The Mysterious Baroque Pearls

The famous Vermeer’s painting “ The Girl with a Pearl Earring” of the 17th century has gained popularity due to many reasons. Today, even if you are not an art admirer, it is most likely that you have come across this famous painting.

What gets anyone’s attention in this painting is the gorgeous pearl earring that gives an elegant look to a less than an ordinary outfit of the lady. Her common outfit and average appearance are supported by this unique earring of baroque pearl.

So, what is a Baroque Pearl? Why it is called so? Is it a real pearl? Is it a freshwater or saltwater pearl?

In this article, we will discuss Baroque Pearls in more detail. Are you interested to get answers to the above questions? Are you keen to know more? Then, Keep reading.

The Origin of Baroque Pearls

The term Baroque is a derivation from the Portuguese word “Barocco” which means “Imperfection”. The first record of the term “Baroque Pearl” is found in the French dictionary in the 17th Century when the popularity of this beautiful gem grew.

You might wonder now, why such a term that means imperfection, would describe one of the most gorgeous gems the world has ever known.

Well, I am sure to many of you, once the word pearl is mentioned, a perfectly rounded shape pearl will immediately pop into your mind. Assuming that pearls are of amazing shapes.

While in reality, it is quite the opposite. 

Real pearls come in different shapes, shades, lusters, and colours. The rounded-shaped pearls are the rarest, and all the other pearls come in messy shapes, or imperfect shapes which we refer to as Baroque.

Their unique shapes made them very popular during the Renaissance era when all natural-looking objects were the true meaning of beauty.

How Real Are Baroque Pearls?

Now, since real pearls come in different shapes, we can understand that Baroque pearls are real pearls. However, this does not mean that fake Baroque pearls don’t exist.

You can detect a fake pearl quite easily, though. It is impossible to have two Baroque pearls identical in nature. Therefore, if you buy a bracelet with Baroque pearls of similar sizes and shapes, these are highly probably to be fake pearls.

If you still need to make sure, you can try rubbing a pearl over your teeth or two pearls together. Real pearls feel a little gritty while fake pearls feel smooth. 

Why Should You Consider Buying Baroque Pearl Necklaces, Earrings or any other Type of Pearl Jewellery?

You may wonder why Baroque pearls are used in jewellery while in fact, they are irregularly shaped. Below are a few points, we summed up for you as reasons why Baroque Pearl Jewellery is a good option for you.

1-Affordable

Being affordable in price especially compared to perfectly rounded pearls make baroque pearls an excellent option for you.

The reason Baroque pearls are less expensive than rounded pearls is that the latter is very rare. Their rareness makes them expensive, while Baroque pearls are available abundantly, especially in Freshwater.

2-Uniqueness

The messy shapes of Baroque pearls make them unique and one of a kind. Therefore, wearing a gold necklace with a baroque pearl pendant that is similar to no other pendant is a choice you would never like to miss.

3- Beautiful Shapes

It is true that Baroque pearls don’t come in a perfectly rounded shape, but they come in beautiful shapes that sometimes may be very odd adding a mysterious look to their wearers.

Baroque pearls have almost 12 types. Each of these has its own charm.

4-The Royal’s Picks

Baroque pearls were the Spanish queens’ favourite and later on spread among most of the European Monarchs.

Right now, it is also a popular & loved gem by many Hollywood stars.

Famous Baroque Pearls in History

It will always be nice to talk about this unique sea gem in history. Throughout time, pearls, especially Baroque had gained an important position among the elite societies and royal families as we mentioned earlier. 

Many pearl jewellery is already known by special names such as Le Peregrina Pearl which means in Spanish the Pilgrim Woman or the female wanderer.

This pear-shaped baroque pearl was found on Pearls Island in Panama by an African Slave.  Its original weight was 223.8 grains (14.5 g), and after drilling, its size became 203.8 grains (13.20 g), making it one of the largest baroque pearls in the world.

Since these Islands were under Spanish authority, this unique Baroque pearl was shipped to King Phillips II of Spain who in return gifted the same to his bride, Queen Mary I of England and he made this pearl part of the Spanish crown jewels. As a result, the La Peregrina remained a royal jewel in a Spanish court for over 200 years and wore by many different Spanish queens.

Now, the famous La Peregrina Pearl is a beautiful pendant in one of Elizabeth Taylor’s necklaces.

Another significant Baroque Pearl in history is the Canning Merman pearl pendant. It is a pendant featuring a merman holding a sword and a shield. The pendant is of baroque pearls in enameled gold, diamonds, pearls, and Indian Rubies. This pendant is believed to be made between 1800-1860. It is one of the Albert & Victoria Museum items.

Finally, of course, the legendary Baroque pearls which were a pair of fine earrings for Cleopatra. As proof of her pure love for Mark Antony, she melted her baroque pearls, which were one of the largest pearls at that time, in her wine and drank them.

Due to their uniqueness in shape and creation, pearls have always held a great role in the world of jewellery and fashion.

Baroque pearls fit perfectly in classic, modern and Bohemian styles as pearl earrings, baroque pendants, and baroque charm bracelets among many other types.

Waste no more, and start shopping for the most unique gem of all time.