About Pearl Shape | Tensei Pearl
About pearl shape
When a nucleus is inserted into an Akoya oyster, nacre builds up around it and the pearl becomes round. Pearls closer to a perfect round are considered better, but not all of them become round. If the nucleus moves in the sea, or if it was inserted in the wrong position and touches other tissue, the pearl can become misshapen or blemished.
Such misshapen pearls are called baroque pearls, and their unique and interesting shapes are prized.
Types of shapes
The appeal of baroque pearls
In a baroque pearl, the nucleus inside is round, so the misshapen part is a mass of nacre. Because the nacre is thick there, luster comes out easily, and some show complex interference colors depending on how the light hits.
Baroque pearls are often used in designs and can create a more casual look.
The difference between "baroque pearls" and "keshi pearls"
In a word, the difference between baroque pearls and keshi pearls is whether there is an artificial nucleus. Baroque pearls have a nucleus, while keshi pearls have no round nucleus. They form by chance when a grain of sand or a microorganism, taken in by the oyster as it breathes, takes the place of a nucleus.
So their shape is not limited, and many different shapes form.
