The Wide World of Pearls, Our 101st Issue: What is the Best Shape For Pearls?
Eye Candy
INTENSE IRIDESCENCE
The coolest thing about baroque pearls is the intensified iridescence that you just don't find with any other pearl shape. These free-form Freshwater baroques display a veritable rainbow of color!
You Asked ...
Every day we receive questions from customers all over the world about pearls. We decided to post our answers here for every one to read!
What is the Best Shape For Pearls?
We Answer:
The choice of the best shape for pearls depends on factors such as personal style, the type of jewelry you're designing, and the overall aesthetic you're aiming for.
Round pearls are generally considered more valuable due to their rarity and classic appeal.
However, other shapes can offer unique and creative options for jewelry design and can be just as beautiful in their own right. It's important to consider the intended use and personal preferences when choosing the shape of pearls for a specific piece of jewelry.
Round Pearls
Perfectly round pearls are the rarest and most valuable and account for less than 10% of each annual harvest. Japanese Akoya pearls are infamous for being perfectly round and are the first pearl type that comes to mind when most people think of when they envision pearl jewelry.
Of that 10%, the pearls are sorted and graded into the A-AAA and A-AAAA Grading Scales so you can imagine that the highest quality round pearl strands are actually pretty rare even with today's pearl culturing techniques!
Off-Round Pearls
Off-Round and Semi-Round pearls are visibly off-round. Meaning they have a mostly spherical shape for casual observers but will appear somewhat oblong or slightly squished looking upon more careful examination.
They are a more affordable option compared to perfectly round pearls but still offer a pleasing appearance.
Drop-Shape Pearls
Also known as teardrop pearls, these pearls have a distinct tapering shape, similar to a tear or a drop of water. They are often used in pendants and earrings and are prized for their symmetrical, romantic shapes. Drop-shaped pearls account for about 15-20% of each pearl harvest.
Button-Shaped Pearls
Button pearls feature flattened bottoms (and occasionally tops), resembling small dome-shaped pearls, and button-shaped pearl necklaces will feature slightly squished-looking rounded pearls that will appear round to most people casually looking at the strands from a distance.
Button-shaped pearls are an excellent choice for pearl earrings because the flat bottoms are very comfortable to wear for many women.
Baroque-Shaped Pearls
Baroque pearls are irregularly shaped pearls that can come in various asymmetrical forms, including teardrop, potato-like, and abstract shapes. They are often used in creative and artistic jewelry designs, as their uniqueness adds character and individuality to pieces.
Baroques are the most common pearl shape, accounting for over 40-50% of every pearl harvest! This makes them much more prevalent and affordable for pearl shoppers, and for those looking to play around with unique pearl looks they are a fun, interesting option!
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Tahitian Denise Drop Dangle Earrings
These classic earrings feature two 9mm Tahitian South Sea pearls, handpicked for their radiant luster
The pearls are mounted on the finest sterling silver with french-hook backings
These earrings are packaged in a beautiful jewelry gift box
