How to Tell If a Tiger Eye Bracelet Is Real

Tiger eye is one of the most popular stones for men's bracelets, which also means imitations are common. Here is how to tell if a tiger eye bracelet is real, what real tiger eye stone looks and feels like, whether tiger eye is expensive, and how to look after it.

What is tiger eye stone?

Tiger eye (also written tiger's eye or tigers eye) is a form of quartz with fine fibres running through it. When polished into a bead, those fibres catch the light and create a silky band that moves as you turn the stone, an effect called chatoyancy, which is where the "eye" name comes from. Natural tiger eye is golden to reddish brown with darker stripes. It is around 7 on the Mohs hardness scale, so it is tough enough for everyday bracelets.

How do I know if my tiger eye bracelet is real?

These simple checks will help you judge whether a tiger eye bracelet is made with real stone:

• Look for the moving band of light. Real tiger eye shows a silky band of light that rolls across the bead as you turn it under a lamp or in daylight. Flat colour with no moving shimmer suggests glass or plastic.
• Check the banding. Natural beads have irregular golden and brown stripes, and each bead looks slightly different. Perfectly identical beads, or stripes that look printed, can mean a moulded imitation.
• Feel the temperature. Stone feels cool when you first pick it up and warms slowly. Plastic feels room-temperature straight away.
• Feel the weight. Real stone beads feel heavier than their size suggests. A very light bracelet is often plastic or resin.
• Watch for unusual colours. Natural tiger eye is golden brown. Red tiger eye is usually heat-treated, and bright blue, green or pink "tiger eye" is normally dyed. Treated stone is still real tiger eye, but it should be described as treated.
• Read the description. The most reliable check is a clear statement of the stones from the seller. If it is vague, ask before you buy.

Do not scratch, file or burn a bead to test it; you will only damage the bracelet.

Real tiger eye bracelet: what to look for when buying

A good real tiger eye bracelet has well-polished beads with a clear shimmer, even sizing and a secure fastening. For men, the choice is usually between a beaded stretch bracelet and a leather bracelet with stone beads. The men's tiger eye and black agate leather bracelet pairs tiger eye beads with braided leather and a magnetic clasp, while the tiger eye and black agate beaded bracelet set gives you two stretch bracelets to stack. For a statement piece, the tiger eye beaded bracelet with gold leopard charm adds a bold detail.

Tiger eye meaning

In folklore, tiger eye is traditionally associated with courage, confidence and steadiness, and many men choose it as a personal reminder of their goals. These are traditional associations and personal symbolism, not proven effects. Most people simply like its warm golden colour and the way it shifts in the light.

Is it OK to wear a tiger eye bracelet?

Yes. Anyone can wear tiger eye, and it suits casual and smart outfits alike. It is hard enough for daily wear, though it is best to take beaded bracelets off for swimming, showering and the gym. See our guide can I wear a tiger eye bracelet every day? for more.

Is tiger eye expensive?

No. Tiger eye is a semi-precious stone and is affordable compared with precious stones such as sapphire or emerald. Price depends on the quality of the shimmer, the size and polish of the beads and the rest of the bracelet: leather, gold plated details and clasps add to the cost. A very cheap "tiger eye" bracelet with no shimmer is more likely to be glass or plastic.

How to look after a tiger eye bracelet

Wipe it with a soft, dry cloth after wearing. Keep it away from perfume, chemicals and long soaking, which can weaken cords and leather. Store it on its own so harder pieces do not scratch the polish, and keep it out of strong sunlight for long periods so any leather does not fade.

Questions and answers

How do you know if tiger eye is real?

Turn it under a light: real tiger eye shows a silky band of light that moves across the bead. It also feels cool and heavy, and each bead has slightly different stripes.

Is tiger eye expensive?

No, it is an affordable semi-precious stone. Price depends mainly on bead quality and the bracelet's other materials.

Is red or blue tiger eye real?

Red tiger eye is usually heat-treated natural tiger eye. Bright blue, green or pink versions are normally dyed.

Can tiger eye get wet?

The stone itself is fine with a splash, but cords and leather are not, so take your bracelet off before showering or swimming.

What does tiger eye stone look like?

Golden to reddish brown with darker stripes and a silky shimmer that moves as you turn it.

Shop real tiger eye bracelets

Browse all men's bracelets and men's leather bracelets, or read our tiger eye bracelet styling guide.

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