Baroque Pearl Necklace

Baroque pearl is the name for a pearl that isn't round. It isn't flawed, it simply grew as it grew. No two are alike, not even the two in a single pair, so two people wearing a baroque pearl necklace aren't wearing the same necklace.

What Baroque Pearl Is, and Why No Two Are Alike

A pearl forms in layers around a foreign particle that gets inside the mussel. If that build-up produces a clean sphere, you get a classic round pearl. If it doesn't, you get a baroque pearl: elongated, flattened, curved, knobbly in places.

The difference isn't only in shape. A baroque pearl's surface bends light differently from a smooth sphere, so the shine looks slightly different on every bead of the necklace. That orderly, uniform look of a classic pearl strand isn't there in baroque. What you get instead is more organic and less formal.

Most of the baroque pearls in the collection are natural freshwater pearls. In some models the baroque pearl isn't used on its own but alongside a stone such as mother of pearl, hematite or jade. In the Velora and Aurora lines, for example, a 12 to 14 mm jade stone leads and the baroque pearl sits at the ends of the necklace. Each product page says which stone is used.

Which Length Fits Where

The necklaces in this category run from 30 cm to 50 cm, which is a wide range. The difference matters more than it sounds, because length changes where the necklace actually sits.

30 to 35 cm sits close to a choker and wraps the neck. 40 to 45 cm sits at the base of the neck and works well with closed collars like shirts and blouses. 50 cm and above falls below the collar and is more comfortable with open and V necklines.

Most models have a 3 cm extension chain, so you can wear a single necklace at two different lengths. If you aren't sure, 45 cm is the safest range. We set out how to take the measurement step by step in our necklace size guide step by step.

Silver or Gold Plating

There are two metals in the collection. 925 sterling silver models are safer for sensitive skin. They tarnish over time but come back to their original state when polished, so they last a lifetime.

Gold plated brass models give a warmer colour and work well alongside gold jewellery. Because it is plating, perfume, sea water and pool water wear it down. Putting the necklace on last and taking it off first is what helps.

For anyone with a metal allergy we recommend silver without hesitation.

How to Store Baroque Pearl

Pearl isn't a hard stone, it scratches. In baroque form the surface isn't smooth, so the raised points are more exposed to rubbing than on a round pearl.

Not throwing the necklace into the same box as your other jewellery is enough. A cloth pouch or a separate compartment does the job. Wiping it with a soft cloth after wearing removes skin oil and perfume residue. Ultrasonic cleaners and chemical cleaning products damage pearl, so keep them away.

What It Goes With

Baroque pearl reads as more everyday than classic round pearl. It works well with textures like linen shirts, denim and knitwear. Where a classic pearl strand feels too formal, baroque is comfortable.

If you want the same form in earrings, look at the baroque pearl earring models. To see the other forms, the whole pearl necklace collection is in one place.

In short

• For everyday wear: 42 to 45 cm, gold plated.
• Sensitive skin: 925 sterling silver, whatever the length.
• With a closed collar: 40 to 45 cm.
• Open and V necklines: 50 cm.
• For a look that wraps the neck: 30 to 35 cm.