Pearl Shapes

Pearl Shapes

Freshwater Pearls have a variety of shapes which is a process of sorting when dealing with these beautiful pearls. I would sort them into 7 categories namely:

  1. Round
  2. Oval
  3. Baroque
  4. Circle Baroque
  5. Button
  6. Coin
  7. Kishi

The Seven Pearl Shapes:

1. Round

Round pearls are the most valuable and often most desirable of all pearl shapes. Everyone loves a beautiful, lustrous round pearl. Semi-round pearls are virtually round, and will appear round when strung together as a necklace or bracelet. 

Round Pearl

2. Drop or Oval

Drop pearls are an oval shape and often called “oval” This shape is symmetrically extended and frequently take the form of a teardrop.  Drop pearls are not only unique, but extremely valuable when found with the perfect "oval or pear shape."

 Drop or Oval Pearls

3. Baroque

Baroque pearls are irregular in shape and at times elongated.

People find the distinct "character" of baroque-shape pearls very appealing. These pearls are often used by designer jewellers as their unique shape lends itself to designing and creativity.

Baroque Pearls

4. Circle Baroque

Circle-Baroque pearls are easily distinguished by their unique rings surrounding the pearl. Circle-Baroque shapes are found in freshwater pearls and are most common in Tahitian and South Sea Pearls.  This shape is the most affordable of all pearl-shapes.

Baroque Pearl

5. Button

Button pearls are somewhat flattened on one side. They are often perfectly round on top and have a flat bottom. This makes them perfect for earrings and the flattened section is used to attach a fitting.

Button pearls

 

6. Coin

Coin pearls are essentially flat and are usually very lustrous. These pearls are cultured by using a flat nucleus which gives it the flat shape. There is an even thickness of nacre on both sides of the pearl.

Coin Pearls

7. Kishi

Kishi pearls are non-nucleated pearls and are typically formed as a bi-product of pearl cultivation. As they are grown without a nucleus, they are composed entirely of nacre. They are often mis-shaped and have a beautiful lustre.

Kishi Pearls

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Related Tag: Buy Pearl Earrings

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