While there is much discussion on the subject it is apparent that many people haven't learned about where pearls come from, what pearls are, and how pearls are made. Making real pearls is a very long arduous process; even incubating cultured pearls takes much time and needs to be handled professionally. However there is a very large market for cheap items. Perhaps is an outgrowth of the American culture of inclusion despite the very present appearance of the “haves” and “have nots” which have long existed in American culture.
Many people who can't afford it want to look like the people they can afford to look like; it is for this reason which all forms of emulation in imitation take place; we want when we can't have and this is nothing new. Everything went imitation pearls is that they are so readily available at the discount retailers and department stores and they are so prevalent in our culture with so many different people wearing them that it is tough to tell someone who had pearls are wearing are not real pearls and to get them to understand where real pearls come from because the only experience they have had with pearls has been imitation pearls.
But available they are and in record number. In fact fake pearl chokers and earrings can be seen in malls all across America being worn by little girls and their mothers in retaliation towards the affluent few who wear the real deal. Imitation pearl necklaces have grown in such popularity that many of the people who are wearing them don't even know they're wearing imitation pearls.
If you're looking for fake pro-necklaces or imitation South Sea Pearl jewelry really all you need to do is go to your local discount retailer or department store when the jewelry counter. Any place that has jewelry or sells jewelry or deals in jewelry will be able to get you imitation pearls; up to and including the Internet. While many people will be afraid to shop for something like jewelry online, the benefit to imitation pearls is that there is not a lot of money anyway. So long as you get proper shipping and are not dealing with a shyster who's going to steal your money you should be fine with the imitation pearls ordered online.
If are going to have the discussion of real versus fake pearls it should be noted that real pearls are not even very present. Most of what we see that is not imitation is cultured and many of us will never see a real pro in our lives just because of the rarity of an actual full pearl. So while it's not difficult to tell the difference between a fake and a real pearl, you should make sure that if you're dealing in imitation pearl necklaces or other imitation pearl jewelry, you get the best price you can.