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Tooth Test
Rub the pearls lightly along the biting edge of your upper front teeth. If they feel gritty or sandy, it's likely they are cultured or natural pearls. If they feel smooth, they are probably imitations.
Flaw Test
Examine the pearls for flaws. If they appear flawless, this is a sign they are imitation. Also note the types of flaws present. Many of those found on cultured pearls look different from those on imitations.
Note the shape, lustre, size, and colour of the pearls. Imitations often seem perfectly matched, whereas there tend to be variations among the cultured pearls.
Bounce the pearls
Bounce the pearls in your hand. If they feel unusually light, they're most likely made of plastic or filled with wax. Solid glass beads may feel heavier or about the same as cultured and natural pearls.
Overtone Test
Look for overtone colours in the pearls. Imitations frequently have none, and when they do the overtones all tend to look the same. It's normal for cultured and natural pearls to have overtones, and these overtones often vary in colour within the strand.
CARING FOR YOUR PEARLS
Never use detergents, bleaching agent or powdered cleansers to clean pearls. All these cleaning agents can harm the surface of the pearls. Never use toothbrush or rough cloth to wash or smooth the pearls. They can scratch the pearl surface. After wearing the pearl, a wet soft cloth can be used to clean the pearls slightly. Then put it back to jewellery box after drying.
Pearl Storing
Pearls will get brittle and crack when they are dehydrated. Never keep the pearls near heaters or in places that get strong exposure under sunlight. Since pearls are soft gems, they should be stored out of things that can scratch them. Soft jewellery pouches or bags are good choice for pearl-storing.
Pearl Stringing
Pearl necklaces should be restrung periodically. Fine pearls should be strung with silk and with knots tied between each pearl. This keeps pearls from rubbing against each other and from scattering if the string is broken.
Pearl Wearing
Take your pearls off when applying cosmetics, skin care products, hair sprays or perfume. These beauty aids are composed of chemicals and acids which can harm the pearls. You should wear the pearls after a few minutes of applying the beauty aids.
Do you know...
Pearls contain around 2 per cent water, keeping them in a warm place, such as near a radiator, may cause them to dry out and develop hairline cracks and fissures. And they will almost certainly lose their luster. Wear them frequently, and always keep them clean.
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