Coral will have striations in the coloration, the polish will not be even, and the beads will be a little more irregular. Besides the weight (actually specific gravity, which is weight in relation to volume), plastic may have mold lines visible (especially inside the "drill" holes.
A definitive last resort test is a hot point; BUT THIS IS A DESTRUCTIVE TEST. Heat up a pin with a lighter to get it glowing hot and touch it to the most inconspicuous spot you can find on one of the beads. Plastic will give an acridic, plasticky burning odor you will recognize as burnt plastic.
The weight should be your first clue. You can then google coral bead identification and there are great sites to help with IDing coral out there. The screw type clasp is a good indication this is an older piece, but can be found on older plastic beads as well.
idealgems1
·1 year agoCoral will have striations in the coloration, the polish will not be even, and the beads will be a little more irregular. Besides the weight (actually specific gravity, which is weight in relation to volume), plastic may have mold lines visible (especially inside the "drill" holes.
A definitive last resort test is a hot point; BUT THIS IS A DESTRUCTIVE TEST. Heat up a pin with a lighter to get it glowing hot and touch it to the most inconspicuous spot you can find on one of the beads. Plastic will give an acridic, plasticky burning odor you will recognize as burnt plastic.
watchmystuffgo
OP1 year agoThank you again for the help.
flipping_treasures
·1 year agoThe weight should be your first clue. You can then google coral bead identification and there are great sites to help with IDing coral out there. The screw type clasp is a good indication this is an older piece, but can be found on older plastic beads as well.
Good luck.
watchmystuffgo
OP1 year agoThanks yes I believe it is just plastic but just making sure.