Explore the Shapes of South Sea Cultured Pearls

Here some fact about Pearls.

Pearls aren't cut or polished into form, they just "grow" that way. Their shape is usually determined by the shape of the bead or nucleus that is inserted into their oyster host. Consider, for instance, one of the most famous pear-shaped pearls, La Peregrina. Currently owned by Elizabeth Taylor (a gift from her ex-husband Richard Burton) this pearl demonstrates that it's often the shape of a pearl that makes it truly beautiful.

In fact, the shapes of pearls can dramatically enhance their exotic allure, especially in varieties such as the coveted South Sea cultured pearl. Though these pearls fall into three main pearl shape categories, the variations within those is where their unique character resides.

The three main categories of South Sea cultured pearl shapes are:

• Spherical - also considered the "classic" pearl shape, these are round or nearly round.
• Symmetrical - pearls that are balanced to the point that if they were cut in half, both halves would be mirror images of each other.
• Baroque - these irregular pearls display no symmetry and are often labeled as abstract.

Within these three categories, the following shape variations occur:

• Round - these are perfectly Spherical and are most often used in the classic strand pearl necklace or pearl rope.
• Near-round - though these pearls may have areas of slight flatness or elongation, they are still considered Spherical and may also be used in classic strand necklaces.
• Oval - more narrow at then ends than in the middle, these pearls also exhibit symmetry, classifying them as Symmetrical.
• Button - just as the name suggests, these pearls have a button-like appearance and are classified as Symmetrical.
• Drop - also known as teardrop or pear-shaped, these pearls are considered Symmetrical, and showcased most often in pearl drop earrings and pendant necklaces.
• Circlé - this anomaly has more recently emerged as it's own shape variation in the Symmetrical category, and displays one or more rings on round, oval and drop shapes.
• Semi-baroque - slightly irregular in shape, these pearls may be oval, button, or drop in shape, but lack the symmetry to be classified as Symmetrical, resulting in their categorization as Baroque.
• Baroque - these pearls exhibit complete irregularity and non-symmetry, resembling abstract shapes or non-spherical forms such as sticks or stars. They are also categorized as Baroque.

The varying shapes of South Sea cultured pearls make them perfect candidates for exceptional pieces of jewelry. Now that you know more about the different shapes available in South Sea cultured pearls, it makes it easier to branch out and discover fine pearl jewelry that suits you. Enjoy adding the beauty of South Sea cultured pearls to your jewelry collection.