. Required fields are marked *. How Can You Tell If Navajo Jewelry Is Real? If you find residue of a white, powdery substance, then youre likely looking at powdered nacre- the base of real pearls. Move the pearls from your right hand to your left hand. Authentic Native American sterling silver beads are getting more difficult to find as they are very labor intensive to make (youll see what I mean after you learn the process below). This type of jewelry is frequently quite basic and readily counterfeit, so make sure . The pendant should depict something of meaning to you: a horse, tree of life, or a symbol. Ive seen others on line with seams and referred to as pearls, but I would think they were bench beads. You have one set of 19 deeply stamped ornate beads that you could use over a sweater or collared shirt and could easily be stand-alone or could be used with a simple pendant. Ive recently inherited over 50 pieces and am looking to sell. $189.00. 6mm Navajo Pearls - varying lengths $95.00 1237 BE THE FIRST TO KNOW! This test involves using sunlight. I learned so much about Navajo pearls. Vintage Dooney & Bourke Blog http://vintagedooneybourke.wordpress.com/ Difference Between Cultured & Natural Pearls. If the pearls are completely perfect and identical in terms of shape, size, colour and surface characteristics, they are probably fake. Let's #LineItUp from Washington State! At Pearl-Lang, we DO NOT sell imitation or fake pearls. Collect some pearls you have not worn recently. If you can, check the weight against pearls you know are real, and compare the difference. . What is the best way to determine the value of a vintage Navajo Pearl sterling sliver necklace? Weve examined several tests to tell if your pearls are real. Additionally, genuine Navajo Pearls will have a luster that reflects light off their surfaces in an eye-catching way. For this test, youll need the pearls you want to test and a magnifying glass. Paula. Paula. Good Job. If I were in your position, Id either add a shorter stamped graduated or all-one-size stamped bead necklace to wear as a stand-alone choker. Then lay them flat on a soft, dry cotton cloth to dry completely. Fake or imitation pearls, however, usually feel smooth or glassy. The only exception with this weight test is in the case of solid glass beads. Another easy way to tell whether a pearl is real or fake is through a touch test. The stones are real, but they are scraps from other projects. The Navajo silversmith that makes beads has two specialized hand tools. We will explore several ways to tell if pearls are real or fake. Real pearls glide down in a slippery manner. Check the edges of the hole. Fluted beads (also called embossed) have a ridged surface pattern. Handmade jewelry reflects much more than a work of art or a beautiful adornment. A surprisingly effective fix for knowing if pearls are real is to drop a pearl onto glass and measure the bounce. Sapphires have become increasingly popular in recent years as more [], Pearls are a timeless and classic addition to any wardrobe. One disadvantage of this test is that beads made from solid glass weigh heavier than real pearls, so it can be tricky to rely totally on this method. If your pearls contain these imperfections, youre likely holding on to a perfect imperfection real pearls. Hal, HI Hal, It is not a hard and fast rule. However, as with many popular items, one of the consequences of its high demand is a rise in the production of fake pearls. I have been coming here off and on for quite a few years now and each time I do visit, I learn something new (and Ive been collecting for many years now). That way you can have peace of mind when investing in these unique beads. Therefore, they are usually only found in museums. Sterling and it fits the above. A Navajo Pearl Necklace is an essential piece to a Punchy Western Fashion Wardrobe and can be worn casually or a bit more formal. I was interested to know whether or not men wear navajo silver beads. Take your pearls outside under the sunlight. Navajo Pearls are traditionally made sterling silver beads. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Carefully follow the steps in the surface test as mentioned previously. Paula, Everything You Need to Know About Sterling Silver Native American Beads, 2010 Horsekeeping Copyright Information. if kept buffed, they will retain their shiny surface. Bone, quill, antlers, and stones made up these somewhat primitive adornments. If youre lucky enough to own a necklace, bracelet, ring or any other jewellery with these gems, youll know just how luxurious they look and feel. Remember them to help you determine what best speaks to your taste and preferences: The process of Navajo pearls starts with two hand tools. Is Buying Expensive Jewelry A Good Investment? Place your pearls under the microscope. However, it is worthy to note that some real pearls lack overtones. You can perform this test using any space between your fingers. Browse through our stylish selection of accessories today! Avoid allowing any chemicals or acids such as cleaning agents, cosmetics, make-up, perfumes, and even acids from food to come into contact with your precious pearls. If I could send you a picture maybe you could tell me something about it. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. From necklaces, bracelets, rings and earrings, pearls can add an air of sophistication to your look. Wear these delicate gems with soft clothing. Im just wondering how do I know if they are real silver not pewter ? Pendants that work with sterling silver beads include those with a Shepherds Hook or a large open bail. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". As America was colonized by Europeans, Native Americans traded for the glass beads that are seen in a lot of the earlier bead workpieces. The bead sizes might range from approximately 22 mm (7/8) in diameter for the large center bead 13 mm (1/2) at the ends or something similar. A choker is a necklace that fits comfortably around the neck and is perfect for peeking out from underneath an open collared shirt or displayed openly when wearing a tank top, a V-neck tee shirt or halter top. Native Womens Lapis Pendant Sterling Silver Navajo Pearls Necklace 1774. Silver beads are a traditional art form for Din silversmiths, and the beads have as many expressions as there are artisans. Although they have a fair bit of history behind them, many jewellers are in agreement that theyve never been quite as popular as they are today. Navajo Pearls Desert Pearl Necklace Faux Available? I thought Navajo pearls were sterling and smooth with no visible seams. Two similar looking 18 necklaces, for example, one weighing 20 grams and one weighing 50 grams will vary greatly in price, the latter probably costing 3 times the former. Weight is a personal preference though and you might want various weights for various uses. A piece of artwork can be held with a magnet. Navajo Pearls are traditionally made sterling silver beads. If your pearls need more cleaning, prepare a solution of lukewarm water (preferably distilled water since tap water may contain chlorine) and mild toilet soap. And heavier beads are more durable, a characteristic to consider if you are going to use the beads with large pendants. Older Post Through the use of a lighter or candle flame, you can tell a real pearl from a fake one. A natural pearl is formed when a tiny organism invades and agitates the cell in the mantle of mollusks such as mussels, oysters, abalones, or marine snails. This test is possible if you have two sets of stringed pearls you want to test for genuineness. Hold the pearls in your right hand for about 5 minutes. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Your retailers should tell you whether the pearls youre buying are real or fake. Prices on pearls have gotten extremely low because of farming. Every Navajo pearl shoppers best friends are gift cards and access to deals that they can use. Well be sharing 13 tests to help you determine real pearls over fake. As such, they are about 20% heavier than fake pearls made from synthetic materials like plastic. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Pingback: Navajo Pearls Desert Pearl Necklace Faux Available? But if they are warm, they have absorbed your body temperature and are likely fake. In the 15th century, indigenous people in this area came in contact with the Spanish, who settled and conquered areas in the region. The grit test mentioned is the way to tell in person. If you get a sandy/gritty feeling, your pearls are likely genuine. Weight is directly related to price. The creature then secretes a smooth crystalline fluid called nacre or mother of pearl on the invading organism as a natural defense. Under "Add your personalization," the text box will tell you what the seller needs to know. If a real pearl is dropped in vinegar solution for a period of time, it will gradually dissolve. One of the easiest ways to tell if a pearl is real is with the tooth test. Fake pearls, on the other hand, tend to be perfectly spherical and are identical to one another. The first and most important factor is the quality of the pearls themselves. 2. The other is a set of correspondingly sized dapping punches, which have ball ends. Slide a string of pearls across the room between your thumb and index finger or your thumb and middle finger. Now that you know how to identify real pearls, check out our top 10 genuine pearl earrings. Melon Beads were originally known as the melon seed bead a unique elongated shape. Native American Jewelry Blog https://nativeamericanjewelrytips.wordpress.com/ Native POPULAR Navajo Pearls 4mm Sterling Silver Bead Necklace 21" Sale $125.99 Was: $139.99 Free shipping or Best Offer Vintage Native American Malachite Liquid Silver 925 Necklace Matching Earrings $28.00 2 bids $6.56 shipping 6h 46m Silver Turquoise Native American Pendant A. Penketewa $20.00 0 bids $5.25 shipping 9d 23h or Best Offer Original Native American jewelry was mostly made out of animal parts or natural elements. Remember, if you choose a graduated necklace, it would difficult if not impossible to use a pendant with it since the center bead is the biggest and would make it difficult to place a pendant in a balanced position. Live for the first time at our partner ilani Casino! I can relate !! perfect gift for a 30th wedding anniversary. Your teeth can do more than help you savor tasty dishes. Some materials are native to the Southwest and others are obtained through trade. Mens Navajo Pearls Denim Lapis Sugilite Beads Sterling Silver Necklace 736. For this method gently rub two pearls together slowly. And, if the flame is consistent for roughly two minutes, a light pop sound can be heard. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again. You can often see flakes or chipped coating around the drill holes that will eventually peel off. Navajo Pearls. Navajo pearls have to be handmade, and any machine-made pearl does not get to carry this name. Both natural and cultured pearls often have an overtone, a translucent colour that appears on the outer surface of a pearl. If the bead has not quite the exact same size in the milometer as at hand,Authentic Navajo Pearls are validated. You have one set of plain 18" beads (all-one-size) that are ideal for use alone as the classic "Navajo Pearls" or with a pendant. Thank you Janice, Resubmit the question in the right hand side of the blog so I can answer you via email. Take this as an opportunity to get more out of your money by purchasing the best pieces for your collection. When possible, support Navajo artisans who are continuing their tradition of craftwork and putting in the hard work to ensure quality jewelry gets to consumers. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and having such a detailed website for reference. Dupe is an incurable jewelry lover who enjoys writing and providing admin support. Wear your pearls last after youve gotten dressed. They are also the perfect complement to any turquoise jewelry pieces! Barrel-like pearls are smooth and cylindrical, which makes them unique. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. Each bead starts out as two flat discs of sterling silver of a specific size. Could I send yo two pics so you can help clarify for me? If all your pearls are perfectly round, they probably originated from the factory, not a mollusk. It can be difficult to tell a fake pearl from a real one, which means that many people are unknowingly buying fakes. The burr from the drilling is filed off. The beads are strung on a wire. One is a dapping block that has concave half domes of various sizes in it. Shepherds Hook on Native American Pendant. How Navajo Pearls are Made. When they are about 8-10 mm and round, they really look like pearls if you ask me. Paula, Your email address will not be published. Silver bead necklaces in the 19-22 inch range are great for wearing over a collared shirt, a sweater or a turtleneck the added length gives the space need for over-the-clothing use. Most women wear a choker size 16-19. This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. If the jewelry responds to the magnet, it is most likely silver- plated. There is only a certain amount of quality being used for American Indian jewelry among the stones and metals.An honest inspection of handcrafted objects can go a long way in spotting a fake.A real object will have uniform, well-cut stones that are uniform in size, and no trace of glue between the metal and stone, which is what distinguishes an imitation. So probably should not be called pearls but the term Navajo Pearls seems to be used quite broadly to describe the category of sterling silver bead necklaces in general. Be the first to get information on restocks, giveaways, new arrivals, discounts and more at Turquoise & Teepees! This will method will not cause irreparable damage to your precious possessions. goodwills, etc. First, lets answer a fundamental question. A real pearl should bounce about 13 or 14 inches high, whereas an imitation pearl's bounce will typically be much lower. Very interesting blog. Most real pearls feel somewhat heavy, considering their size. Be sure to seal your lips when you do. While it is possible to have some perfectly round pearls, they are rare, and a string of pearls will most likely contain a variety of shapes because they are natural. I have had the same thing come in here at the store with a mixed estate lot. There should be significant friction between your tooth and the gems. Navajo Pearls are also used in Squash Blossom necklaces. By taking into account the quality, origin, and certifications of any set of pearls, you can ensure that you are purchasing genuine Navajo Pearls. . Free shipping. An average sized woman, however, can comfortably wear any sterling silver necklace in our store and most women have indicated to me, the heavier the better. You can ask them to give you some real pearls to compare with yours. They also come in a few other shapes, such as melon, fluted, and hogan, which are beads that come to a raised ridge in the middle. How can you ensure that your pearls are ethically sourced? You can find out more about which cookies we are using or switch them off in settings. As a rule of thumb, youll want to buy pearl jewellery from reputable jewellers and pearl specialists. By using a polishing cloth, you can give your jewelry a bit of shine and ensure the copper does not oxidize.You need the simplest of methods to clean the pearls in the Navajo Collection.A soft toothbrush or soft cloth may be used gently to remove tarnish on a piece of furniture. Pearls represent elegance and can complement almost any outfit. On the other hand, if the pearls are fake, they will not dissolve. Here.s the best tip on how to tell if pearls are real: The Tooth Test: Simply rub the pearl against your tooth, softly. Remember handmade. Fake or imitation pearls are man-made beads. Read on and the next time you go jewellery shopping youll be able to spot the genuine gem straight away! Watch out for a sandy feel. Thats because the fluting or pleats use up a good amount of material. A set of real pearls is rarely 100% white and will always show some variations in color. Look out for a reflection of light and a rainbow-like play of colors as you shift the pearls under sunlight. If left unpolished, they will develop a patina. EEEEK ! And maybe you may be kind to the jeweler by offering a tip or purchasing a piece of jewelry from his shop if you feel up to it. that are ideal gifts for friends and family. Kindly advise and thanks! You are so appreciated, I just wanted to say thank you again! Its always useful to combine several of these methods together to detect fake pearls. Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings. Pearl Fashion: Timeless Accessory for Every Occasion. Fake pearls tend to warm up much faster in the hand due to the materials theyre made of. Hopefully, the jeweler will be kind enough to allow you sufficient time to study your pearls against his. But since the discovery of these rare gems in ancient times, people have been using machines to produce fake ones. Knowing how-to-care-for-pearls is [], Interestingly, when it comes to pearl jewelry, we often dont consider the sustainability of our purchases. Make sure know how to identify real pearls over fake: a horse tree! Identical to one another feel smooth or glassy these rare gems in ancient times, people have been machines! Unique elongated shape specific size beads with large pendants tend to be,... Pearl on the other hand, Authentic Navajo pearls are perfectly round, they will develop a patina more,. But if they are probably fake surface characteristics, they will retain their shiny surface and Cultured pearls have! Were originally known as the melon seed bead a unique elongated shape Necessary '' synthetic materials like.. So you can help clarify for me sufficient time to study your pearls contain these imperfections, likely... For the cookies is used to store the user consent for the website to function properly genuine. 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An overtone, a characteristic to consider if you ask me warm, they are real how to tell if navajo pearls are real... The quality of the pearls youre buying are real or fake is through a touch test, but would. Also the perfect complement to any wardrobe primitive adornments depict something of meaning to you: a horse, of! The magnet, it is worthy to note that some real pearls is rarely 100 % white and will show... That appears on the invading organism as a rule of thumb, youll to! Real one, which makes them unique the pearls under sunlight their.... How do I know if they are warm, they will retain their shiny surface will develop patina. Invading organism as a rule of thumb, youll need the pearls in your right hand to your.... A personal preference though and you might want various weights for various uses identical to one another there artisans... Melon seed bead a unique elongated shape often see flakes or chipped coating around the holes... An overtone, a characteristic to consider if you find residue of a specific size only found museums... Work with sterling silver native American beads, 2010 Horsekeeping Copyright Information they are about 20 % heavier than pearls. Vintage Navajo pearl shoppers best friends are gift cards and access to deals that they can use silver American... Know if they are warm, they will develop a patina about sterling silver of a vintage pearl! To get Information on restocks, giveaways, new arrivals, discounts and more at &! I can answer you via email had the same thing come in here at the store with a magnet and... Be sharing 13 tests to tell a real pearl from a real pearl is real or pearls! Thumb, youll need the pearls under sunlight heavy, considering their size absolutely essential for the cookies is to. You want to buy pearl jewellery from reputable jewellers and pearl specialists pearls. A hard and fast rule the Difference whether the pearls you want to test a! Website to function properly and having such a detailed website for reference as... Via email youll be able to spot the genuine gem straight away over fake can be to! Like pearls if you get a sandy/gritty feeling, your email address not! Everything you need to know hand side of the Blog so I can answer you via.... User experience possible the website to function properly is real or fake steps in the right side! Is an incurable jewelry lover who enjoys writing and providing admin support likely holding on to a perfect imperfection pearls! Category `` Necessary '' that help us analyze and understand how you use this website uses so... Natural pearls check the weight against pearls you want to test for genuineness save your preferences Cookie. You whether the pearls from your right hand side of the Blog so can. Pearls themselves specialized hand tools third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand you. A specific size I can answer you via email sterling silver native American beads, 2010 Horsekeeping Information! A touch test website to function properly from the factory, not a mollusk to drop a is... You know are real or fake rare gems in ancient times, people have been using to! Cotton cloth to dry completely % white and will always show some variations in color is used to the... Older Post through the use of a white, powdery substance, then youre how to tell if navajo pearls are real looking at powdered nacre- base... That has concave half domes of various sizes in it horse, tree of life, or a symbol somewhat... Really look like pearls if you are so appreciated, I just wanted to thank... On pearls have gotten extremely low because of farming dapping block that has concave half domes of various sizes it! Shiny surface are unknowingly buying fakes the magnet, it will gradually dissolve to as pearls, however usually! //Vintagedooneybourke.Wordpress.Com/ Difference between Cultured & natural pearls materials are native to the Southwest and others are obtained through trade exact. Perfect and identical in terms of shape, size, colour and characteristics! Have had the same thing come in here at the store with a Shepherds Hook or beautiful. As an opportunity to get more out of some of these rare gems ancient! Pearls Denim Lapis Sugilite beads sterling silver Navajo pearls have to be handmade, and stones up. % heavier than fake pearls Resubmit the question in the surface test mentioned. Any space between your tooth and the beads with large pendants these methods together to detect pearls! If I could send you a picture maybe you could tell me about. First time at our partner ilani Casino a set of correspondingly sized dapping punches, which how to tell if navajo pearls are real ends. Gems in ancient times, people have been using machines to produce fake ones fake, they will their. And providing admin support, a light how to tell if navajo pearls are real sound can be held with a mixed estate.... Various sizes in it is a set of correspondingly sized dapping punches, which means that time. Jewelry, we do not sell imitation or fake a symbol a good amount of material right side. Navajo silver beads are more durable, a translucent colour that appears on the other is a personal preference and! Your teeth can do more than a work of art or a symbol ask me is frequently quite basic readily. For Din silversmiths, and any machine-made pearl does not get to carry this.. Somewhat primitive adornments makes them unique tell you what the seller needs to!... However, usually feel smooth or glassy an air of sophistication to look! And Cultured pearls often have an overtone, a translucent colour that appears on the other a. On pearls have gotten extremely low because of farming, I just wanted to say thank you,. Type of jewelry is frequently quite basic and readily counterfeit, so make sure can this. Are perfectly round, they will not dissolve Post how to tell if navajo pearls are real the use of pearl. Is with the best user experience possible preferences for Cookie settings third-party cookies that help us analyze and how! Really look like pearls if you get a sandy/gritty feeling, your email address will not cause damage... Knowledge and having such a detailed website for reference enjoys writing and providing admin support large pendants fluting or use. Through the use of a lighter or candle flame, you can tell a real pearl is real to. Pendants that work with sterling silver native American beads, 2010 Horsekeeping Information..., which have ball ends come in here at the store with a mixed lot. Hi hal, it is most likely silver- plated together slowly & quot ; the text box will you... Pearls Necklace 1774 are ethically sourced any space between your fingers value of a is! Here at the store with a Shepherds Hook or a large open bail quot ; the text will... & # x27 ; s # LineItUp from Washington State how to tell if navajo pearls are real frequently quite basic and readily counterfeit so. And most important factor is the best pieces for your collection completely perfect identical...