Susan Miller

·Master of Fine Arts in Jewelry Design, Pratt Institute, 2012

·Bachelor of Arts in Gemology, University of California, Los Angeles, May 2005

·Editor-in-Chief, White Victoria (2018 - present)

·Write and research feature articles and profiles for print and online publication

·Contributing Writer, Modern Jeweler and Ornament

·Write and publish freelance articles for IGS and WSJ Magazine

·Jewelry Appraiser (2012 - 2020)

What Are Baroque Pearls and How Do You Wear Them-1

Are you tired of the same old pearl look? Do perfect circles bore you? You need to know about baroque pearls. As a jewelry expert, I can't get enough of them because they're just so different! 

Normal pearls are always round (ho-hum). Baroque pearls come in lots of cool shapes and sizes – no two are exactly alike. Because they have an organic, irregular feel, they make jewelry look one-of-a-kind.

Wear them as a lovely drop from your ears or on a necklace chain with other beads. Attach one to a ring for a cocktail accessory that's sure to make people say, "Wow." But there's a trick: how do you show off these beauties without looking like everyone else?

We'll take you through what makes baroque pearls special — their shape, coloration, and so on — and give tips for wearing them well below. Ready?

What Are Baroque Pearls?

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Baroque pearls are nature's works of art. Unlike flawless spherical pearls, baroque ones have an intriguing asymmetry that makes them stand out.

From teardrops to ovals and other shapes, each pearl is unique. It's the way they're imperfect – and how they gleam with shiny beauty – that draws people in.

They show how creative Mother Nature can be: no two look alike because each displays its size or color a little differently. Use them in jewelry for something sophisticated but still fun; anyone who sees them will want to know more.

How are Baroque Pearls Formed?

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The story of how baroque pearls are made is really interesting, and it's what makes them different from round pearls. 

Round pearls are formed when an irritant gets inside an oyster or mussel and hurts its insides. It then tries to protect itself by covering that thing in layers of nacre — the same stuff on top of a pearl.

But if the mantle tissue (the part that covers an animal) is damaged or upset somehow, it doesn't shape this smooth round ball. Instead, all those layers come together in weird shapes with no set pattern that we call "baroque" pearls.

So each one has its own look – like people do! That's why they're so special and make great jewelry.

Shapes of Baroque Pearls

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Baroque pearls take different attractive forms. Listed below are the reasons why falling in love with some kinds of baroque pearls:

•BIWA - These are long and slender. They look nice as earrings because they give a sophisticated touch to one’s appearance. The way it is fashioned appears very pronounced.

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•Teardrop - Elegantly shaped and complex teardrops may serve as ideal bases for very attractive earrings.

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•Coin - Just like flat round coins, this variety of baroque pearls can create striking necklace pendants.

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•Heart - A romantic heart shape on pearls that is less rounded, just like a coin pearl, again is a perfect piece to say “I care about you” in jewelry!

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•Rice - These small and delicate ornamental pearls have a size similar to that of rice grains. Because they are not expensive and can make one happy, they are very common in jewelry for several people.

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•Keshi – 100% nacre pearls with irregular shapes/sizes since they lack a nucleus and hence cannot be formed uniformly. Many pearl lovers prefer them because of their natural appearance and different structure.

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•Potato - These pearls resemble statement beads on the necklace or bracelet, which are oval and quite big. You will definitely attract attention with those on!

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•Cross – An extremely uncommon variety! The cross-shaped baroque pearls occur due to perpendicular deposition of the mother of the pearl layer. Some individuals perceive such atypical stones as highly symbolic.

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•Twin – Two baroque pearls can fuse growth-wise, resulting in a larger pearl with twice the uniqueness (not forgetting attractiveness!).

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With its unique allure, every kind of baroque pearl offers myriad design possibilities for crafting exquisite jewelry that captures your individuality and taste.

Colors of Baroque Pearls

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As a designer, you know how valuable baroque pearls are because of their amazing colors. Check out this list:

•White - You can never go wrong with white—it's always in style!

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•Pink - When you think of pink gemstones, what probably comes to mind is something feminine and soft…and this is absolutely true for baroque pearls, too!

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•Lilac - Some lavender pearls have more blue tones, while others lean more pink or purple. Either way, they often remind people of lovely flowers.

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•Black - Want to make a statement? Wear dark baroque pearls—they're bold, edgy, and definitely not your average strand.

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•Gold - Besides white, these are the most classic ones we find. Their warm tone looks lovely on all skin tones.

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•Peach - These slightly orange gems are perfect if you're after a soft, flattering glow.

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•Silver - Some lavender pearls have more blue tones, while others lean more pink or purple. Either way, they often remind people of lovely flowers.

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•Multi-colored - Of course, it's possible to find these pearls in other colors too! Natural ones might have patches or bands of different shades.

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Factors That Determine the Value of a Baroque Pearl

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Assessing the value of a baroque pearl involves looking at different factors. These include:

•Shape: A rare and precious pearl will have an odd, peculiar shape.

•Size: Large pearls are expensive because they take longer to grow and are more difficult to obtain.

•Color: It is hard to find pearls that are pink, lavender, or black in their natural form, just as white ones are very easy to find.

•Luster: The shine of baroque pearl really matters if you wish for it to cost much. Nacre is what makes some pearls appear to have more shine or luster, and these are valuable since they contain better nacre.

•Surface Quality: Smooth, flawless ones without imperfections cost higher prices; people prefer such pearls.

•Origin: Pearls originating from famous places like the South Sea or Tahiti may be considered expensive as they are of good quality and rare.

How to Wear Baroque Pearls?

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With baroque pearls, the possibilities are infinite for styling them. You can go as simple as a pendant necklace or as bold as statement earrings or even a unique ring—these pieces have the power to elevate any outfit! Here's how:

Usage of Baroque Pearls For Jewelry Making

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Thanks to their captivating beauty, baroque pearls have become a favorite among jewelry makers. Their irregular shapes and enchanting colors offer endless possibilities for creative designs.

When it comes to designing jewelry, baroque pearls are versatile enough to be included in all sorts of pieces – necklaces, earrings, bracelets… even big statement rings! 

Whatever the piece you're making, adding a baroque pearl will make it unique and charming.

You can go delicate or loud with these pearls too – from sweet and simple pendants featuring one perfect drop pearl to waterfall-style necklaces with loads of them on there!

Or try mixing them in with other gemstones or metals for stunning contrasts.

Baroque Pearl Jewelry Types

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Baroque pearls are very flexible and can be incorporated into different jewelry pieces, each displaying its uniqueness. See below for amazing jewelry, all made from baroque pearls that will leave your mouth wide open:

•Necklaces: You can make a sophisticated, fashionable choker by stringing together some smooth baroque pearls.

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•Earrings: It doesn’t matter what you have on – baroque pearl earrings shaped like teardrops or straight bars will take your breath away.

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•Bracelets: Mix fragile baroque pearls with precious stones or other metals to produce striking bracelets that will draw attention to your wrist in a very elegant manner!

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•Rings: The distinctively shaped baroque pearls make stunning oversized rings that are sure to be noticed wherever you go.

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•Pendants: Planning on wearing something around your neck? How about a pendant with one grand baroque pearl that people will surely not miss out on seeing?

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•Brooches: Of course, baroque pearls can make you look fancier than usual when added to your dressing style, such as placing them over your coat or scarf or even wearing lapel pins.

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•Hair accessories: Like those characters in fairy stories? Then maybe you should put some unique baroque pearls in your hair clips and headbands!

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How To Style Baroque Pearls

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When it comes to styling baroque pearls, the key is to highlight their individuality and embrace their organic beauty. 

For instance, one could experiment with a simple black dress paired with a 6.0-7.0mm Baroque Freshwater Pearl Necklace, thus creating an effortlessly elegant look where the elongated shape of the pearls adds sophistication to the neckline.

To evoke bohemian-chic vibes, try wearing Ivory White Coin Pearl Dangle Earrings together with a maxi dress – think sandals too! Allow the irregular shapes of these pearls to dangle freely, attracting light as you move.

If making bold statements sounds appealing, then consider going for a 13.0-14.0mm White South Sea Baroque Pearl Wings Pendant in 18K Gold. It works well whether dressed up or down - guaranteed intrigue & charm every time!

For a more relaxed look, try wearing this Half Pearl Half Paperclip Chain Necklace with Baroque Drop, together with a t-shirt and jeans.

Baroque pearls should always be celebrated for their distinctive shapes, individual colors, and the fact that no two are ever alike. 

So don't hold back: experiment and find different ways to express your style while letting these beautiful gems take center stage.

How to Care and Maintain Baroque Pearls?

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Baroque pearls may not be as durable when neglected, and they will also appear suboptimal. In case you are wondering what you can do to ensure that yours is perfect, three ways:

•Keep them separate: To avoid scratches or tangling, keep your baroque pearls separate from other pieces of jewelry. For added protection, place them on a soft bed such as cloth or inside a pouch.

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•Avoid some chemicals and conditions: Ensure that you don’t allow perfumes, lotions, or hairsprays on your bars. They are very vulnerable to attack by chemicals. Also, heat and sunlight aren’t favorable to most types of pearls, considering that they could destroy the top layer.

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•Cleaning gently: Gently clean with mild soapy water or use plain water with soap solution, then wipe it using a soft cloth only. Don’t rub too hard on any of them! Strong detergents and materials like brushes might take out thin layers known as nacre covering these precious items. Therefore, always handle them with care!

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Conclusion

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With their unusual color combinations, beguiling shapes, and organic ridges, baroque pearls set themselves apart from their perfectly spherical peers. They are true objects of beauty in the jewelry world: no two are identical, and each one is an artwork in its own right.

These irregularities give them a charm they wouldn't otherwise possess. No matter whether worn as earrings, placed on rings, or used to create stunning necklaces, baroque pearls never fail to provoke interest or conversation when introduced into any outfit.

Understand how unique these gemstones are, properly care for them, and they will last throughout your lifetime. So let's all be brave together and make them part of our collections!

FAQs

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Are baroque pearls real or fake?

Baroque pearls are authentic, naturally formed pearls that exist in nature. Unlike regular spherical pearls, they have an unusual shape and aren't symmetrical – irregularities that make them distinctly different from traditional pearls.

Are baroque pearls valuable?

Certainly, baroque pearls have the potential to be quite valuable. Their monetary value depends on several factors, like their size, shape, color, luster, surface quality, and provenance. Uncommon shapes or colors can drive up prices even further.

What is the difference between baroque and round pearls?

Round pearls are perfectly round, while baroque pearls have irregular shapes such as oval or teardrop. This lack of symmetry gives baroque pearls their unique, artistic appeal.

What makes baroque pearls special?

What sets baroque pearls apart is how distinctive and unique they look. Their shapes are uneven, which makes jewelry made with them extra special and interesting. No two pearls are totally alike because of their organic quirks – this is what gives them so much character!

Are baroque pearls more expensive?

The cost of baroque pearls can differ due to various factors like size, form, shade, origin, and luster. A few may be pricier than certain round ones because they are rarer. Others might turn out relatively inexpensive depending on these characteristics.