Imitation pearls, which are materials that resemble pearls, have been around for a very long time. They can resemble any kind of pearl – both freshwater and saltwater – and any size or shape.

 The ancient Egyptians began making imitation pearls by using a mixture of rough quartz, or crystal.  When glass making was invented, they made imitation pearls by lining glass beads with gold or silver foil, which then were filled with wax to give a heavier, more realistic weight. 

In the seventeenth century, a Frenchman named Jaquin, developed a more sophisticated way of making imitation pearls.  He developed essence d’orient, which is a mixture of iridescent fish scales and varnish. The imitation pearls he created were very realistic looking and very popular in Europe.  

Today many companies use this same technique of coating a glass bead with an iridescent substance, similar to essence d’orient.  The nuclei, or center, for these imitations are usually machine-made. Other imitation pearls are simply glass beads coated with a lustrous white or colored enamel or paint.

Imitation pearls are great for the customer who wants a lustrous “pearl” looking piece of jewelry without the high price of a real pearl. Many people buy imitations to wear until they can afford cultured pearls. There are also great ways to use imitation pearls when making unique design or fashion jewelry.