A Brief History of Pearls: Shape of South Sea Pearls

  A brief history of pearls

SHAPE OF SOUTH SEA PEARLS


Large and lustrous, South Sea pearls come in many shapes and sizes. The rarest of all South Sea pearls are round; that's because it takes between 2 and 3 years for these beautiful pearls to develop. During that time, anything can happen to offset a pearl's shape or surface quality.



South Sea Pearl Shapes

South Sea pearls come in several beautiful shapes, including:


  • Round
  • Semi-round
  • Baroque
  • Semi-baroque
  • Drop
  • Button
  • Oval
  • Circle
  • Ringed

While round and drop-shaped South Sea pearls are often the most expensive, every person has a personal preference that dictates how beautiful he or she finds each pearl shape.

Shape and Other Factors That Determine South Sea Pearls' Value

Shape is only one factor that determines a South Sea pearl's value. Other things experts look for when determining a pearl's value include its surface quality, its size and its color. Luster is a very important factor, as well; a highly lustrous pearl is more valuable than one that appears clouded or dull.

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How pearls are harvested
How pearls brought to market
 
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Quality Factor One: Luster
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Quality Factor Two: Surface
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Quality Factor Three: Shape
Shape of Akoya Pearls
Quality Factor Four: Color
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Quality Factor Five: Size
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Know your South Sea pearls
South Sea Pearl Cultivation
South Sea Pearl Harvesting
South Sea Pearl Processing
South Sea Pearl Quality Evaluation
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Surface of South Sea Pearls
Shape of South Sea Pearls
Color of South Sea Pearls
Size of South Sea Pearls
 
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Tahitian Pearl Cultivation
Tahitian Pearl Harvesting
Tahitian Pearl Processing
Tahitian Pearl Quality Evaluation
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Surface of Tahitian Pearls
Shape of Tahitian Pearls
Color of Tahitian Pearls
Size of Tahitian Pearls
 
Gift Giving Occasions


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