When envisioning pearls, most picture their classic round and smooth appearance. However, a more unconventional variety is on the rise: the baroque pearl. With their distinct shape, texture and style, baroque pearls offer a one-of-a-kind appeal, attracting those looking to try something new in their jewelry wardrobe.
The term “baroque” itself is derived from the Portuguese word “barroco,” meaning “irregular pearl.” During the Baroque era (17th century), these pearls were often used in more creative, innovative designs, reflecting the artistic freedom and flamboyance of the period. The unconventional appearance of these pearls also aligns with the modern trend of celebrating imperfection and authenticity, making baroque pearl jewelry a meaningful choice for many.
What Are Baroque Pearls?
Baroque pearls are non-spherical pearls that come in a variety of shapes, sizes and textures. Just like traditional pearls, they form in oysters or mussels. Their distinct characteristics, which are impossible to replicate, emerge when layers of nacre are unevenly deposited around an irritant inside the mollusk. Baroque pearls can be oval, teardrop-shaped or entirely free-form—no two are alike. Variations in size, color and surface details lend an artistic, almost sculptural quality to baroque pearl jewelry.
Baroque pearls can originate from either freshwater or saltwater sources. Baroque saltwater pearls are typically rarer and more expensive than baroque freshwater pearls. They can be found as baroque Akoya pearls, baroque South Sea pearls and baroque Tahitian pearls. Other notable types include drop pearls which resemble a teardrop shape and are often used for baroque pearl drop earrings or baroque pearl pendants due to their elongated form, and Keshi pearls, also known as poppy seed pearls, which form without a nucleus and are made solely of nacre, giving them a lustrous appearance. Learn more about different types of pearls in this article.
Are Baroque Pearls Expensive?
Baroque pearls are often more affordable than round pearls because their irregular shapes are more common and require less precision to cultivate.
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