Pearl Authenticity

How can you tell if your freshwater pearls are real and not plastic? Freshwater pearls are made in mussels or oysters in rivers, lakes or ponds and tend to be more irregular in shape and more varied in color than saltwater pearls. Freshwater pearls sell for less than say, south sea pearls, only because they are more abundant and have more variations that naturally occur in their development. Laura Lively freshwater pearls are not only real and beautiful; they also offer a great value for pearl shoppers. 

Not sure about some of your other freshwater pearls? One easy test for authenticity (but not always reliable) is to rub the pearls lightly along the biting edge of your upper front teeth. If they feel gritty or sandy, they are real pearls. You can also do this by simply rubbing two pearls gently together and felling for the same friction. If they feel smooth, they are probably a faux gem and not real.

Real pearls are cooler to the touch than their imitations. When you first put them on you can feel this coolness on your skin. After being on a few minutes they will warm more to your body's temperature. Plastic imitations will be room temperature. A final method is just by putting the entire necklace in your hand and feeling the weight of it. Real pearls will be heavier, whereas, imitation jewelry is always light.