There is a variety of pearl shapes that a consumer can choose from. The most valuable and sought after pearls are round pearls because of how scarce they are. There are many different pearl shapes other than the round ones. Some of the other shapes include Baroque, Button, Circle, Drop, and Semi-Baroque. Pearl shapes are categorized as either 'Classical' or 'Baroque'. Below are some examples of the various pearl shapes.

Pearl Color

A pearl can range from very small to very large in size. A pearl's size is measured according to its diameter in millimeters. Sizes range from 1 millimeter or less, in the case of very tiny pearls, to as much as 20 millimeters. A pearls size is often determined by where it was cultured, the type of pearl it is, and mother nature. Below is a chart with example sizes.

Pearl Luster

The more flawless the pearl the higher the value. But because pearls are created in the ocean by an oyster and mother nature there is almost always a mark. Even though most markings can be seen by the naked eye they are part of the unique characteristics and elements of every pearl. One oyster in a million may produce a perfect, flawless pearl. Below is a surface chart.

pearl value factors