Everything You Need to Know About Baroque Pearls

There are many different types of pearls with just as many subsets of them, if not more. From Saltwater Pearls and Akoya Pearls, to South Sea and Tahitian Pearls, and the many different types of freshwater and saltwater pearls. Possibilities are endless to add to any collection. Today, we’d like to take a little time and introduce you to Baroque Pearls.

Baroque pearls are some of the most treasured pieces of jewelry when it comes to a woman’s collection. Some of them can even be priceless. And those who have an affinity for pearls know their innate value, appreciate their beauty, and understand the true treasure it is to have a set of pearl earrings that matches her pearl necklace.

AAA Freshwater Baroque pearl set at Hugetomato.com

What is a Baroque Pearl, you ask? Simply put they are pearls that have an irregular, non-spherical shape to them. Unlike the precious pearls one would find in typical pearl jewelry, these are quite characters. They come in many shapes and sizes. Because of their irregular shapes and sizes, they make very interesting jewelry pieces. Like the women who choose to wear Baroque Pearls, they are all unique and original. Each one with its own character, if you will.

Where do baroque pearls come from?

They come from all over the world. Both in freshwater and saltwater. The most precious and valuable ones are found in the South Sea and Tahiti. These areas are also where the highest percentage of Baroque Pearls are actually, naturally harvested.

Another area where a good number of these types of pearls are found is in Japan and China. Harvested from the akoya oyster. And anywhere that pearls are found the world over there’s always a chance of opening up the oyster and finding a Baroque Pearl.

How do baroque pearls differ from other pearls?

First of all, as mentioned above the biggest difference between Baroque Pearls and other types is that baroque pearls are irregularly shaped and sized. No two of these types of pearls is the same. They may be similar but there are distinct differences between each of them. While most pearls are almost perfectly round or even tear drop, these pearls aren’t those at all. Some can be flattened and smooshed like a pancake by a roller, while others are rounded with jagged ridges and such.

The majority of freshwater pearls are actually baroque due to the type of type of tissue within the oyster they are nucleated within. 

What makes baroque pearls unique?

First and foremost, it’s their individuality. The fact that you can find baroque pearls in practically every shape and size you can think of, lends itself to the ability to be able to design just as unique and original pieces of jewelry with them. No matter your style or the look you’re going for, there really is a baroque pearl that fits you.

What kind of shapes and colors are baroque pearls?

In a simple two-word answer… too many! Baroque Pearls have a good number of subsets to the type of shapes they come in. Let’s lay out a few of them for you:

First there’s the baroque pearl, not to be confused with the baroque pearl term that refers to any and all irregular shaped pearls. Baroque pearls are really any pearl that has an elongated spherical shape.

Potato pearls are a very common type of baroque pearls that you find used mostly in the designing of pearl bracelets and necklaces of the baroque variety. They’re usually small, square and lumpy in nature.

Coin pearls are another subset of this type of pearl. These are flat yet round in shape and usually very, very smooth on the surface. Of this type of pearl, they can be one of the most treasured and sought after kind for their luster.

Teardrop pearls are highly valued and appreciated type of baroque pearl. They’re shaped exactly like their name infers. If you’ve ever seen a crown with pearls on it or even Victorian ear jewelry and clothing, this was the subset of baroque pearl that was most valued and sought after.

How valuable are baroque pearls?

This particular type of baroque pearls are valued at about 25-35% the cost of round pearls. Pearls are typically valued based on their luster, thickness, shape, surface quality, color and size. So, it really depends on those factors in the valuation of baroque pearls.

Hopefully today we’ve been able to leave you feeling learned on what baroque pearls are, where they come from, their shapes and sizes, and value. They are truly a fascinating and beautiful piece to add to any woman’s collection.