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Author	Topic: Mother of Pearl Handled pieces
carlaz Posts: 239 Registered: Jan 2001	posted 04-04-2008 10:47 AM I am hoping someone can assist me in how to confirm if pieces are real mother of pearl vs. plastic without harming the piece to find out? IP: Logged
argentum1 Posts: 602 Registered: Apr 2004	posted 04-05-2008 09:14 AM This is from an antiques jewelry dealer I have know for years. According to her there are three ways to tell the difference. Place the piece on your cheek or lip. If it feels cold it is real. Plastic will feel warm. Tap the item on your teeth and there should be a click or hard sound. The fake will produce a dull sound. Heat a straight pin to red hot( use a pair of tweezers or pliers to avoid burning yourself). Choose a spot that will be hidden and press the point of the hot pin into the surface. If it does not penetrate/sink into the surface it is real. The pin will sink into the surface of the fake. To use any of the above methods I would think one would have to practice on a known authentic piece against a known fake. I personally have never tried these methods but she has been a dealer for over 50 years. IP: Logged
FWG Posts: 845 Registered: Aug 2005	posted 04-05-2008 05:23 PM I use the tooth-tap often, have for years, and find it quite accurate. The needle is even more so, of course, but is destructive if the piece is plastic.... IP: Logged
carlaz Posts: 239 Registered: Jan 2001	posted 04-08-2008 10:14 AM Thank you for the very interesting response although my dentist may not be so happy... [This message has been edited by carlaz (edited 04-08-2008).] IP: Logged
Dale Posts: 2132 Registered: Nov 2002	posted 04-08-2008 08:23 PM One sort of disgusting way is to suck on the handle and be alert for a salt taste. The tang indicates salt water, which is where MOP originates. Have found this works time after time. Also check for variation in patterns on the MOP. Natural pearl will have it. Problem is that there is a method in which real MOP, small bits, is ground up and suspended in a resin. Old method, still used I suspect. Also, feel for the slight difference that would indicate carving rather than casting. IP: Logged

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