchased here ▶
What are fake golden pearls? Artificially dyed pearls
Fake golden pearls are pearls that have been artificially processed to look like natural pearls. They are also called "artificial pearls" or "imitation pearls" and there are several types as follows:
- Glass Pearl
- Cotton Pearl
- Plastic Pearls
- Shell pearl
In recent years, artificial pearls have become so high quality that it is difficult to distinguish them from real ones without specialized knowledge . However, artificially dyed fakes can fade or discolor over time, and are significantly inferior in terms of durability and value.
When purchasing golden pearls, which are expensive jewelry, it is important to have the knowledge to spot counterfeits and to make careful judgments. With the right knowledge, you can get genuine golden pearls.
For more information on fake pearls, please refer to the following article:
What are artificial pearls? A thorough explanation of their history, appeal, and how to tell them apart from real pearls
Golden Pearl can be purchased here ▶
Characteristics of genuine golden pearls
Genuine golden pearls are highly rare and valuable pearls harvested from white-lipped oysters. They are produced in Indonesia and the Philippines and are also known as the "Queen of Pearls."
The most distinctive feature of golden pearls is their natural, elegant and deep golden color, which sets them apart from fakes made with artificial dyes. Genuine golden pearls have a thick nacreous layer and a beautiful luster that changes subtly depending on the viewing angle.
The average size is over 10mm, making them large and giving them an appealing presence.
Golden Pearl can be purchased here ▶
How to tell if a golden pearl is fake? 6 points to look for
There are six ways to tell if a golden pearl is fake:
- Texture when touched
- Weight
- temperature
- Hole
- Surface scratches
- Fluorescent reaction when exposed to black light
In recent years, there have been many well-crafted fake golden pearls on the market. If you don't have any knowledge of pearls, it is not easy to tell the difference between real and fake.
Here, we will explain in detail the points you need to know to spot a fake Golden Pearl. By the end of this article, you will know how to spot a fake Golden Pearl and avoid unintentionally purchasing a fake.
Texture when touched
To distinguish a golden pearl from a fake, you should actually touch it to check its texture. Genuine golden pearls have a smooth surface, but when you touch them, they will feel slightly rough.
The nacreous layers are piled up in many layers, and are characterized by minute irregularities on the surface. If you rub two pearls together lightly, you can feel the texture of the pearls catching on each other.
Fake Golden Pearls, on the other hand, are made from glass or plastic with a pearlescent coating that feels unnaturally slick and smooth to the touch.
However, be careful not to rub too hard as this may cause scratches.
Weight
One of the ways to tell if a golden pearl is fake is by its weight.
The nucleus of a real pearl is made from a rounded oyster shell, which is why it feels so heavy when you hold it in your hand.
On the other hand, fake Golden Pearls feel lighter when you hold them because they are made of lightweight materials such as plastic.
However, shell pearls and glass pearls have a similar weight to real pearls, so it is often difficult to tell them apart. Weight is only one indicator, so be sure to check other points as well.
temperature
Temperature is also an important criterion when trying to tell if golden pearls are real or fake.
Genuine golden pearls have a cold, metal or stone-like feel when you pick them up, whereas fake golden pearls have a slightly warm feel.
However, as time passes, both will become accustomed to body temperature, so it's important to use the temperature immediately after picking it up as a reference. Also, it will be affected by the room temperature and the season, so you should also refer to other methods.
Hole
To spot a fake golden pearl, check the hole in the pearl. Pearls have holes to thread through so they can be made into jewelry like necklaces or earrings.
Genuine golden pearls have holes that are perfectly round, whereas fake ones have uneven edges or uneven paint that has peeled off.
It is recommended to use a magnifying glass to observe the opening of the hole, as this will allow you to spot minute differences that cannot be seen with the naked eye.
Surface scratches
Genuine golden pearls take many years to develop and will have natural imperfections on their surface, whereas fake golden pearls will have a smooth, flawless surface.
If it is a perfect sphere with no visible blemishes, it is likely a fake.
However, there are also genuine, flawless pearls that are considered to be of the highest quality. It is important not to judge a pearl solely on the basis of the presence or absence of flaws, but to consider other factors when determining its quality.
Fluorescent reaction when exposed to black light
When real golden pearls are exposed to a black light, the organic components in the nacre react to the ultraviolet light and glow blue or green. This is a unique characteristic of real pearls, and the difference becomes even more obvious when viewed in a dark room.
On the other hand, fake golden pearls will simply reflect light from their surface even when exposed to a black light, and will not show any fluorescent reaction.
However, there are also fake pearls that have fluorescent agents mixed into the paint. It is not always possible to tell the difference based on the fluorescence reaction alone, so caution is required.
Golden Pearl can be purchased here ▶
What if you can't tell if a golden pearl is fake or real?
If you are unable to determine by yourself whether a golden pearl is fake or real, consult a pearl professional. Certified experts such as Pearl Senior Advisors and Pearl Specialists have a wealth of knowledge and experience and can accurately determine whether a golden pearl is genuine or not.
Using special equipment and black lights, it is possible to spot fake golden pearls.
Fake pearls are so well made that they look so real that it is not uncommon for a non-professional to be unable to tell the difference.
In most cases, the determination of authenticity will be done free of charge unless you request an appraisal certificate. If you are unsure, we recommend that you consult us without hesitation.
Golden Pearl can be purchased here ▶
How much do golden pearls cost? A comparison of fake and real ones
The prices of Golden Pearls are as follows:
- Price of fake golden pearls: 2,000 to 10,000 yen
- Price of genuine golden pearls: 50,000 yen to 300,000 yen
Understanding the price ranges of fake and real golden pearls is important to avoid being scammed when making a purchase.
Here we will introduce the market price of fake and real Golden Pearls. If you read to the end, you will understand the market price of Golden Pearls and be able to make a satisfactory purchase.
fake golden pearl price
The market price for fake golden pearls is a few hundred yen, or at most a few thousand yen per pearl. Finished products such as necklaces and earrings can be purchased for between 2,000 and 10,000 yen.
Fake Golden Pearl is made by coating a core material with pearlescent paint, so it is very cheap.
However, there are also fraudulent pricing practices by unscrupulous sellers, who may offer fake products at the same price as genuine golden pearls, so you need to be careful.
Real Golden Pearl Price
The average price for genuine golden pearls is around 50,000 to 300,000 yen.
They are one of the rarest pearls, and prices vary depending on the quality, size, and type of jewelry. High-quality golden pearls with excellent luster and shape are even more expensive.
Golden pearls made by famous jewelry brands such as Mikimoto and Tasaki have a sense of design and brand value, and it is not uncommon for products to cost over 1,000,000 yen.
Golden Pearl can be purchased here ▶
Should I never buy fake golden pearls?
There is no harm in purchasing imitation golden pearls. They are reasonably priced, have a high level of design, and are attractive enough to be worn casually as an accessory.
However, the problem is that fake golden pearls are sold as real ones. The value and quality are very different, and there is a high risk of regretting your purchase.
If it is clearly marked as an "imitation", then there is no problem, but you should still be careful not to be fooled into buying a fake Golden Pearl.
Golden Pearl can be purchased here ▶
Three ways to avoid being fooled by fake Golden Pearls
There are three ways to avoid being fooled by fake Golden Pearls:
- Buy from a trusted dealer
- Beware of unusually low prices
- Check the identification certificate
It is difficult to determine the authenticity of golden pearls based on their appearance alone, and it is not uncommon for people to purchase what they think are real items only to find out they are fakes.
However, it is quite possible to avoid fake golden pearls if you keep a few things in mind before purchasing.
Here, we will explain the measures to avoid purchasing fake Golden Pearls. If you read to the end, you will know the precautions to take when purchasing Golden Pearls and be able to prevent trouble from occurring.
Buy from a trusted dealer
In order to avoid being deceived by fake golden pearls, it is important to determine the reliability of the retailer. Long-established jewelry stores and jewelry shops in major department stores are reliable because they handle products under strict quality control.
Also, when using online shops, it is important to check the operating history and reviews and reputation of actual buyers. Avoid stores with too little information or stores offering unnaturally low prices.
By choosing a reliable store, you can rest assured that you are purchasing genuine golden pearls.
For more information on where to purchase pearls, please see the following article:
Where is the best place to buy pearls? A thorough explanation of where to buy them and things to look out for
Beware of unusually low prices
Prices vary greatly depending on the quality and size, but genuine golden pearls rarely fall below a certain price range. The price of golden pearls generally ranges from several tens of thousands to several hundred thousand yen.
If they are being sold at an abnormally low price that is well outside your price range, it is highly likely that they are fake or imitation pearls.
There are also unscrupulous dealers who sell cheap fake golden pearls as expensive genuine ones. If the price is far off the market price, it is wise to hold off on the purchase and consult other dealers or experts.
Check the identification certificate
To avoid fake golden pearls, it is also important to check whether or not they have a certificate of authenticity.
The certificate contains detailed information about the size, color, shape, etc., and is an important factor in deciding whether to purchase. Among them, the certificates issued by the following two organizations are highly reliable.
- Pearl Research Institute
- Pearl Science Institute
If a golden pearl does not come with a certificate of authenticity or the issuing agency is unclear, consider purchasing it with caution.
Golden Pearl can be purchased here ▶
Characteristics of pearls other than golden pearls that you should know to spot fakes
Other than golden pearls, there are three other typical types of pearls:
- Akoya pearls
- Black pearl
- Freshwater pearls
Although they are all called pearls, their characteristics vary greatly depending on the type. By learning about the characteristics, you can develop an eye for pearls and gain the ability to distinguish between fakes and good quality pearls.
Here, we will explain in detail about pearls other than golden pearls. By the end of the article, you will understand the characteristics of each pearl and be able to use this information to help you determine whether a pearl is fake or real.
Akoya pearls
Akoya pearls are the most representative type of pearl that Japan is proud of around the world. They are made from Akoya oysters and are cultivated in Mie, Ehime, Nagasaki and other prefectures.
Unlike large golden pearls, Akoya pearls are generally around 7mm to 8mm in size and come in a variety of colors including white, cream, gray, and blue.
The delicate and elegant shine that seems to radiate from within is unique to Akoya pearls. They are considered the standard pearl in Japan and are also used for ceremonial occasions.
Black pearl
Black pearls are pearls harvested from black-lipped oysters. They generally range in size from 8mm to 16mm and have a striking presence.
The color changes depending on the angle you look at it, from black to green, red, blue, etc. The peacock color in particular is considered the highest quality of black pearls and is very rare.
Although they are often associated with funerals, pearls combine elegance and strength and can be matched with a wide range of outfits.
Related articles
What are the highest quality black pearls? A thorough explanation of their characteristics, evaluation points that determine their value, and prices
Freshwater pearls
Freshwater pearls are pearls that are grown from oysters. They are made up almost entirely of nacre and are highly durable.
They come in a wide range of sizes, from 1mm to 20mm, and come in a wide variety of shapes, including round, oval, drop, and baroque.
Another appealing feature is that they come in a wide range of colors, including not only the standard white, but also pink, purple, orange, etc. They can be purchased at a relatively reasonable price and are widely used for both casual and formal occasions.
Golden Pearl can be purchased here ▶
3 Frequently Asked Questions About Fake Golden Pearls
Here are three frequently asked questions about fake golden pearls:
- Is it true that imitation pearls are easy to spot?
- How to tell if a pearl necklace is genuine?
- How much does a real pearl necklace cost?
Here we will answer your questions related to golden pearls. If you read to the end, your doubts and worries about pearls will be cleared and you will gain the correct knowledge.
Is it true that imitation pearls are easy to spot?
Imitation pearls may look like real pearls at first glance, but they can be easily spotted by people who are knowledgeable about jewelry and pearl quality, and they are easily identified by their shine and texture.
Also, imitation pearls may look unnatural at special occasions when others are wearing real pearls. If you are concerned about the eyes of others, it is safer to wear real pearls.
How to tell if a pearl necklace is real?
You can tell if a pearl necklace is real by touching it - it will feel cool and heavy when you pick it up.
Additionally, for high-quality pearls such as golden pearls, the presence or absence of an appraisal certificate is also a factor in determining reliability.
How much does a real pearl necklace cost?
The price of a real pearl necklace varies greatly depending on the type, quality, and size of the pearls. An inexpensive pearl necklace can be purchased for around 10,000 to 20,000 yen.
High-quality pearls and luxury brands such as Mikimoto can cost over 1 million yen. Pearls vary widely in price, so it's a good idea to set a budget in advance.
Golden Pearl can be purchased here ▶
Summary: There are fake golden pearls too! How to tell if they are real or not
In recent years, there are many fake golden pearls on the market that are made to look like the real thing, known as imitation pearls. By knowing the basic points to check, such as the weight and the condition of the hole, you will be able to tell the difference to a certain extent on your own.
However, unless you are an expert on pearls, it can be difficult to judge based on price and appearance alone. If you are unsure whether a pearl is fake or not, it is best to consult a pearl professional.
Because it is an important purchase, make sure you have the knowledge to avoid being fooled by counterfeits and choose a golden pearl that you are satisfied with.