What do pearls feel like?

As an expert in the field of gemology and jewelry, I have had the opportunity to study and handle a wide variety of pearls. Pearls are unique among gemstones because they are organic, formed by living organisms such as oysters, mussels, and clams. The feel of a pearl is a combination of its texture, weight, and luster, which are all influenced by its formation process and the environment in which it was created. Texture: The surface of a natural pearl is not perfectly smooth. It has a slightly uneven texture, which is often described as 'gritty' when compared to the smoothness of fake pearls. This is due to the layers of nacre, a substance secreted by the mollusk that forms the pearl. Nacre is made up of microscopic crystals that are arranged in a way that gives the pearl its characteristic luster, but also results in a texture that can feel slightly rough to the touch. Weight: Pearls have a substantial weight to them, which is another way to distinguish them from imitations. Real pearls are denser than most materials used to create fake pearls, so they feel heavier when you hold them. This weight can be felt when you roll a pearl between your fingers or when you wear a strand of pearls around your neck. Luster: The luster of a pearl is its reflective quality, which is often described as a deep inner glow. This is a result of the way light interacts with the layers of nacre. A high-quality pearl will reflect light in a way that seems to come from within the pearl itself, giving it a warm and luminous appearance. Coolness: Pearls are also noticeably cool to the touch. This is because they are formed in water, and they retain some of that coolness. When you first touch a pearl, especially if it has been stored in a cool place, it will feel colder than the surrounding environment. Slip: Pearls have a certain slip to them when you run them between your fingers. This is due to the smoothness of the nacre, even though the overall texture of the pearl is slightly gritty. The slip is a pleasant sensation that is often associated with the quality of the pearl. Tooth Test: There is a common myth that you can test the authenticity of a pearl by rubbing it against your teeth. The idea is that a real pearl will feel gritty, while a fake one will feel smooth. However, this test is not entirely reliable. While it is true that real pearls have a slightly rough texture due to the nacre, the difference is often too subtle to be felt with the teeth. Moreover, the test can potentially damage the pearl or your teeth. In conclusion, the feel of a pearl is a complex sensory experience that involves its texture, weight, luster, coolness, and slip. It is these characteristics that make pearls such a beloved and timeless gemstone.

As a result, if you hold one pearl between your thumb and index finger, then gently rub the pearl on one of your teeth (this only works with real teeth, not veneers or dental implants), you will feel a slight 'gritty' texture, as if you are rubbing sand on your tooth. Fake pearls will feel perfectly smooth.Apr 7, 2015