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If you’ve ever wanted a pearl necklace but didn’t care for the look of classic round pearls, you might want to take a look at baroque pearls instead. ‘Baroque’ in this case simply means that the shape is irregular and asymmetrical. I’ve talked about other shapes before, including coin, keshi, and drop pearls but did you know that those could also be considered baroque? It all depends on how symmetrical they are! Even stick pearls (such as those made famous by Lake Biwa pearl farms) might fall under the baroque category.
Baroque pearls have all the same qualities as their more sought after cousins, and can be very high quality aside from their shape. This means you could get the high luster, good surface quality, and lovely orient (especially in keshis) that you’re looking for, but because these pearls are less desirable, you might end up paying a good deal less for them. They let you inject a little more flair into your jewelry choices and lend themselves well to many types of designs.
Most baroque pearls are freshwater cultured pearls – these, unlike saltwater pearls, are cultivated with a piece of mantle tissue as a nucleus instead of a bead. This cultivation process is less likely to produce perfectly round pearls, but fortunately for you (if you like pearls with a little more character) baroque pearls are easy to come by. Saltwater baroque pearls exist too, but they’re not quite as common. Keshi pearls are a byproduct of the cultivation process and are often either discarded or corrected before the pearl has fully formed. That being said, other types of baroque pearls are available in the Akoya, South Sea, or Tahitian varieties. I’ve heard that as much as forty percent of the Tahitian pearl harvest is baroque!
Drop pearls, which can also be considered baroque, are often used in earrings and single pearl necklaces. Coin pearl necklaces are quite popular with young women because they add a more feminine touch. Finally, keshi pearls can be used as accents or combined to make roses or even more fanciful shapes. Keshis also tend to have absolutely incredible orient so I’m definitely a fan!
Overall, irregularly shaped baroque pearls have a lot of character and their variety means you’ll be sure to find something you like. Not to mention, you could save some money! Thinking outside of the box can have its rewards now and then.
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