Palm Beach Pearls: How to Spot the Good Stuff

Whether out on the golf course, brunching with your friends at the club, or enjoying all the night life South Florida has to offer, there’s one wardrobe staple that feels a bit ubiquitous. In Boca Raton, it’s nearly unavoidable. We’re talking, of course, about pearls. In fact, Boca – and Palm Beach County in general – has become somewhat of a hub for this classic gemstone. But in a place known more for its lush greenery, fabulous restaurants, and high-end designer shopping, why have pearls become so prevalent here?

As it turns out, South Florida’s proximity to the Caribbean, which imports pearls from all over the world, has made it a hot spot for finding some of the most luxurious gems on the east coast. You can find some of the most luxurious (and most expensive) strands of pearls right here in town. But be forewarned: With the recent surge in popularity, not all pears are created equal. Some sellers are looking to take advantage of those looking to tap into the trend but perhaps don’t know as much as they should about the buying process.

When it comes to buying pearls, there are a few basic rules to follow to ensure you get what you’re looking for at a decent price.

First, it’s important to understand that today’s jewelry market is full of counterfeits and imitations, whether you’re buying diamonds, gold, silver, or other precious metals and gemstones. The pearl industry is no exception. Today, technology makes fake pearls look so real, so, the probability of getting a counterfeit pearl can be high. The best way to know how to tell if pearls are real is by knowing the features of an authentic pearl.

Grading

Pearl grading is important to understand before buying some of your own. A lack of universal grading standards for pearls makes it important for consumers to purchase from reputable and trustworthy pearl suppliers that uphold the highest standards for pearl quality. Grading also differs depending on the type of pearl you are buying. Check out this guide from The Pearl Source, an online retailer that sells quite often to consumers in South Florida, for some quick education. Here’s another resource specifically for necklaces.

Feeling/Touch

The first and the easiest way to tell if a pearl is real is by feeling it. When you touch a real pearl, it should start out cool to the touch and warm up in your hands or when worn. Fake pearls feel warm and can be sticky when felt with fingers.

Weight

A natural pearl has a unique weight. Counterfeits may have a weight that is ridiculously light or overly heavy for its size. Use your best judgement. If it feels too light or too heavy, it likely is.

Shape

Real pearls come in different sizes and shapes, unlike the counterfeit ones that appear so uniform it borders on perfection.

Luster

A real pearl has a unique pearl luster (a sheen or glow) and a natural, rough feel. This is because it has small ridges on its surface. These ridges may not be visible to the naked eye. However, experts and jewelers can check the “natural flaws” in a pearl using a magnifying object. In real pearls, these same ridges can be felt using the teeth. Note, though, that it’s not necessarily recommended to test them with your teeth while you’re out shopping!

Now that you’re a bit more familiar with the difference between authentic and imitation pearls, head online or to one of South Florida’s many jewelry retailers to pick some of your own. Just remember the basic rules and, when it doubt, it never hurts to ask for a certificate of authenticity or to simply bring an expert of your own to examine the quality of your potential purchase.