Pearl identifier · Experimental
Inspect the visible character of a pearl.
Pearls are organic gems with distinctive surfaces. We describe visible lustre, shape and surface, and compare imitation and genuine possibilities without overreaching.
Add 1–5 photos of one specimen
JPEG, PNG or WebP · up to 10 MB each · 30 MB per scan
Optional details you know first-hand
Tell us what you measured yourself, what someone told you, and what a report says — we keep these separate.
Privacy: photos are used only for your scan, location data is removed before upload, and nothing is used for training unless you opt in. Guest scans are deleted after 24 hours.
Features that may help
- Surface texture and lustre
- Drill-hole edges
- Shape and size uniformity
Common confusions
- Coated glass or plastic beads
- Shell-based imitations
What a photo can't conclude
- Natural versus cultured
- Pearl type or water origin
- Value
Questions
Can I do the tooth test?
We don't recommend it. Rubbing on teeth can damage surfaces and is not a reliable identification.
Can you tell cultured from natural?
Not from photos. That distinction usually needs X-ray based laboratory examination.
How should I store pearls?
As a cautious default, keep them separate from harder items, away from heat, perfume and harsh chemicals.