What Are Imitation Pearls?

Due to the high cost of natural and cultured pearls, imitation pearls have had a place in jewelry throughout human history.

Natural Pearls

Natural pearls take years to form, are extremely rare and occur only when a foreign object enters a mollusk which secretes a substance known as nacre over the irritant.

Cultured vs. Imitation

Cultured pearls are formed in nature but with human assistance. Generally, a pearl farmer will insert a bead or other item into a mollusk to stimulate the secretion of nacre. By contrast, imitation pearls are made of some pearl-like artificial substance.

Materials

Imitation pearls can be made of many materials. Glass, plastic or ceramic pearls covered with some type of varnish are common. Some varnishes are derived from fish scales or incorporate flakes of mica which provide a pearly essence. High quality imitations are made from seashells.

Other Qualities

Due to the fact that they are manufactured rather than formed naturally, simulated pearls are generally uniform and without defect, unlike natural or cultured pearls which typically have flaws. They may also come in colors that are not found on pearls formed in nature.

Majorica Pearls

The most widely known high-quality simulated pearls are often called Majorica or Mallorca Pearls from Spain.

Spotting Imitation

Imitation pearls can be identified by rubbing them against each other or your own teeth. Real pearls will feel rough afterward while imitations will retain a smooth texture. Real pearls can also withstand heat without melting.