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<p>[QUOTE=&quot;Bronwen, post: 324653, member: 5833&quot;]I think the first thing that interests the rest of us is figuring out what the material is.</p><p><br /></p><p>In my experience, even when comparing something highly polished genuinely made from a natural material with a really convincing fake that looks like the same material (at least for the stuff I handle most: shell, coral, lava, ivory, pearls) when you do the &#039;tooth test&#039;, lightly rubbing (I sort of nibble) the material against the edge of your top or bottom incisors, there will be the slight sensation of graininess, even though your fingertips could not detect it.&nbsp; Sometimes it is so slight, it is difficult to be sure you are feeling it.&nbsp; However, when you do the same thing with plastic/resin/glass, they feel absolutely slick.</p><p><br /></p><p>Occasionally I have wanted to make a determination about something that appeared to be coral, knowing that the fakes can be very, very good when it comes to coloration &amp; weight.&nbsp; Since coral can be polished to a high gloss, I may not be sure one way or the other until checking using something I know to be fake.</p><p><br /></p><p>Have also found this useful in distinguishing ivory from its imitators.&nbsp; So, encouraging you to give it a try with this piece.&nbsp; Even if a first test spot feels super smooth, try it on several places.&nbsp; The first step is ruling out - or not - man made material.&nbsp; My money says it is not, but my eyes are not able to tell me otherwise.&nbsp; What do your teeth say?</p><p><br /></p><p>Also wonder whether [USER=2844]@Any Jewelry[/USER] has taken a look.</p><p><br /></p><p>Additional question: what is your assessment of weight for size?&nbsp; When weighed in the hand, Goldilocks asks,&nbsp; do pieces seem very heavy, too light, about right for what you would expect of something that size?&nbsp; Do any of the parts seem hollow?[/QUOTE]</p><p><br /></p>

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