One of the most important factors when choosing pearls is the shape. While round is the most popular pearl shape, there are at least 6 types to choose from, and irregular shapes are much more common than perfectly round pearls.
The shape of the pearl is a subjective choice and there isn’t a ‘best’ type. However, the pearl shape you choose can tell a lot about you and your style.
Let’s take a look at the top pearl shapes and what they mean.
Quick Summary:
- Pearls come in a variety of shapes
- Round pearls have the highest demand
- Round shapes are the most valuable (all else being equal)
- Most pearls are irregular in shape
- The pearl shape you choose depends on your individual preference and style
- No shape is ‘better’ than the other
- Baroque shapes are growing in popularity
What Impacts a Pearl’s Shape?
To understand how pearl’s get shaped, you’d have to have a basic idea of how a pearl is made.
When an irritant gets into a pearl-creating mollusk, it begins to secrete nacre over the foreign body to ease its discomfort. As layer upon layer of nacre is secreted, the pearl begins to form. The shape of the irritant largely determines how the pearl will turn out, as it is the nucleus of the pearl.
Bead-nucleated mollusks have a higher chance of forming spherical pearls. Akoya oysters ae bead-nucleated, which is partly why most Akoya pearls are spherical. Freshwater pearls, on the other hand, are formed with mantle tissue nuclei and are typically irregular in shape.
Pearls that are non-nucleated, like keshi pearls, come in a wide range of shapes, from thin and long to flat and disk-like.
Pearl Shape Categories
Pearls can be categorized into three general categories, which are then further subdivided into specific shapes.
These are:
- Spherical – pearls that are round in nature and the quintessential pearl shape and the one that most people want when buying pearls.
- Symmetrical – pearls that are regular in appearance. These aren’t spherical but still have some regularity to their look.
- Baroque – irregular pearls that have no symmetry. These occur in random and abstract shapes, with each being unique to the other.
All pearls can be placed in one of these categories.
Main Types of Pearl Shapes
Close your eyes and picture a pearl. Chances are, you saw a perfectly round sphere in your mind. But in reality, there are at least 6 main types of pearl shapes.
1- Round Pearls
The classic pearl shape and the one that most people gravitate towards, these are classic and chic. Round pearls are perfection but they’re also very rare and expensive and for every one perfect pearl, there are thousands that are irregular.
Round pearls are perfect in any jewelry design. They’re commonly used in necklace and bracelet strands but also feature in gorgeous modern styles. They’re timeless and traditional.
2- Near-round
Look at a near round pearl and you might mistake it for being perfectly round. But a closer look will reveal that these pearls are slightly off-center.
Most freshwater pearls on the market are near-round pearls. The good thing about these pearls is that while they look almost perfectly round, they’re not as expensive.
These pearls can be used in any type of jewelry much like round pearls.
3- Drop
These pearls have a teardrop shape and are slightly elongated. Pear-shaped drop earring are the most valuable. These are symmetrical pearls that are especially ideal for earrings and pendants, due to their elegant hanging shape. They ooze charm and sophistication.
4- Button
Button pearls are spherical pearls but are slightly flattened, making them resemble buttons. They are perfect for earrings or pendants, as one side can be flattened against the skin while the other side looks like a regular pearl. This isn’t a very common pearl shape.
5- Circle or Ringed
These are baroque, or irregular pearls, that have clear rings that run around the circumference of the pearl. They’re very unique and have an almost artificial look but are very much real. Most people, on first seeing them, think they’re made of plastic but are surprised to find out that they’re actually organic gemstones.
Ringed or circle baroque pearls typically come from Tahitian or South Sea oysters. They’re great for unique, stylish jewelry that is immediately eye-catching.
6- Baroque Pearls
Baroque pearl is an umbrella term that covers any irregular shaped pearl. Within baroque pearls come further categories such as keshi pearls, potato pearls or circle pearls. In the past, these pearls were seen as imperfect and not suitable for jewelry. However, today they’re viewed with more appreciation and are becoming a popular alternative to the classic round pearl.
Baroque pearls are the most unique type and the best option if you want an off-beat, modern look. These pearls don’t fit in with the status quo. They’re classic and sophisticated without being traditional.
What Your Favorite Pearl Shape May Say About You
Pearl shapes can be interpreted in different ways but these are the most striking and obvious.
- If you’re drawn towards round or near-round pearls, you have a tendency to gravitate towards the traditional and the familiar. You’re style is typically chic and classic but you probably don’t want to rock the boat of fashion too much.
Your celebrity look: Angelina Jolie, Michelle Obama
- If you love the look of drop pearls, your sense of style is probably sophisticated and regal. You love to look put together and you have an elegant air about you.
Your celebrity look: Kate Middleton
- If baroque pearls call to you, you’re a rebel at heart, and you want to push the boundaries. You like to walk your own path and express your individuality. You might be leaning towards either a bohemian or avant-garde style of fashion, but whatever your exact style, the aim is to be different.
Your celebrity look: Dakota Johnson, Kiera Knightley, Emma Watson
What is the Best Pearl Shape?
If you’re thinking in terms of value, perfectly spherical pearls are the most in demand and have the highest value, all else being equal. This is because they’re much rarer and harder to come by than other types of pearl shapes.
However, from an aesthetic point of view, each pearl shape offers something different to the wearer and can be styled differently. There is no ‘best’ pearl shape and the shape you choose depends on your style and taste.
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