What is Baroque Pearl? Reasons, meanings, and care methods that have been attracting attention in recent years
In recent years, "baroque pearls" have become a hot topic. Unlike traditional round pearls, they are bumpy pearls and feature a unique shape created by nature. In recent years, it has been attracting attention because there are no two identical items in the world, and it has a unique value.
This time, we will introduce what the baroque pearl is and its charm . In addition, we will touch on the types and production areas of baroque pearls and how to care for them.
What is Baroque Pearl? The value that is currently attracting attention is
Baroque pearls are pearls that are bumpy instead of the traditional round shape , and the word "baroque" is the origin of the Portuguese word.
Originally, pearls are made by inserting a nucleus into a oyster to create a round shape, but those that take on a unique shape instead of a round shape during the growth stage are called baroque pearls.
In the past, baroque pearls were rated poorly because they were not round. However, now that it has become possible to produce round pearls through farming, it has come to attract attention as a highly valuable pearl because of its unique shape.
A type of baroque pearl. Shells change color and shape
Baroque pearls vary in color and shape depending on the type of shell.
Here, we will introduce four typical types of shells and what kind of baroque pearls can be made from them.
Akoya pearls
Akoya pearls are pearls obtained from Akoya oysters. It is also what you generally think of when you hear pearls.
Akoya pearl baroque pearls are characterized by their elegant white color and many small grains. It has a deep and complex shine, so it gives a solid presence even with small jewelry such as earrings.
white pearl
White lip pearls are pearls born from white lip oysters . They are sometimes called South Sea pearls because they are produced in southern islands such as Australia and Indonesia.
These pearls are large and give a gorgeous impression, and their elegant sparkle is attractive . If the inside of the white pearl oyster is golden, you can get a yellow/gold baroque pearl, and if it is silver, you can get a white/silver baroque pearl.
black pearl
Black-lipped pearls are pearls obtained from black-lipped oysters. Some people may imagine a pure black pearl from the name, but in reality , you can feel a variety of colors due to the combination of red, green, and yellow pigments.
One of the characteristics of black pearl baroque pearls is that they are often used as fashion jewelry. There is a wide variety of sizes, from small to large.
freshwater pearls
Freshwater pearls are pearls that come from freshwater oysters . Characterized by its soft and smooth color , it comes in a variety of colors, from pink and orange to blue and red.
The attractiveness of freshwater baroque pearls is that they are more affordable than other pearls.
The difference between Baroque Pearl and Keshi Pearl is "whether or not there is a nucleus"
In addition to the type of shellfish, what is important in classifying pearls is the presence or absence of a nucleus.
Baroque pearls are cultivated by encasing a large oyster core (nucleus) called a “nucleated pearl”. When the pearl is formed, foreign matter adheres around the nucleus, giving it a unique shape.
On the other hand, "Keshi Pearl", which is easily confused with Baroque Pearl, does not contain a nucleus, and is made up of pearl components wrapped around foreign objects that have entered the shellfish. Compared to baroque pearls, it has a stronger bumpy feel and gives an edgy impression.
Main production area of baroque pearl
Baroque pearls come from different regions depending on the type of shellfish. The following are representative baroque pearl production areas.
- Baroque pearls of Akoya pearls: Japan, China, Vietnam, United Arab Emirates
- White pearl baroque pearl: Australia, Indonesia, Philippines, Myanmar, Thailand
- Black Pearl Baroque Pearl: Japan, French Polynesia, Fiji, Cook Islands
- Baroque freshwater pearls: Japan, China, and the United States
Among the above, Akoya pearls in particular are traditional pearls that have been popular in Japan since ancient times. We at Renac Natta also handle pearls from Uwajima, Ehime Prefecture, which boasts an overwhelming amount of production in Japan .
How to care for baroque pearls
There are various types of baroque pearls, but the charm common to all pearls is the beautiful "teri" that is unique to pearls. In order to keep this terry long and use it for a long time, proper care is required.
As a care method for baroque pearls, we recommend polishing the entire pearl with a soft cloth after each use . Please note that sweat and sebum on the surface of the pearl will damage the luster if left as it is.
If it gets dirty, wash it with water and dry it thoroughly before storing. It's best to keep it in a jewelry box with a humidity regulator as it will last longer if it's kept away from extreme dryness, moisture and UV rays.
Stone language in the pearl, which is also the birthstone for June
Pearl has a "stone language" like gems such as ruby and sapphire.
The stone word of pearl is "purity, health, longevity, wealth". It is said to have a strong protective power, so more and more people are choosing it not only as an accessory, but also as a talisman or gift.
Pearl is also known as the birthstone for June. Birthstones are said to protect oneself by being worn by people born in the month of birth, and some people born in June prefer to wear them.
"Urushi Collection" that adds the spirit of "Kintsugi" to pearls created by nature
At Renac Natta, we are developing the " Urushi Collection " as pearl jewelry.
For this item, we deliberately chose baroque pearls, which are said to be distorted, as a unique feature, and covered part of the pearls with lacquer and gold leaf to enhance their irreplaceable beauty.
This expresses the spirit of kintsugi, a technique of repairing broken vessels with lacquer, which has been practiced since ancient times in Japan. The combination of unique pearls created by nature and traditional Japanese techniques has created a new elegant and mellow jewelry.
We are developing two types of baroque pearl jewelry that can be used not only for special occasions but also for daily use.
"Bicolor Baroque Pearl Earrings" with a new bicolor of nucleated pearl and gold leaf
" Bicolor Baroque Pearl Earrings " uses freshwater baroque pearls.
Freshwater pearls are normally cultured without the nucleus. However, the pearl we adopted this time is different from the usual way of making it, and it is completed with a core.
That's why we created pearls with large, almost perfect round shapes and deep brilliance . The gold leaf is combined as a bicolor, making it an item that will brighten up your everyday life.
"Akoya Loose Baroque Pearl Earrings" breathe life into rare pearls with protrusions
" Akoya Loose Baroque Pearl Earrings " are jewelry using Akoya Baroque pearls made in Uwajima City, Ehime Prefecture, a famous pearl production area.
In addition to the unique depth, color, and transparency of Akoya pearls, only pearls with protrusions are selected. By gently wrapping lacquer and gold leaf in the parts that are considered negative in the market, we add new brilliance.
The one and only beauty created by nature is "Baroque Pearl"
This time, we introduced the types and care methods of baroque pearls, starting with what they are.
Baroque pearls refer to pearls that are bumpy instead of the traditional round shape, and are attracting attention in modern times as valuable pearls because they have only one shape in the world.
Find beauty in the shapes that nature creates, and choose with your own sensibility. The charm of baroque pearls is the process of choosing and how to enjoy them.
