how to differentiate

cultured pearls from imitation pearls
Sample Test without the use of Scientific Equipment

Tooth test
Rub the pearl lightly along the bitting edge of your upper teeth. If they feel gritty or sandy, it is likely they are natural pearls. if they feel smooth they are probably imitations.

Flaw test
Examine the pearls for flaws. If they appear flawless, this is a sign they are imitation. Also note the types of flaws present. Many of those found on cultures pearls look different from those on imitations. Note the shape, luster, size and color of the pearls. Imitations often seem perfectly matched, whereas there tend to be variations among the cultured pearls.

Bounce the pearls
Bounce the pearls in your hand. If they feel unusually light, they're most likely made of plastic or filled with wax. Solid glass beads may feel heavier or about the same as cultured and natural pearls.

Overtone test
Look for overtone colors in the pearls. Imitations frequently have none, and when they do the overtones all tend to look the same. it's normal for cultured and natural pearls to have overtones, and these overtones often vary in color within the strand.