A Brief History of Pearls: Shape of South Sea 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.