Pearl Shape
Pearl's shape is a factor in determining its quality and
price. Pearl experts generally divide pearls into three main categories:
Spherical, Symmetrical, and Baroque. However, smaller subcategories are useful
in classifying different shapes commonly used in pearl jewelry. Following is a
breakdown of the common shapes you'll find in our fine pearl jewelry and in
other stores:
Round |
This is the shape everyone
thinks of when they think of pearls. However, perfectly round natural
pearls are quite rare, and so they have the greatest value. The perfection
of a round pearl is considered most suited to showing off a pearl's innate
beauty. Although other shapes are not as rare and valuable, and many
consider them not as beautiful, they can be quite unique when enhanced by
creative setting design. |
Near Round |
This covers pearls that are round,
but not perfect spheres. Near round pearls can be slightly flattened or
elongated in shape. They are classified along with round pearls in the
"Spherical" category. |
Oval |
Oval pearls have ends that are
narrower than the center. They are classified by experts as
"Symmetrical."
|
Drop |
Drop pearls are shaped like a
teardrop or a pear. They can be short and fat, or elongated. They make
beautiful earrings and pendant necklaces, and are categorized, along with
oval pearls, as "Symmetrical."
|
Button  |
Button pearls have a flattened,
disk-like shape. They are often used in stud earrings, where the flattest
side of the disk can be attached to the setting. |
Baroque |
Baroque pearls are the oddballs—they
come in endless irregular shapes that don't fit in the other categories.
They are considered the least valuable of all the pearl shapes. However,
they can be highly lustrous and quite beautiful, especially when placed in
a creative setting that enhances the unique shape. They are commonly found
in more affordable pearl jewelry. |
Tips for judging pearl shape
When judging pearls for
shapes, take into account the type of pearl you are looking at. For example,
expensive natural pearls are typically baroque, whereas cheap cultured pearls
with thin nacre (pearl coating) are generally round. That's because natural
pearls don't contain a round nucleus bead, and cultured pearl beads that are
hardly coated with nacre don't have much of a chance to grow irregular. The
typical shapes of five pearl types are described below to help you learn what
degree of roundness to expect of pearls. They are listed from the most commonly
round to the most commonly baroque.
- Akoya
pearls with thin nacre often round.
- Akoya pearls with thick nacre frequently off-round, but round ones are
available too. Baroque Akoya pearl strands are considered low quality.
- South Sea
cultured pearls are rarely perfectly round. As mentioned in surface
quality. The larger the pearl grows to be, the more it will tend to deviate
from round. Baroques are often regarded as a good alternative to the more
expensive symmetrical shapes.
- Natural saltwater pearl is usually baroque or semi-baroque. Round ones are
extremely rare
- Freshwater
pearls, both cultured and natural are frequently baroque, especially if
they are natural (reasons see nacre). Baroque freshwater pearls are considered
desirable. Cultured off-round freshwater pearls are also readily available.
They are normally much more affordable than saltwater pearls of similar
quality and size.