How can I tell if a pearl is real?

To tell if a pearl is real, examine it closely. Genuine pearls are reflective and lustrous, while fakes won't have reflective properties. A real pearl will be cool to the touch and warm up when worn. One test is the "tooth test," where you rub the pearl against your front teeth. If the texture is slightly rough, then it's a genuine pearl. Shop a collection of expertly-vetted pearl jewelry from some of the world's top sellers on 1stDibs.