Normally, the more round and symmetrical the pearl, the more it costs. Unique, asymmetrical shapes, however, are also desirable, and are used to create distinctive pearl pieces. The lowest priced shapes are baroque (irregular and asymmetrical in shape) or have ring-like formations encircling the pearl. Shape plays a major role in determining the price of pearls. Throughout history,
round has generally been considered the most valuable shape for a pearl. Perhaps this was because pearls were considered a symbol of the moon. Nevertheless, the most famous and valuable pearls are often not round. That's because factors such as size, luster and origin are also important.

Judge Shape

Akoya pearls can be divided into four basic shape categories:

• Round So symmetrical that the pearl will roll in a straight line on a flat inclined surface. Normally the most expensive shape.

• Off-Round Slightly flattened or ovalish.

• Semi-Baroque Obviously not round. Pear, drop, egg and button shapes are examples.

• Baroque Very distorted and irregular in shape. Often the surface is very uneven. They occasionally resemble familiar objects such as teeth, mushrooms, cacti, tadpoles, or snails.

Sometimes additional categories are added for evaluating shape. For example, the sub-categories of "mostly round" and "slightly off-round" may also be used along with the four basic categories above. Akoya pearl prices are generally based on round pearls. When the pearls deviate from the round shape, they are discounted. Baroque pearls, for example, may be sold for 55% to 80% less than rounds. Pearl pricing varies from one dealer to another.

When judging pearls for shape, take into consideration the type of pearl you are looking at. For example, expensive natural pearls are typically baroque, whereas cheap cultured pearls with thin nacre (pearl coating) are generally round. That's because natural pearls don't contain a round nucleus bead, and cultured pearl beads that are hardly coated with nacre don't have much of a chance to grow irregular. The typical shapes of five pearl types are described below to help you learn what degree of roundness to expect of pearls. They are listed from the most commonly round to the most commonly baroque.
Another grading factor to consider when judging off-round and especially semi-baroque pearls is their degree of symmetry (perfectly round pearls are always symmetrical and baroque pearls are by definition unsymmetrical). If for example, you are buying a teardrop pearl pendant for someone special, one with two equal sides would probably be the mos
desirable. Lopsided pearls can be interesting, but they are considered less valuable than those which are symmetrical.

Even though dealers agree round is the most expensive shape, there is no standardized system for determining how shape affects pearl prices. As previously mentioned, the way pearls are discounted for shape
variation can differ from one dealer to another. Don't let this lack of standardization lead you to ignore pearl shape as a value factor. Consider it important, and keep in mind when judging pearl prices that it's best to compare pearls of the same shape as well as the same size, color, type and luster.

Akoya pearls with thin nacre   
Often round
Akoya pearls with thick nacre  
Frequently off-round, but round ones are available too. Baroque Akoya pearl strands are considered low quality.
South Sea cultured  
Rarely perfectly round. The larger the pearl, the more it will tend to deviate from round. Baroques are often regarded as a good alternative to the more expensive symmetrical shapes when one's budget is limited.
Natural saltwater  
Usually baroque or semi-baroque. Round ones are extremely rare.
Freshwater, cultured & natural  
Frequently baroque, especially if they are natural. Baroque freshwater pearls are considered desirable.Cultured off-round freshwater pearls are also readily available. They are normally much more affordable than saltwater pearls of similar quality and size.