What are artificial pearls? A comprehensive explanation of their history, appeal, and how to tell them apart from real pearls
Posted by GINZAREPEARL
Artificial pearls are artificially made imitation pearls. They are made from shells, glass, plastic, etc. and coated with pearlescent paint to recreate the shine of real pearls.
While real pearls are expensive and delicate, artificial pearls are affordable and easy to care for.
In this article, you will mainly find out the following:
- What are artificial pearls?
- Types of artificial pearls
- The advantages and disadvantages of artificial pearls
By the time you finish reading, you will understand the characteristics and appeal of artificial pearls and be able to choose the jewelry that suits you.
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What are artificial pearls? An explanation of their characteristics and history
Artificial pearls are imitation pearls made by human hands. They are also called "imitation pearls" or "fake pearls."
Artificial pearls are cheaper than real pearls and come in a wide variety of designs, making them widely used as fashion jewelry.
History of artificial pearls
The first artificial pearls are said to have been made in France in 1656. At the time, natural pearls were luxury items that only the wealthy could afford, so the demand for artificial pearls increased as an alternative that common people could easily wear.
Around 1900, the production of artificial pearls became popular in Europe and the United States, and they were introduced to Japan towards the end of the Meiji period . Osaka merchant Ooi Tokujiro is said to have produced artificial pearls coated with fish scale foil made from hairtail scales, and popularized them in the domestic market.
During the Taisho and Showa periods, various types of artificial pearls were developed, including "glass pearls" made from glass and "shell pearls" made with natural shell nuclei.
Nowadays, due to cost and ease of processing, artificial pearls are produced using a variety of materials and are used not only as casual accessories but also in formal occasions. Artificial pearls that are so exquisite that they are indistinguishable from real pearls have also appeared, expanding the range of options.
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What types of artificial pearls are there? How to make them explained
There are four types of artificial pearls:
- Glass Pearl
- Shell pearl
- Cotton Pearl
- Plastic Pearls
Artificial pearls have different characteristics depending on the material used for the nucleus.
Here we will explain in detail about the different types of artificial pearls. By the end of this article, you will understand the characteristics of each type of artificial pearl and be able to tell them apart.
Glass Pearl
Glass pearls are artificial pearls made by using glass beads as the core and layering pearl foil and pearl paint on the surface. They have a luster close to that of natural pearls and are characterized by a luxurious finish.
Glass pearls originated in France in the early 20th century and became widely used as costume jewelry.
Glass pearls come in a variety of shapes, including the classic round, oval, drop, etc. Japanese-made glass pearls are especially highly regarded, as they are carefully finished and evenly painted.
Shell pearl
Shell pearls are artificial pearls made using natural shells as the nucleus. Also called "shell pearls," they are highly regarded as high-quality artificial pearls because they are very similar to natural pearls.
Shell pearls are made by applying multiple layers of pearl paint around the core. The final step, called "Migaki Pearl," involves polishing the shell to create a natural luster and shine, giving it a luxurious feel that is close to that of real pearls.
Shell pearls are almost perfectly round, uniform in size, and have few scratches, making them look beautiful. They are also more resistant to sweat and sebum than real pearls, and are highly durable, making them perfect for everyday use.
Cotton Pearl
Cotton pearls are artificial pearls that use cotton as a core. They are made by compressing cotton, forming it into a ball, and then applying multiple layers of pearlescent paint to create the pearl.
Cotton pearls are lighter than other artificial pearls. Even large necklaces and earrings can be worn comfortably for long periods of time.
Unlike the smooth luster of real pearls, the matte texture enhances the individuality of your outfit.
Plastic Pearls
Plastic pearls are artificial pearls that use plastic as the core and are finished with pearl paint. They are as light as cotton pearls, so they won't be a burden even if you wear large accessories for a long time.
It is also resistant to sweat and water and relatively durable, making it a popular accessory for everyday use.
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Three advantages and attractions of artificial pearls
The benefits and appeal of artificial pearls are as follows:
- Affordable price
- Wide variety of designs and easy to use
- Easy to maintain
Artificial pearls are more affordable than real pearls and are easier to handle.
Here, we will explain in detail the appeal of artificial pearls. By the end of this article, you will understand the benefits of purchasing artificial pearls and will be able to use this information to help you choose your accessories.
Affordable price
Real pearls are highly valued and depending on the quality can be very expensive, but artificial pearls can be mass-produced and are relatively cheap to purchase. Therefore, it is easy to have multiple designs to suit your outfit or mood.
You can easily enjoy a wide range of styles, from simple to trendy designs. You can also try out trendy designs that are often avoided with expensive real pearls, and enjoy different styles for each season.
One of the great attractions of artificial pearls is that their reasonable price means you can choose the accessories you like without worrying about your budget.
Wide variety of designs and easy to use
Artificial pearls are produced in a wide variety of designs. Glass pearls have a shine close to that of real pearls and are perfect for formal occasions.
Cotton pearls and plastic pearls are popular as casual accessories because they are lightweight and have a natural texture.
One of the unique charms of artificial pearls is that they allow you to enjoy unique designs that cannot be expressed with real pearls.
Easy to maintain
The care instructions are the same as for real pearls, but artificial pearls are more durable, so you don't need to be so particular about how you handle them.
Some plastic pearls can be washed in water, something that is not allowed for real pearls.
Real pearls are vulnerable to sweat and humidity, and if not properly cared for, they will easily discolor and deteriorate. For those who have avoided pearls because of the hassle of caring for them, artificial pearls are a good choice.
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Two disadvantages and points to note about artificial pearls
There are two disadvantages to artificial pearls:
- Some types look cheap
- There is a possibility that it will not be worth anything even if you sell it
Artificial pearls are attractive because of their reasonable price and wide variety of designs, but there are some things to be aware of.
Here, we will explain the disadvantages of artificial pearls in detail. By the end of this article, you will know the precautions to take when buying artificial pearls and will avoid regretting your purchase.
Some types look cheap
Artificial pearls vary in luster and texture depending on the material, so some types can look cheap. You need to be especially careful when looking for plastic pearls, which have a low luster.
If you are looking for a luxurious look, we recommend glass pearls or shell pearls, which look similar to real pearls. For casual accessories, cotton pearls or plastic pearls are a good choice.
It's hard to get a price even if you sell it
Unlike real pearls, artificial pearls generally have almost no value on the buying market. Real pearls are rare gemstones created by nature, so they can be traded at high prices.
However, since artificial pearls deteriorate quickly and have no value as jewelry, it is not uncommon for their purchase price to be zero.
When purchasing artificial pearls, it is important to choose accessories that you like, rather than thinking about selling them. It is best to think of them as something to enjoy as fashion, and to focus on price and design.
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Is it bad manners to wear artificial pearls at weddings, funerals, and other formal occasions?
Wearing artificial pearls at weddings, funerals, and other formal occasions is not bad manners. However, there are some occasions where real pearls are recommended.
For formal weddings, it is safe to choose real pearls. On the other hand, for casual weddings and parties, artificial pearls can be worn without feeling out of place.
At funerals, white or black Akoya pearls or black lipped pearls are common. If you cannot prepare them, it is recommended to wear shell pearls , which have a similar shine to real pearls.
If you are unsure whether to wear artificial pearls to a wedding, funeral, or other special event, it is a good idea to ask for advice from those around you. Choose pearls that are appropriate for the position and atmosphere of the event.
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Comparing artificial pearls with other pearls! What are the differences?
The differences between artificial pearls and other pearls are as follows:
| Artificial pearls | Pearls are made by applying paint to shells or glass. |
| Natural pearls | Pearls are created over a long period of time by chance alone |
| Cultured Pearls | Pearls are cultivated by inserting an artificial nucleus into an oyster. |
This article explains about natural and cultured pearls. By the end of the article, you will understand the difference between natural and cultured pearls and have gained some knowledge about pearls.
Natural pearls
A natural pearl is a pearl that is formed when a foreign object accidentally gets inside an oyster and becomes a nucleus, causing the nacre to form.
Natural pearl nuclei are not necessarily round and vary in size. As the pearl's shape can become distorted during its growth, perfectly round natural pearls are extremely rare .
Natural pearls are highly valuable, so they are often traded at high prices and are highly valued as antique jewelry. They are rarely available on the market, so they are difficult to obtain as general jewelry.
Cultured Pearls
Cultured pearls are pearls that are created by artificially inserting a nucleus into a shell. Most pearls currently on the market are cultured pearls.
There are many different types of pearls, including Akoya pearls cultured in Japan, South Sea pearls, freshwater pearls, etc. They look almost identical to natural pearls, and are highly valued for their beautiful luster and shine.
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5 ways to tell the difference between artificial and real pearls
Here are five ways to tell the difference between artificial pearls and real pearls:
- Pick it up and compare the weight and temperature
- Check the shape of the hole
- Touch the surface
- Black Light
- Consult a Pearl Expert
The quality of artificial pearls has improved in recent years, and there are more and more that look just like real pearls. However, upon closer inspection, it is clear that they are different from real pearls.
Here we will explain how to distinguish between artificial pearls and real pearls. By the end of this article, you will know how to distinguish between real and fake pearls, which will be helpful when purchasing jewelry.
Pick it up and compare the weight and temperature
Real pearls have a certain weight because they contain a foreign object inside that acts as a nucleus, but artificial pearls have a nucleus made of light materials such as plastic or cotton, making them hard to feel heavy.
Also, real pearls feel cool to the touch, whereas artificial pearls are difficult to feel the temperature change when held in the hand.
Check the shape of the hole
Pearl necklaces and bracelets have holes drilled in them to allow threading. Real pearls have holes drilled with a special drill, which means that the cross section is smooth and beautifully finished.
Artificial pearls are coated after the holes are drilled, so the paint may peel off.The cross section of the hole is often distorted, and the difference is clear when compared to real pearls.
Touch the surface
Real pearls are not perfectly smooth and have slight bumps because the nacre develops over a long period of time.
However, artificial pearls have a uniform surface and feel smooth to the touch. If it feels rough when you rub it lightly with your fingertips, it is likely a real pearl.
Black Light
When you shine a black light on real pearls, they will glow blue or green. Artificial pearls often don't glow or will remain a whitish color .
However, some artificial pearls have fluorescent paints, which can make it difficult to tell them apart using black light alone. It's a good idea to check this along with other ways to tell them apart.
Consult a Pearl Expert
Consult a pearl expert who can accurately determine whether or not a pearl is genuine.
As technology improves, there are more and more artificial pearls that look very similar to real pearls. If you don't have any knowledge of pearls, it can be difficult to tell the difference between real and fake.
The best way to be sure is to have it looked at by a professional with extensive knowledge of pearls and experience in appraisal, such as a "Senior Pearl Advisor" certified by the Japan Pearl Promotion Association.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Imitation Pearls
Here are two frequently asked questions about artificial pearls:
- Are imitation pearls easy to spot?
- What is the difference between artificial pearls and shell pearls?
Here we will answer your questions related to artificial pearls. By the end, all your doubts about artificial pearls will be cleared.
Are imitation pearls easy to spot?
Whether or not imitation pearls are noticeable depends on the type and quality. Cheap plastic pearls are likely to be obvious.
However, recently there are many imitation pearls on the market that are similar in quality to real pearls. If you choose high-quality artificial pearls, you can wear them with confidence.
What is the difference between artificial pearls and shell pearls?
Shell pearls are a type of artificial pearl that uses a natural shell as the nucleus. Unlike other artificial pearls, they have a weight and luster close to that of real pearls.
If you are looking for a stylish artificial pearl that you can wear every day, we recommend shell pearls.
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Summary: Artificial pearls are affordable and easy to wear on a daily basis!
Artificial pearls are popular as jewelry that can be enjoyed casually at a reasonable price. If you choose high-quality artificial pearls such as glass pearls or shell pearls, you can enjoy a shine that is close to that of the real thing.
It can be used for a wide range of occasions, from formal to casual, so having one will come in handy.
However, depending on the type, they can look cheap, so it is important to choose carefully based on the design and color. If used well, pearls can be a convenient way to add a touch of glamour to your outfit.