The most coveted shape for a pearl is round -- perfectly round. And, as perfectly round pearls are as rare as totally unblemished ones, those that do exist command exorbitant prices.

Usually, one finds pearls ranging from "all round" to "mostly round." With Tahitian pearls, which are extremely rare and expensive when discovered in perfectly round form, the industry standard for the average Tahitian pearl is termed, "slightly off round."

Pearl Drops

Other shapes, of course, are valued. The drop pearl is particularly prized because its shape adapts naturally to earrings and pendants.

Baroque Pearls

Baroque pearls, whose shapes are symmetrical rather than round, can sometimes be amazingly lustrous and gorgeous.

Mabe Pearls

Mabe pearls look like half of a round pearl, and usually are mounted within a setting and a backing.

Other Pearl Shapes

Other, more asymmetrical shapes that enjoy a vogue among pearl lovers are oblong, pear-shaped and teardrop pearls.

Matching Pearls

Shape as well as size is an important factor when professionals string pearls. The goal is to match pearls in terms of size, color, luster, and surface marks to create a strand of pearls as uniform to the eye as possible.