Different Types of Baroque Pearls
A pearl is classified as being either classic or baroque. Classic pearls are smooth and generally perfectly rounded in shape. Baroque pearls are any pearl that is misshapen. The term baroque not only defines a pearl that is misshapen, but it also is used to describe a specific shape of the baroque pearl. For example, a coin pearl is a type of baroque pearl. A baroque pearl is also a type of baroque pearl. Below is a list of different types of baroque pearl shapes that classified as are also freshwater pearls.
For information on the basic classifications of pearls, read our Beginner’s Guide to Pearls.
Baroque Pearls
These pearls are elongated spheres that are asymmetrical and don’t have a smooth surface. This type of pearl was commonly used as the drop in antique Art Nouveau and Victorian lavaliers since they resemble an abstract teardrop.
Coin Pearls
Coin pearls get their name from their shape. They are rounded and flat pearls with a partially smooth surface. They have a high luster because their large flat surface allows it to reflect a lot of light. The only freshwater pearl with a greater luster is the Keshi pearl.
Twin Pearls
Twin pearls are two pearls that have fused. Sometimes they resemble a barbell and other times they are free formed.
Cross Pearls
Cross pearls are a type of coin pearl that has formed into the shape of a cross. They are flat like a coin pearl but tend to have more bumps and ridges.
Potato Pearls
Potato pearls are among the most common freshwater pearl. They are irregularly shaped but are not elongated like some of the other types. They are on a smaller scale and are more square shaped with random lumps throughout.
Stick Pearls
Stick pearls are also known as BIWA pearls. BIWA pearls are named after the mussels that create them in Lake Biwa, Japan. These pearls are generally flat, elongated, and narrow much like a stick. They are usually drilled down the narrow vertical center of the pearl, but sometimes you can find them top drilled.
Egg Pearls
Egg pearls have a wide bottom and narrow top much like an egg. While most baroque pearls are drilled down the center vertical point of the pearl, egg pearls are drilled along the horizon on the upper section of the narrow part of the pearl.
Rice Pearls
Small rice pearls are the most like a classic pearl since their shapes are more uniform. They look like grains of rice and lack a lot of the imperfections other baroque pearls have when they are small.
Heart Pearls
Heart pearls are a type of coin pearl that is flat and formed in the shape of a heart. They are usually drilled down the center vertical point of the pearl.
Leaf Pearls
Leaf pearls have a similar shape as the baroque pearl but are paper-thin with a very bumpy surface.
Teardrop Pearls
Teardrop pearls are similar to egg pearls in their shape which is like a teardrop, though they are drilled down the center of the pearl whereas the egg pearl is drilled at the top narrow section.
Keshi Pearls
Keshi pearls are the rarest of all baroque freshwater pearls. In the case of a Keshi pearl, the mollusk somehow was able to reject the particle or seed but continues to form a pearl. Because of this they don’t have a center seed or particle and are composed of all nacre. This lack of a nucleus allows them to become very unusually shaped and have a very high luster.
