How to distinguish between genuine and fake pearls:

1) All genuine pearls possess a slightly abrasive quality, and you can test the authenticity of any pearl by gently scraping two pearls together. If you feel a slightly rough texture between the two pearls, they are probably genuine. Fake pearls will be very smooth and will slide against each other with very little resistance. Drill: Observe the hole drilled through pearl and see if its color and luster are consistent. Genuine pearls will maintain their natural color and shine in and out of the hole, while holes drilled in fake pearls appear cracked and the color will differ inside and out. Color: Real pearls will maintain their original color and luster over time, and, when observed closely, you will be able to see slight shading variations consistent with the formation of the pearl. A fake pearl will only have one solid color which is either painted on or is a result of the chemical process in manufacturing the pearl. A Cool Feeling: While holding genuine pearls in your hand, you will notice that they will feel naturally cool and will stay cool on your skin. Fake pearls do not have this cool feeling and will eventually warm to the temperature of your skin.

2) Some general tips on how to select pearls: Shape: While most people think of pearls as only being perfectly round, natural pearls come in a variety of shapes. For example, some pearls may be shaped like a large grain of rice, or a button, teardrop, a square, or a coin, in addition to many other shapes. While perfectly round pearls may be the most sought after of all pearl shapes, different styles and designs using these interesting and unique shapes can attractive suit many different individual tastes. Many of these shapes are also used in combinations to make striking, one-of-a-kind pieces, but of course, the more round a pearl is, the more valuable it tends to be. Luster: The amount of light radiating from the inside and outside of the pearl – the deeper the luster, the better. The "Flaw" principle: Because of the natural formation process of a pearl, even the most valuable pearls more or less have flaws and may or may not be visible to the naked eye. However, a general rule of thumb is obvious - the less holes and imperfections on the face of the pearl, the more valuable. A perfectly pure, immaculate pearl is indeed a rare find and highly valuable. Size: As common sense would have it, larger size pearls are more valuable and are often the most desired. However, many of the largest size pearls have quite a few flaws and may not be suitable for expensive strands. When selecting a pearl, one ought to consider all the factors mentioned above, especially when selecting a very expensive strand of large pearls.

3) The medicinal value of pearls: When incorporated into certain medicines, pearls are known to have a curing effect on many types of illnesses. Pearls can also be made into creams and lotions which help prevent aging and add a unique and smooth texture to the skin.