A Brief History of Pearls: Shape of Akoya Pearls

SHAPE OF AKOYA PEARLS

Akoya Pearl Value: The Shape of Pearls

When it comes to looking at different types of pearls and their value, there are a wide range of factors to consider. There is, of course, their size - as with most gems, the bigger the better! - as well as their coloring, luster, surface and shape. As you may know, Akoya pearls grade high in many of these categories, so they often yield high returns. Today, we're talking a little bit about how shape affects Akoya pearl value. Some shapes are more common than others . In fact, Akoya pearls rarely appear as buttons, circles or ovals.



The most common shapes of Akoya pearls are:

• Round
• Semi-round
• Drop
• Baroque

Because these pearls are so beautiful, they're a prized asset in many jewelry collections. In order to find an exceptionally matched necklace strand, a pearl expert must sort through thousands of pearls.

How Does Shape Affect the Value of Akoya Pearls?

Naturally, every pearl has its own distinct characteristics. Although shape is an important factor in determining an Akoya pearl's value, it isn't the only factor. Like other types of pearls, both natural and cultured, Akoya pearls are judged on their size, luster and color, as well as a number of other characteristics.

The circumstances under which Akoya pearls are produced are typically very controlled, but the outcome is far from predictable. That's why completely round pearls are still rarer than those with irregular shapes are. The high-grade, perfectly round Akoya pearls will naturally cost the most, but there's still something special and desirable about the unique and irregular shapes of baroque pearls. Like with anything, personal preference helps determine value!