Pearls are, without a doubt, the most beautiful detail on a medal: they add radiance, make it more delicate, and go with everything. That is why they appear on so many religious medals… and that is also why they are so widely imitated. If you have ever wondered whether the pearls on a medal are natural or plastic, here is what to look for to tell them apart before buying.
We have already talked about this in Khartes Medals vs. Imported Medals and in our guide how to tell if a medal is a designer piece made by hand. Today, we are focusing solely on the pearls.
How much a medal with imitation pearls costs
On platforms such as AliExpress, Temu, or Shein, medals with pearls are sold for very little money. To give you an idea: on 11/11/2026, when searching for “Virgin medal pearl” on AliExpress, a stainless steel necklace with a Virgin medal and beads that the listing itself describes as “imitation pearl” appeared for $1.09.
We have nothing against those pieces: if someone wants a simple, affordable necklace, it is a perfectly valid option. What we don’t think is right is for such a medal to be bought for a couple of euros and resold for €30 or €40 as “original design,” “handmade,” or “with natural pearls.” Anyone who buys a medal, especially as a gift, deserves to know what they are getting.
Natural pearls or plastic: five ways to tell them apart
You don’t need to be a jeweler. With a little attention, these checks will give you many clues:
- Shape. Natural pearls are almost never perfect spheres: some are slightly more oval, while others have small irregularities. If all the pearls on a medal are identical and round like marbles, they are most likely imitation pearls.
- Size and tone. On a piece with natural pearls, you will see small differences in size and color between one pearl and the next (some slightly warmer whites, others cooler). Plastic or glass ones usually come out all the same, in the same uniform white.
- Luster. A natural pearl has a soft, deep luster that changes depending on how the light hits it. Imitations usually have a flatter luster or one that looks too “lacquered,” very similar across the board.
- Feel and weight. Plastic pearls are usually very light and do not feel cold to the touch. It is also often said that if you gently rub two natural pearls together, you can feel a slight roughness, while imitation pearls slide smoothly. Always do this carefully.
- The hole and wear. Look closely around the hole where the thread or wire passes through. On imitation pearls, the pearlescent layer is paint or a coating that, with use, often flakes off and reveals the material underneath.
And, of course, read the product description: if a store sells natural pearls, it will state this clearly. If it only says “pearl” or “pearl” without anything else, ask.
Khartes vs. imitation pearls: a quick comparison
| What to look for | Khartes medal with pearls | Medal with imitation pearls (the usual) |
|---|---|---|
| Pearls | Natural, each one different | Often plastic, glass, or resin with a pearlescent coating |
| Shape and size | Vary slightly from one pearl to another | Usually all identical |
| Luster | Soft and deep | Often flat or very uniform |
| Medal | Zamak with 18K gold plating | Often steel or an alloy with a “gold finish,” with no further detail |
| Design and manufacturing | Original design, handmade in Spain | Catalog model manufactured in series |
| Exchanges | 14 days, first exchange free | Depends on each seller |
What our medals with pearls are like
This is what our product descriptions state:
- Natural pearls, which may vary slightly in tone and size: each piece is unique.
- Exclusive Khartes Madrid design. We design them ourselves, Marian and Bárbara.
- Handmade in Spain, piece by piece.
- Zamak with 18K gold plating. We tell you the material and the karat of the plating.
- Chain included, gold-plated, 40 cm + 5 cm extender.
- Wrapped for gifting at no extra cost, with shipping that usually arrives in 24–72 hours and 14 days to exchange it, with the first exchange free.
Our medals with natural pearls
If you are looking for a medal with real pearls, here are some of our favorites:
And if you also like pearls on necklaces, check out our vintage necklaces and jewelry: you can hang your Khartes medal on them.
The most beautiful medals in the world are at Khartes.
Thank you for reading us and for valuing what is made with love.
Marian and Bárbara
The most beautiful medals are at www.khartesmadrid.com. Follow us on Instagram: @khartesmadrid.