Imitation Pearls

Imitation pearls are artificial pearls usually made up of glass, Ceramic, Shell or Plastic. They do not have real value as real gemstones. These are coated with some material to add a fake lustre.

These Pearls are generally known as “faux” (means false in French), simulated, manmade i.e. artificial. Some imitation pearls even have regional names like “Majorca pearls, Red Sea Pearls, Laguna Pearls. Majorca pearls are most famous amongst them. Majorca pearls are solid glass beads covered with many coats of pearl essence. Some fake pearls are called Semi cultured; these are rejected or discarded pearls or glass beads coated with powdered Mother- of - pearls.
Most successful types of imitation pearls are Roman Pearls and Indestructible Pearls. Roman pearls are made hollow and then they are filled with wax. Indestructible pearls are made up of indestructible glass which imparts a finer effect.

Some imitation pearls are also detected by incorrect specific gravity; incorrect hardness. Examine pearl under a microscope, real pearls have a smooth finish. A simple test to detect artificial pearls is the "Teeth Test". Just rub the pearls very gently over your teeth, if it's sandy or gritty it is probably real pearl, if it is smooth it is an imitation pearl.