A Brief History of Pearls: Shape of Tahitian Pearls

SHAPE OF TAHITIAN PEARLS

Cultured Tahitian pearls are available in many shapes and sizes. In fact, shape and size are important factors when determining the value of a pearl. However, it's important to note that everyone has his or her own preferences when it comes to Tahitian pearl shape - and that's what's most important when you're selecting these rare and beautiful specimens.



Tahitian Pearl Shapes

The most sought-after shape in a Tahitian pearl is round, but they come in a number of other shapes, including:

• Semi-round
• Button
• Pear
• Drop
• Oval
• Baroque
• Semi-baroque
• Ringed

Choosing the Right Tahitian Pearl Shape

Preference is key when you're selecting Tahitian pearls. While round is typically the most popular, it's also the most rare; that often contributes to higher prices. The cultivation process for Tahitian pearls takes between 2 and 3 years to complete, and that means imperfections in shape are very common.

In order for a pearl expert to find a perfectly matched strand, he or she must sort through thousands of pearls searching for those comparable in size, shape and surface quality.