Pearl Shapes

In ancient times pearls were worn only by the royalties because they were the ones who could afford it. But in modern times pearls are the most common and yet the most sought after gem of all. A pearl is made by a living organism. Whenever any unwanted sea particle enters the mussel or oyster the animal covers the material with nacre, it is the same matter with which the animal builds its shell. When several coatings of nacre are done on the material, then it forms a pearl.

Thinking of a pearl only a round shape comes to our mind but in reality a perfect circular shaped pearl is hard to find. A pearl is organic and made of naturally occurring substance therefore it comes in various shapes.

 Broadly they can be divided into three groups such as:

Spherical shape – This is the most common shape of a round or almost round pearl.

Symmetrical shape – This kind has the most standard shape such that if you cut the pearl into two parts

each part would be the mirror image of the other half.

Baroque shape – They can be defined as asymmetrical ones, unlike the other two.

These three categories defining the shape of pearls can further be divided into seven different kinds:

Round – Falling under the Spherical shape group is the round pearl. A pearl of this shape is always in high demand since they are very rare to find.

Near-round – These are close to the round shaped pearls. But if, you have a closer look at them then one is sure to observe their vaguely long or uneven shape. They are not so perfectly round but their close resemblances to the round ones make them fall into the Spherical shape category.

Oval – This shape of pearl comes under the group of Symmetrical shape. As their name suggest they are oval in shape. Thinner at the ends, and broader at the center.

Button – Another pearl of Symmetrical shape category is the button shaped pearl. It looks like a button with its flat looks. It is most commonly used to make earrings as their flat shape can be adjusted smoothly in the setting.

Drop – Drop pearls are very popular is making of tear-shaped earrings or pendants. The shape of this pearl gives a very delicate and feminine look. Their length varies from being very short and cute to long and slender.

Semi-baroque – This pearl coming under the Baroque shape group of pearls has a minor asymmetrical shape. Though the pearl may look like an oval, button or drop pearl but may not be absolutely regular in their shape, such pearls are known as semi-baroque pearls.

Baroque – Needless to say that this pearl comes under the Baroque group of pearls. They are completely abstract and can even look like a stick or cross.
Some pearls are shaped as if they have rings around them. These rings can be found in any variety of pearl such as round or oval pearl and therefore they can be described as circled round or circled oval pearls. The shape of the pearl is one of the main features which decide their price.