To identify pearls in vintage jewelry, start by looking closely at their shape—real pearls are rarely perfectly round and often have tiny bumps or slight irregularities, while fake ones usually look too perfect.
Next, gently rub the pearl against your teeth; real pearls will feel slightly gritty due to their natural texture, while fake ones feel smooth. Pay attention to the shine as well—genuine pearls have a soft, deep, glowing luster, whereas imitations often look shiny but flat.
You can also check the drill hole; in authentic vintage pearls, the hole is usually small and neat, while fake pearls may have larger, rougher holes.

If you’re still unsure, it’s best to have a jeweler examine them—they can confirm the authenticity in just a few minutes.

Answered by: Antiquejewelrybuyers