What does faux mean in jewellery?
By Jared James · Last updated 21 May 2026
Definition
Faux is a French word meaning false or imitation, and in jewellery it describes pieces designed to look like the real thing while being made from substitute materials. A faux pearl is a glass or plastic bead coated to mimic a cultured pearl; a faux septum ring is a clip-on that looks pierced without being so. The term is straightforward and honest: it signals imitation without the negative connotation of "fake", and faux pieces are a legitimate part of the jewellery world for fashion, costume and everyday wear.
Frequently asked questions
- Is faux jewellery the same as costume jewellery?
- They overlap but are not identical. Faux specifically means an imitation of something real, like a faux pearl standing in for a cultured one. Costume jewellery is a broader category of affordable decorative pieces that may or may not be imitating a precious original.
- Are faux pearls worth buying?
- For fashion and everyday wear, yes. Good quality faux pearls, particularly glass versions with a proper lustre coating, can look convincing and last well. They are also a sensible choice if you want to wear pearls in situations where real ones might get damaged.
- How can you tell faux from real pearls?
- The tooth test is the simplest: real and cultured pearls feel slightly gritty against tooth enamel, while glass or plastic faux pearls feel smooth. Real pearls also tend to be heavier and show slight irregularities in shape and lustre.
Designing a ring
Talk through faux with us
Tell us what you have in mind, even if it is only a budget and a piece of jewellery type, and we will help you weigh up the options. We reply to every enquiry, usually within one business day.
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