Baroque Pearls: Everything You Need to Know

Pearls conjure up images of class, elegance, and sophistication. Their most famous form is the pearl necklace, though they also come in chokers and rings.

Baroque pearls add a dreamy splash to the pearl’s classic white visage. With an iridescent rainbow sheen, this accessory has proved incredibly popular over the decades. If you’re thinking of shaking up your look for 2022, baroque pearls are a fantastic place to start.

Are you thinking of trying out ankle bracelets? How about different types of necklaces? We’re going to dive into the history and style of baroque pearls so you can enjoy them to their fullest.

The History of the Pearl 

The pearl is an iconic piece in the world of jewelry, able to match just about any occasion. Baroque pearls, despite their unique appearance, have a similar history.

Pearls have been used in royal crowns, necklaces, and bracelets for thousands of years. It’s not just the beautiful appearance that sets them apart: pearls are also rather difficult to find. The majority of pearls are discovered in the ocean inside of black-lipped oysters and gold-lipped oysters.

According to historical documents, the oldest known records of pearl gathering date all the way back to ancient Sri Lankan poems. For thousands of years pearls would be shuffled back and forth in global trade, coveted for their appearance and symbolism.

It’s estimated a mere one out of every ten thousand oysters can produce a pearl. This rarity and unique origin sets this accessory apart. 

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What are Baroque Pearls? 

Pearls are a stunning representation of nature in one gorgeous package. Baroque pearls add their own flavor through different shapes, colors, and sizes.

The global jewelry market is currently dominated by the United States, China, and Japan. More people than ever before are eager to express themselves with unique creations!

An Opal-Like Luster

While traditional pearls are a creamy white and silver, baroque pearls are much more colorful. They appear more like opals than their ocean counterparts, with an iridescent shimmer that shifts beneath the light.

One second your baroque pearl can appear blue. Another second it will become gold or pink. 

Irregular, Quirky Shapes

Classic pearls are very round, thanks to the oyster’s unique ability to gradually encase a foreign irritant in layers of calcium. 

Baroque pearls eschew this form in favor of irregular, crooked shapes. They can appear like little pointed arrows or like squat squares. They can also be round, though this is quite rare. These dynamic shapes are beloved in artsy and bohemian spaces!

Freshwater Origins

Did you know that baroque pearls usually come from freshwater? While pearls are considered a symbol of the ocean, baroque pearls represent rivers and lakes.

Pearls originate in two different forms: cultured and natural. Natural pearls are created through happenstance in the ocean, whereas they are later discovered by fishers. Cultured pearls are crafted with the aid of human intervention. Cultured pearls can appear both classical or baroque.

The year 2022 is just ripe for a fashion change. We offer a plethora of customizable jewelry to add some flair to your next visual statement!

What Forms do Baroque Pearls Take? 

Baroque pearls are brimming with variety. Due to their eclectic and colorful appearance, it’s easy to sprinkle extra style into your look.

Potato 

Let’s start off with one of the most common forms a baroque pearl can take. The potato baroque pearl is chunky, large, and often rosy in color. 

They make fantastic earrings due to their shape, able to fill out small areas with little effort. That said, you could easily put them in a ring or a choker.

Teardrop

The teardrop baroque pearl is probably the best known. The dramatic, memorable shape of a tear makes for a fantastic set of earrings. 

Coin

Are you a fan of romantic pendants? You’ll want to invest in a coin baroque pearl. 

These baroque pearls are flat and large, just like a coin. They still have a slightly crinkled texture, lending them an appearance other stones can’t quite replicate.

Rice

If you love jewelry styles that are highly complex, the rice baroque pearl is for you. These tiny pearls make brilliant clusters that lend an effervescent feel to any necklace.

You can also stack rice baroque pearls into bracelets or anklets. 

BIWA

Did you know pearls can be incredibly long and thin? The BIWA might be a shoo-in for the most dramatically shaped pearl around.

Try a BIWA baroque pearl for a pendant necklace or earrings. They dangle quite elegantly and appear from a distance to be a fang or a feather.

Related: WHAT DO ANKLE BRACELETS MEAN?

Baroque Pearl Jewelry to Try 

If you’re overwhelmed with the potential of baroque pearls, never fear. Their incredible variety is what makes them so much fun!

Pendants

Try a coin baroque pearl for a traditional pendant that will turn heads.

Anklets

Rice baroque pearls are a perfect choice for anklets. They also create a lovely clinking sound when you move!

Double Earrings

BIWA is the ideal option for double earrings. You’ll have the perfect dramatic look for your next night out.

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How to Clean your Baroque Pearls

Clean all types of pearls with a slightly damp cloth only as needed. Excessive cleaning can actually damage your jewelry more. If the baroque pearls are visibly yellow or stained, you can mix a simple solution of lukewarm water and mild dish soap. 

Dip a soft, non-abrasive cleaning cloth in the solution and clean the pearls gently. Dry them with a soft towel and place them in a pouch before storing them. When cleaning most stones and pearls, it is best to never submerge or soak your jewelry in water, especially for long periods. 

Often the irregularity and unique traits of a baroque pearl are the exact reason it is such a perfect choice for fine, beautiful jewelry. So retaining its luster and integrity is even more important to consider when cleaning. Round pearls will need similar care. However, a baroque pearl might need extra care to maintain its unique shape and iridescent luster. 

Proper Pearl Care and Maintenance

Pearls are super durable, but proper care can keep them looking their best and preserve their opaline luster longer. Pearls are soft and are best stored away from other objects and sharp metal jewelry. Furthermore, storing your pearls with other items will cause minor scratches on the surface. Wrap the pearls in a soft cloth, linen, or pouch before placing them in the jewelry box. 

Never keep pearls and pearl jewelry in an airtight package such as a jar or plastic bag. Pearls need moisture, or they may start to crack. If storing your pearls temporarily in an airtight safe or a hot enclosed environment, leave a water source nearby. A damp cloth in the safe will work fine; try not to leave them in this setting for very long. 

Over time, chemicals like bleach, hydrogen peroxide, ammonia, and even vinegar will damage the baroque pearl. It is best to avoid these harsh chemicals when caring for them. Pearls can be so sensitive that even chemicals from hairspray and makeup can deteriorate the pearl nacre. 

Tip: Put your pearls on after you get ready to avoid excessive amounts of perfume and other products getting on their surface. 

Leave your pearl jewelry off when you swim or shower. Pearls love moisture, but too much is never a good thing. Even take off jewelry during exercise for safety and to prevent excessive perspiration.

As well as caring for pearls themselves, it is key to re-string your pearls every six years or so or when they stretch and age. Unlike most necklaces, storing pearl necklaces on a hanger can stretch out the silks and strings holding them together. Instead, coil your pearls and place them in a pouch or safe.

It is best practice to have your pearls professionally cleaned every year or so as well. This will ensure they look their best, removing any dirt or grime from everyday wear. A professional can also check for any cracks, chips, or damage that you may have missed.

Conclusion 

Baroque pearls are a whimsical addition to just about any look. Their unbelievable variety means they slot easily into several forms of jewelry.

You can enjoy baroque pearls in coin, rice, BIWA, teardrop, and potato forms. While they’re usually quite colorful, they can come in more classically rose and silver colorations. Mixing and matching them is the most enjoyable aspect of this delightful accessory.

Do you need to inject new life into your everyday fashion? Contact us today to learn more about our mission to empower fashionistas with one-of-a-kind jewelry.