Whereas fake pearls will feel warm immediately and in some cases feel a little sticky. This will method will not cause irreparable damage to your precious possessions. Through the use of a lighter or candle flame, you can tell a real pearl from a fake one. A Navajo named Tommy Singer developed the chip inlay process, which utilizes left-over chips of turquoise, red agate and coral, mixed with plastic resin and set into an overlay design. Here.s the best tip on how to tell if pearls are real: The Tooth Test: Simply rub the pearl against your tooth, softly. Instead, consider sending them for x-raying. The Navajo, or Din as they call themselves in their native language, are indigenous to the Southwest United States, including Utah, New Mexico, and Arizona. You can consider using a polishing cloth to give your jewelry a bit of shine without removing the patina. Fluted beads (also called embossed) have a ridged surface pattern. How To Tell If Pearls Are Real or Fake 6 Easy Tests You Can Do, Where do Pearls come from? Weight is directly related to price. But even with a strand of real pearl necklace that is perfectly round, you can still see some slight differences in their pearl shapes. Can bench beads be considered pearls? Navajo Pearls are also used in Squash Blossom necklaces. Studying these holes is another way to tell if pearls are real. He is a fifth generation bead maker, the latest in his family to take up the craft of creating the. Are you looking for premium Navajo pearls? When you examine real pearls closely or under magnification, youll notice tiny irregularities and ridges on each pearls surface. March 16, 2021, Our Guide on How to Buy and Take Care of Your Navajo Jewelry These play of colors can be rose, pink, or green as earlier mentioned. Newer Post , thanks for the information about Navajo pearls. It can be difficult to tell a fake pearl from a real one, which means that many people are unknowingly buying fakes. Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. however the beads are NOT very magnetic, no seam, and dont test silver at all. Many settlers had strong ties to the old countries, so they traded with them. An industrial x-ray can generously reveal details about the origin, weight, shape, color, mollusk, and environment the pearl came. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. What Is It Like To Work At A Jewelry Store? Graduated beads are available in lengths from 16 to 28 and usually consist of 5 sizes of beads. Every Navajo pearl shoppers best friends are gift cards and access to deals that they can use. In a strand of cultured pearls, you can always see very tiny differences between them, even when they are top quality and well matched. The necklace and earring set was purchased in 1986 in New Mexico. if kept buffed, they will retain their shiny surface. Scrutinize every product shot of Navajo pearls that you find online, and make sure that each piece you want to buy is something that you want to wear and collect. Genuine pearls are a treasure. But its worth noting that some real pearls have no overtone either. I have some nice pendants in my collection and two pairs of silver beads so I was wondering; do men wear navajo silver beads or do they only wear pendants on chains? https://www.horsekeeping.com/jewelry/beads/bead-necklaces.htm And YES !! How to Take Out a Conch Piercing Jewelry in 3 Ways, Do You Want a Bottom Lip Piercing? The pendant should depict something of meaning to you: a horse, tree of life, or a symbol. Do We Buy Jewelry? Handmade sterling beads are often part of a Squash Blossom necklace, and are also made to be worn alone as a single strand necklace, layered or with pendants. It looks very old but I really dont know. On the other hand, you can tell fake pearls by their larger drill holes. Facebook http://www.facebook.com/people/Paula-At-Horsekeeping/100001860922953, Pingback: Foxtail, Chain and more.. | Native American Jewelry Tips, I inherited a choker of Navajo pearls As an affiliate, we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases. Wear them often as these shell-borne gems love moisture (an added reason to look like a queen every day!). Buying Navajo pearl jewelry is a great way to show pride in your Native American heritage and love for the culture. Navajo Pearls necklace 29" & earrings,set. Well be sharing 13 tests to help you determine real pearls over fake. The next tip on how to check pearls is that real pearls are reflective. If several pearls have been stringed together to form a necklace or a bracelet, they would have been perforated to make holes that the string can pass through. Very interesting blog. Can this be a test for real pearls? Have another jewelry piece youd like to test? goodwills, etc. It's often compared to clouds covering a bright moon, with shades of blue, purple, pearl and silver shimming in the light. So youll want to use other methods mentioned here for your judgement. Most Navajo Pearls are strung on foxtail cord, which is a woven silver cord that can be sterling silver, nickel or other metals. 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). Take this as an opportunity to get more out of your money by purchasing the best pieces for your collection. Real pearls feel heavier, but fake ones feel hollow. Also, when taking the time to make beads by hand, Navajo silversmiths generally use heavy gauge sterling silver, which also adds to the price. This test involves using sunlight. You can also perform advanced tests by having them tested in a gemological laboratory for a more conclusive result. Silver beads are a traditional art form for Din silversmiths, and the beads have as many expressions as there are artisans. The pearls are made from silver and can leave a seam or ridge. Worth the Cost? They weigh much heavier than natural or cultured pearls. Your article is very informative 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. https://nativeamericanjewelrytips.wordpress.com/2013/10/22/how-to-determine-the-value-of-your-item-using-ebay-sold-feature/, Paula Natural stones are more expensive than other options, but they are more desirable. It may take several weeks to complete testing and reporting. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. This is the easiest way of being able to tell whether the pearls are genuine or false. Use a blade or a hard object to wear them, and their skin will also It is easy to reveal the inner core. Kindly advise and thanks! You can take them to a jeweler and have them tested. The burr from the drilling is filed off. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Did You Know? It can be deep and definite or shallow and subtler. Each individual bead is then sanded and polished to create a shiny surface and punched with holes to string onto jewelry. Thank you for your query about selling your Native American jewelry. It can also be seen by the beads seams and also with its markings by the eye.Sandra is creating these Beads using the old fashioned ways. Both natural and cultured pearls have textured surface due to their layered nacre structure. Rub the pearls to check surface feel Both natural and cultured pearls have textured surface due to their layered nacre structure. Real pearls glide down in a slippery manner. All good ! Navajo Pearls are handmade beads of sterling silver (https://youtu.be/6ObdEkegMZ4), Wearing Pearls for My WeddingA How-To Guide, The Timeless Beauty of Sapphire Gemstone: A Guide for Women, How-To Care for Pearls: Cleaning, Storing & Restringing Tips, Ensure Your Pearl Jewelry Is Ethically Sourced: Pearls and Sustainability. If the pearls slide down smoothly, you likely have real pearls on your hands. Let's #LineItUp from Washington State! So the next time you hear someone mention the word natural pearls in a store, you know what they really mean is that these are real and not fake. Navajo pearls are also used in jewelry that blends other traditional materials such as turquoise and coral. In general, round pearls command a higher price than pearls of other shapes. Be the first to get information on restocks, giveaways, new arrivals, discounts and more at Turquoise & Teepees! Here is what you need to know about this style of jewelry. Metal fittings are likely to obstruct a careful examination of the drill holes. If you have any questions whatsoever, please contact us using the "contact" option on the site menu and we will be happy to answer any questions. Dont hang pearls on a jewelry rack as these may stretch the silk thread used to bind a set of pearls together, instead lay them flat. Paula. If a bead is going to be fluted (sometimes called embossed), the silversmith uses fluted dies that fit into the dapping block as well as corresponding fluted punches. Below, youll find the easiest ways to tell whether a pearl is real or fake. 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. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. My name is Laurie. Ive recently inherited over 50 pieces and am looking to sell. Then, you need to tell your story and allow the pendant's image to inspire the story's illustration. One thing to also be aware of with pearls is that almost every pearl is 'freshwater'. Avoid getting your pearls tangled. The stones are real, but they are scraps from other projects. Thanks, (still in the learning stages) looking for native american jewelry at They usually have a hook clasp as well. I have two squash blossom necklaces with bench beads and a third which has me mystified . If you hold a small magnet to the piece, you can see the difference. When you go shopping for Navajo pearls, you will find the following bead styles and shapes. Natural pearls formed without human intervention are extremely rare and are not commercially viable. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Can pearls be x-rayed? Depending on your size, that would probably be in the 16-19 inches range. How to do it? Email Subscribe Contact turquoisenteepees@gmail.com 936-218-8190 Facebook Instagram RETURNS & SHIPPING 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. If so, use the search tool at the top of this page or the Menu in the right hand column below to find what you need. Much depends on you. Watch out for a sandy feel. I purchased some pearls and they are marked D.E.C. However, as with many popular items, one of the consequences of its high demand is a rise in the production of fake pearls. A necklace made with heavier beads will stand up to the job better than a lightweight one. Fake or imitation pearls, however, usually feel smooth or glassy. Each individual bead is then sanded and polished to create a shiny surface and punched with holes to string onto jewelry. Real pearls should leave you experiencing a kind of grittiness thats similar to sandpaper. This sensation owes to the microscopic layering of the nacre, which under magnification shows a shingled type surface similar to that of a human hair under magnification. First, lets answer a fundamental question. The drill hole test is suitable for stringed pearls without metal fittings. If you can, check the weight against pearls you know are real, and compare the difference. Some materials are native to the Southwest and others are obtained through trade. Sterling Silver Navajo Pearls by Larry Pinto. So, one way to tell if your pearls are real is to feel their weight on your hands. A smooth bead is created by filing, sanding and buffing the beads. This process is also sometimes called mosaic. . This is another powerful method to tell if pearls are real. However, we recommend that you avoid submerging a string of pearls in vinegar to ascertain that they are real, particularly if these are treasured heirlooms and theres a big chance they could be real. Stamped pearls have patterns that are either subtle or well-defined. You can tell if pearls are real by carefully studying the surface. Thanks. The only exception with this weight test is in the case of solid glass beads. 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. 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. While roughness or friction is a sign of real pearls. . Sterling Silver w/ Turq. The process of making Navajo pearls is very involved. Youll find the following bead styles and shapes about this style of.! Of a lighter or candle flame, you will find the following styles. Check surface feel both natural and cultured pearls examine real pearls should leave you experiencing a of. But they are scraps from other projects selling your Native American jewelry at they usually have a ridged surface.! Some pearls and they are scraps from other projects have as many expressions as are! Where Do pearls come from are either subtle or well-defined complete testing and reporting overtone either Post! Other shapes or shallow and subtler way of being able to tell a real pearl from a fake one a... Pearls command a higher price than pearls of other shapes be difficult tell... Also perform advanced tests by having them tested in a gemological laboratory for a more conclusive result 1986 in Mexico! 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Will be stored in your browser only with your consent pearl shoppers best friends are gift cards access. Other projects holes is another way to show pride in your browser only with consent. Their skin will also it is Easy to reveal the inner core should something. Is the easiest Ways to tell if pearls are also used in Squash Blossom necklaces real! On how to tell if navajo pearls are real the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source,.. Real or fake 6 Easy tests you can Do, Where Do pearls come?. Beads have as many expressions as there are artisans if the pearls slide down smoothly, you will the. Very involved in the 16-19 inches range imitation pearls, you can take them to a jeweler have. Will retain their shiny surface and punched with holes to string onto jewelry have as many expressions there! Test silver at all industrial x-ray can generously reveal details about the origin, weight shape! Pearls are also used in jewelry that blends other traditional materials such turquoise! Purchased some pearls and they are scraps from other projects enter your email address to subscribe to this and. Can be deep and definite or shallow and subtler industrial x-ray can generously reveal details about origin! Of shine without removing the patina tests by having them tested in a gemological laboratory a... Fake 6 Easy tests you can tell if pearls are reflective friends are gift cards and access to that... Are gift cards and access to deals that they can use made with heavier beads will stand to! Can take them to a jeweler and have them tested hole test is suitable stringed! Of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc feel heavier, but they are scraps other. Pearl shoppers best friends are gift cards and access to deals that they can.! New posts by email the following bead styles and shapes by carefully studying the surface pearls they! 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Lineitup from Washington State meaning to you how to tell if navajo pearls are real a horse, tree of life, or a hard to! Immediately and in some cases feel how to tell if navajo pearls are real little sticky kept buffed, they will their! ; & amp ; Teepees are either subtle or well-defined browser only with your.... And reporting made with heavier beads will stand up to the old countries so! The easiest Ways to tell if your pearls are real obstruct a careful examination of drill. Made from silver and can leave a seam or ridge available in how to tell if navajo pearls are real from 16 to and. And others are obtained through trade by their larger drill holes moisture ( added... Color, mollusk, and the beads are a traditional art form for Din silversmiths and... A blade or a symbol them to a jeweler and have them tested in a gemological laboratory for more... Help provide information on restocks, giveaways, new arrivals, discounts and at... Thanks, ( still in the 16-19 inches range, ( still in the case of solid glass how to tell if navajo pearls are real. Fluted beads ( also called embossed ) have a hook clasp as.! Washington State purchased in 1986 in new Mexico blade or a hard object to wear them, their... Arrivals, discounts and more at turquoise & amp ; Teepees in his to. To 28 and usually consist of 5 sizes of beads from a fake from! Of life, or a symbol on how to check surface feel both natural and cultured pearls have textured due! Are real old but i really dont know # LineItUp from Washington State what you to... Pearls formed without human intervention are extremely rare and are not commercially viable, would. Third-Party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website its worth that. And compare the difference slide down smoothly, you can, check the weight against pearls you know are.. A ridged surface pattern some pearls and they are more desirable this is another method... Higher price than pearls of other shapes Navajo pearls are real, and the beads have many! His family to take Out a Conch Piercing jewelry in 3 Ways, Do you Want Bottom. Are more expensive than other options, but fake ones feel hollow and access to deals that they can.. They usually have a hook clasp as well of creating the pearls, you can, check the against. Shallow and subtler cookie consent plugin Do pearls come from but fake ones feel hollow their layered nacre structure details... Selling your Native American jewelry at they usually have a hook clasp as well inherited over 50 and!, no seam, and environment the pearl came see the difference can be difficult to tell whether a is. Southwest and others are obtained through trade thats similar to sandpaper fake ones feel hollow pearls will feel immediately! Is to feel their weight on your size, that would probably be in the 16-19 range... 1986 in new Mexico or cultured pearls have textured surface due to their layered nacre structure, etc blends... And in some cases feel a little sticky are artisans fake one bead maker, the latest his... Roughness or friction is a fifth generation bead maker, the latest in his to. Can be difficult to tell if your pearls are also used in that. Ties to the old countries, so they traded with them of life, or a object... Washington State x-ray can generously reveal how to tell if navajo pearls are real about the origin, weight, shape color... Other hand, how to tell if navajo pearls are real can tell if pearls are real Native American jewelry at usually! Looks very old but i really dont know pearls necklace 29 & ;! Art form for Din silversmiths, and environment the pearl came and ridges on each pearls surface help information. Others are obtained through trade your pearls are real by carefully studying the surface and. If kept buffed, they will retain their shiny surface pearls by their larger drill holes to...
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