Ridges are an inclusion that is unique to Freshwater pearls, quite likely due to their solid-nacre composition.
Natural pearls have tiny irregularities and ridges on the surface when examined closely due to the natural formation of the pearl's mother. Even when well-matched, you can always see tiny differences in top-quality cultured pearl necklace. However, if the pearls look identical, then they are probably fake.
The surface of a pearl can range from being spotless to being very heavily blemished. Tiny spots of conchiolin or aragonite, two components of a pearl's nacre, can be minor and may even add character to the gem.
Pearls are naturally not as smooth and may contain some imperfections in their surfaces, such as tiny scratches, spots of colors, or bumps called “pearling.” The more perfect the pearl, the less likely it is to be real. Additionally, fake pearls will often have a rough, chalky texture with visible flaws on the surface.
It's pretty much impossible to tell the difference between a natural and cultured pearl by just looking at its outer appearance. The only way to make absolute certain whether a pearl is natural or not is to perform an x-ray of the internal structure of the pearl.
Unfortunately, because pearls are delicately formed layers of calcium, they can flake if they're damaged. To prevent your precious pearls from peeling, keep them away from harsh chemicals or cosmetics and don't allow the pearls to rub against each other.
Like everything else Mother Nature creates, no two pearls are identical. Looking closely, you'll see small ridges on real pearls resembling fingerprints. These ridges give each pearl its unique character and make authentic pearls slightly rough to the touch.
Real pearls wear out and age, what is visible in getting mat, cracking, peeling, chipping off, and finally scattering into a fine powder. The life of a natural pearl is estimated at about 100-150 years, but there are few specimens up to several hundred years.
Cosmetics, sun block, perfume and hairspray all contain chemicals that can dramatically dull the luster of a pearl. The natural acids contained in body oils and perspiration can also damage pearls in the same way.
Look for slight imperfections.
"Real" pearls are very rarely perfect. Usually they will have slight imperfections, small blemishes or an irregular shape.
Pinpoints / Pits: These are tiny bumps and holes or pits that are usually not that visible from a distance. Dull spots: Very low lustre in areas of poor nacre quality. This can also be due to contact of the pearl with chemicals or cosmetics. Bumps: Raised areas or welts, either alone or in groups.
The most colourful and rarest pearls are produced by the abalone mollusc, which lives in rocky, coastal waters around the world. Shifting in colour from vibrant greens, blues, pinks and silver, abalone pearls, top of article, are usually baroque and often shaped like a tooth or horn.
The Vinegar Test
A real pearl will dissolve in vinegar or show erosion where the vinegar drop meets its surface. This is because of the chemical reaction between the acid in the vinegar and calcium carbonate, the primary chemical that a real pearl is made of.
Natural pearls grow in the wild without human intervention. They are very rare, and most natural pearls in the market today are antique. Cultured pearls are grown in pearl farms, and are the direct result of human intervention. The vast majority of pearls in the pearl/jewelry market are cultured pearls.
Worn often and properly cared for, pearls can look as good in 50 years as they did the day they left the store. Pearls are not the most durable of gems. Most everyday items at home and in the office are tougher than pearls, so careless contact can cause damage them over time.
Is it OK to wear pearls everyday? Absolutely. Pearl jewelry should be worn and enjoyed frequently, so avoid leaving your pearls in a security box for long periods of time. But as many jewelry, pearls are beautiful, but they are delicate and should be worn with care.
Leaving pearl jewelry in a security box for long periods may cause pearls to dehydrate, so enjoy them frequently. There is a saying that “pearls want to be worn,” and it is true. In the case of pearl rings, please be aware that these are only to be worn for dress and are not intended for everyday wear.
Gold Pearls
One of the largest and rarest pearls found around the world is Gold in color. They are Golden South Sea pearls, cultured in the Philippine Islands.
The Perils of Wetting Pearls
As the thread begins to stretch and lengthen, the pearls lose their shape. Furthermore, as the thread runs through the pearl, water can also cause internal damage, leading to the breakdown of the pearl's internal composition.
Pearls with particular brand names will also retain (and even increase) their value over the years; vintage Mikimoto Akoya pearls that still have their original clasp, box and papers to establish provenance are very highly sought after today and continue to fetch premium resale values.
Should You Wear Pearls Every Day? There's a straightforward answer to this question. It's really up to you and what you're comfortable with. If you're someone who takes very good care of their belongings and is cautious with how you handle them, then wearing your pearls every day shouldn't be a problem.
Whereas saltwater pearls are investment- grade quality, most freshwater pearls are closer to commercial-quality jewelry in their prices. Regardless of their price or rarity, freshwater pearls are nonetheless beautiful.
Identifying Pearls by the Look
Put the pearls under a light and use a magnifying glass to inspect the drill hole. If the holes are smooth, then the pearls are likely fake. Examine for variations in size and color. A string of fake pearls is usually uniform in color and size.