What is the difference between artificial pearls and shell pearls? How to tell them apart from real pearls and things to be careful of
Posted by GINZAREPEARL
The main difference between artificial pearls and shell pearls is the material . Shell pearls are a type of artificial pearl, and there is no major difference between them other than the material.
Shell pearls have the same shine as real pearls at an affordable price. If you know the differences and characteristics between shell pearls and real pearls, you can choose the accessories that suit you.
In this article, you will mainly find out the following:
- Difference between artificial pearls and shell pearls
- The charm of shell pearls
- The difference between shell pearls, artificial pearls and real pearls
If you are interested in shell pearls or artificial pearls, please refer to this article.
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What are artificial pearls? Check the basic characteristics before learning the differences
Artificial pearls are made by coating a plastic or glass core with pearl foil or paint. There are the following types of artificial pearls, and they are characterized by being affordable.
- Plastic Pearls
- Glass Pearl
- Cotton Pearl
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Shell pearl
However, it has some drawbacks, such as being vulnerable to heat, water, and acid, and being easily damaged by friction. It is popular as an everyday accessory, but you should handle it with care to make it last longer.
For more information on artificial 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
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Shell pearls are a type of artificial pearl! The main difference is the material
Shell pearls are a type of artificial pearl, and the biggest difference is the core material. Depending on the type, artificial pearls use plastic or glass as the core.
Shell pearls are characterized by the use of shell powder as the nucleus, which gives them a deep luster and texture close to that of real pearls.
Shell pearls are durable and last longer than regular artificial pearls. They are also more affordable than real pearls.
Shell pearls are popular with many people as accessories that offer the charm of the real thing at an affordable price.
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Three unique charms of shell pearls
The three unique charms of shell pearls are as follows:
- Looks similar to real pearls
- Goes well with casual outfits
- Available at a reasonable price
Shell pearls have the elegance of real pearls, but are easy to wear on a daily basis and are available at an affordable price.
Here we will explain in detail the appeal of shell pearls.
Looks similar to real pearls
The biggest attraction of shell pearls is that they are very similar to real pearls. They are made from shell powder, which allows them to replicate the shine of natural pearls.
The luster that appears depending on how the light hits it is something that cannot be expressed with ordinary artificial pearls. The surface also feels close to the real thing, giving it a high-quality impression.
The difference is obvious to a professional, but the finish is so good that it is difficult for the average person to tell the difference. It is of such high quality that you won't be embarrassed to wear it to formal occasions such as weddings and parties.
Goes well with casual outfits
Shell pearls can be easily matched with casual clothes. Real pearls have a strong formal impression, but shell pearls are not stuffy.
For example, if you wear a simple style of T-shirt and jeans with a shell pearl necklace, the overall impression will be much more sophisticated. It is easy to incorporate into office casual wear and is perfect as an accessory for everyday use.
With real pearls, you have to be careful not to damage them, but with shell pearls, you don't have to be so careful. They are a versatile accessory that can be easily incorporated into your everyday outfits.
Available at a reasonable price
Another appeal of shell pearls is that they are reasonably priced. Compared to real pearls, the price difference is astonishing.
- Akoya pearl necklaces: several tens of thousands to several hundred thousand yen
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Shell pearl necklace: several thousand yen to 10,000 yen
Shell pearls are reasonably priced, so you can have multiple pearl accessories of different colors and lengths. This will broaden your coordination options and increase the fun of fashion.
Another benefit is that even if you lose or break them, the emotional and financial damage will be minimal. Shell pearls are a familiar accessory that lowers the barrier to enjoying fashion.
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Two things to be aware of when buying shell pearls | Should you avoid artificial pearls?
There are two things to be careful about when buying shell pearls:
- Scratches and yellowing due to friction
- May cause baldness if used for many years
There are some things to be aware of when using shell pearls. Scratches and yellowing due to friction, and baldness after years of use can be problems.
Here we will take a closer look at the main points to take note of when using shell pearls.
Scratches and yellowing due to friction
Shell pearls are characterized by their susceptibility to friction. When rubbed against clothing or other accessories in daily life, small scratches can easily appear on the surface .
If the acidic substances contained in sweat, cosmetics, hairspray, etc. come into contact with the pearls, they will gradually discolor or yellow. This is because the main component of shell pearls is calcium carbonate, which is vulnerable to acids.
Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet light and lighting can also cause yellowing. Summer is a particularly good season for pearls, as people sweat more and the sunlight is stronger.
To make shell pearls last longer, wipe them gently with a soft cloth after use, store them in a special case out of direct sunlight, and avoid contact with other jewelry.
May cause baldness if used for many years
If you use shell pearls for many years, the surface coating may wear off. Daily friction, sweat, and contact with cosmetics cause the layer to wear away little by little.
The areas around the fasteners in particular are subject to frequent touch and are therefore prone to deterioration.
If hair loss becomes noticeable, consider having your hair repaired or replaced at a specialist store. We recommend that you always check the condition of your hair before any important occasions.
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[By type] Differences between shell pearls, artificial pearls and real pearls
There are three main types of pearls:
- Akoya pearls
- South Sea pearls (black pearls and white pearls)
- Freshwater pearls
Shell pearls and artificial pearls are popular accessories that have the same beauty as real pearls but are more affordable, but their characteristics and properties are different from real pearls.
Here, we will take a closer look at the differences between the most common types of pearls, shell pearls, and artificial pearls. Knowing the characteristics of each and how to tell them apart will help you choose the pearl that's right for you.
Akoya pearls
Akoya pearls are Japan's most famous pearls, and are mainly cultivated in the Ise-Shima region. They are around 6-9mm in size, and are characterized by their white, pale pink, and cream-colored luster.
The difference between Akoya pearls and shell pearls is in the texture of their surface. Akoya pearls have minute irregularities that give them an elegant shine, while shell pearls have a smooth, uniform surface.
There is also a big difference in price, with Akoya pearl necklaces costing tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of yen, while shell pearl necklaces cost only a few thousand to around 10,000 yen.
Akoya pearls are great for formal occasions such as weddings and funerals, while shell pearls can easily be worn in everyday life.
For more information on Akoya pearls, please refer to the following article:
What are Akoya pearls? A comprehensive explanation of their characteristics, differences from other pearls, and basic care tips
South Sea pearls (black pearls and white pearls)
South Sea pearls are large pearls cultivated in the warm waters of Australia, Indonesia, the Philippines, and other areas.
- South Sea pearls: Approximately 10 to 15 mm in size, with a creamy white color and golden luster
- Black pearls: Cultured in Tahiti, they are attractive for their dark color with green and blue sparkles.
When comparing South Sea pearls and shell pearls, the first thing that stands out is the difference in size. Although shell pearls can be made in large sizes, it is difficult to reproduce the weight and presence that is unique to South Sea pearls.
In addition, the complex colors and deep brilliance of South Sea pearls cannot be completely imitated by shell pearls. In terms of price, a string of South Sea pearls can cost hundreds of thousands to millions of yen, making them in a completely different league to shell pearls.
Freshwater pearls
Freshwater pearls are pearls that are mainly cultivated in lakes and ponds in China. Unlike Akoya pearls, which are grown in the sea, they are called "freshwater pearls" because they are harvested from freshwater oysters.
The shapes are slightly irregular and the sizes vary.
Compared to shell pearls, freshwater pearls have a slightly more muted surface luster and a more natural shine, while shell pearls have a more uniform, artificial luster.
In terms of price, freshwater pearls are more reasonable than Akoya pearls and South Sea pearls, and the price difference with shell pearls is relatively small. If you are looking for "real pearls at an affordable price," freshwater pearls are recommended.
Freshwater pearls come in a variety of colors and shapes, and share with shell pearls the fact that they can be easily coordinated with casual fashion.
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How to distinguish shell pearls, artificial pearls, and real pearls: a step-by-step guide
There are six points to distinguish between shell pearls, artificial pearls, and real pearls:
- temperature
- Hole Shape
- Weight
- Texture
- Presence or absence of scratches
- Reaction to black light
With the advances being made in shell pearls these days, it is often difficult for the untrained eye to distinguish between real and artificial pearls. However, if you know how to tell the difference, it is easy to distinguish between real and artificial pearls.
temperature
There is a difference in the temperature sensation when you touch real pearls and artificial pearls. Real pearls have a low thermal conductivity, so they feel cold when you hold them in your hand.
On the other hand, artificial pearls such as shell pearls have a high thermal conductivity, so they feel warm.
However, it may be difficult to make a judgment using this method alone, so it is best to use a combination of multiple methods to check.
Hole Shape
The cross-section of the hole of a real pearl is characterized by a neat and clean finish.
In the case of artificial pearls, a coating is applied after the hole is drilled, so peeling or unevenness may be visible on the cross section.
Using a magnifying glass such as a loupe will help you see the differences more clearly.
Weight
Real pearls and artificial pearls are characterized by their comparatively heavy weight. When you pick one up, you can feel its weight.
On the other hand, artificial pearls such as shell pearls tend to feel lighter. If you can compare pearls of the same size, place them in the palm of your hand to check their weight.
Texture
When you rub a real pearl lightly with your finger, it feels rough, but an artificial pearl is smooth. You can tell the difference by rubbing two pearls together.
However, you should avoid testing this on pearls that are available for sale, as there is a risk of damaging them.
Presence or absence of scratches
Real pearls are natural objects and will have small dents, blemishes and unevenness.
On the other hand, artificial pearls such as shell pearls are industrial products, so they have a uniform surface with few scratches. However, artificial pearls that have been used for a long time can easily become scratched by friction, and the coating on the surface can peel off.
Reaction to black light
When real pearls are exposed to a black light, they emit a pale blue glow, which is a result of the organic matter contained within the nacre.
Artificial pearls such as shell pearls do not glow when exposed to a black light, or only reflect light from their surface.
Specialty stores and jewelry stores sometimes use this method to determine the authenticity of pearls.
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If you want to buy artificial pearls, are shell pearls the best choice?
Among artificial pearls, shell pearls are especially recommended because they have the closest shine and texture to real pearls.
Shell pearls have a natural luster because they are made from powder made from actual shells.
It is also highly durable, scratch-resistant, and maintains its beauty even after long-term use. It can be used for a wide range of occasions, from everyday use to formal occasions.
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Frequently asked questions about the difference between artificial pearls and shell pearls
Below are three frequently asked questions about the difference between artificial pearls and shell pearls.
- Is it okay to wear shell pearls at weddings, funerals, and other formal occasions?
- What is the average price for a shell pearl necklace?
- Do shell pearls deteriorate?
Many people still have questions about artificial pearls and shell pearls.
Here are some questions and answers relating to the differences between artificial pearls and shell pearls.
Is it okay to wear shell pearls at weddings, funerals, and other formal occasions?
Shell pearls can be worn for formal occasions, but real pearls are more suitable.
However, if you are unable to purchase real pearls due to budgetary constraints, shell pearls are fine too. In that case, choose a simple design in white, grey or black, with a size of around 7-9mm.
Please be careful as baroque pearls, single-stone necklaces, and necklaces with two or more strands may be considered bad etiquette.
What is the average price for a shell pearl necklace?
The average price of a shell pearl necklace is about 3,500 yen. Prices range from around 1,000 yen for the cheapest to around 10,000 to 20,000 yen for the most expensive.
If you are thinking of purchasing shell pearls for over 10,000 yen, you may want to consider freshwater pearls in the same price range.
Do shell pearls deteriorate?
Shell pearls will deteriorate.
After years of use, the surface coating may peel off. It often starts to peel off gradually around the hole opening.
However, compared to real pearls, shell pearls are more resistant to weakly acidic stains such as sebum and sweat, and are also harder, making them less susceptible to scratches.
To slow down deterioration, it is important to wipe it gently with a soft cloth after use and store it in a cool, dry place.
Also, be aware that exposure to ultraviolet rays and cosmetics can accelerate deterioration.
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Summary: The difference between artificial pearls and shell pearls is the material! Choose the accessory that suits you
The biggest difference between artificial pearls and shell pearls is the material they are made from: shell pearls are made from powder made from real shells, giving them a more natural shine.
When choosing, consider use, budget, and durability.
Also, knowing how to distinguish them from real pearls will be helpful when purchasing. Keep in mind points such as temperature, hole shape, weight, and texture.
Please choose the pearl accessories that suit you best.