Baroque Pearls

What Are Baroque Pearls?

Baroque Pearls refer to those gems that aren’t symmetrical spheres. Every pearl that is not perfectly round is classified as a Baroque Pearl. Some might consider them imperfect, but each gem carries its own appeal and unique beauty. These pearls present irregular shapes, as well as sizes, asymmetrical features, dents, and uneven surfaces.

What Are the Main Characteristics of Baroque Pearls?

Despite not being perfectly round, Baroque Pearls can be highly lustrous and iridescent, which adds to their appeal. And just like round pearls, Baroque Pearls come in a wide range of colors, depending on their type. The most sought-after colors include white, ivory, or off-white, pink, peach, and darker shades / black pearls.

What Types of Pearls Can Be Baroque?

The most common types of Baroque Pearls come from the Freshwater variety, as well as South Sea and Tahitian. Akoya Pearls are known for being mostly round, so Baroque Akoya Pearls are rarely available. Over 90% of Freshwater Pearls are, in fact, Baroque Pearls. The main reason why Baroque Freshwater Pearls are abundant is the fact that freshwater mussels are tissue-nucleated and not bead-nucleated. Because there is no bead and they are composed of just nacre, producing round pearls is less likely.

What Shapes Do Baroque Pearls Come In?

There are no less than 12 different types of Baroque Pearls, depending on their specific shape.

1. Baroque Pearls – resembling subtly elongated spheres/ovals.
2. Coin Pearls – typically round, yet flat and smooth, resembling coins.
3. Potato Pearls – larger gems in off-round shapes with good luster.
4. Keshi Pearls – consisting of 100% nacre, in a varied range of shapes.
5. Rice Pearls – on the tiny side, similar to a grain of rice.
6. Teardrop Pearls – popular for their drop-like / pear shape, with a narrower top and a larger bottom half.
7. Stick Pearls – long and thin, usually used as dangling charms.
8. Egg Pearls – similar to teardrop Baroque Pearls, but with a more subtle shape.
9. Cross Pearls – extremely rare gems that present a nacre cross shape.
10. Leaf Pearls – very thin, with a rough surface.
11. Heart Pearls – flat gems shaped like hearts.
12. Twin Pearls – gems that were created by two pearls joining together.