parel shape ranges from perfectly spherical to wildly irregular. Each shape has different aesthetic uses and price points.

The seven main shapes

1. Round — perfectly spherical; rare; commands premium
2. Near-round — slightly off-spherical (within 2-5% deviation)
3. Off-round — visibly oval or asymmetric (within 5-10% deviation)
4. Drop — teardrop shape, popular for pendants and oorbellen
5. Button — flat-back hemisphere; used in rings and oorbellen
6. Baroque — irregular shape; modern statement aesthetic
7. Circle / Ringed — bands of nacre rings around the parel; valued in baroque collections

Vorm: and price

Round parels cost the most because they are the rarest. Approximately:

Vorm:	Relative price (vs round AAA)	Best uses
Round	100% (baseline)	Strands, enkele-parel pendants
Near-round	75-90%	Strands, dagelijks-wear pieces
Drop	60-80%	Drop oorbellen, Y-pendants
Button	50-70%	Stud oorbellen, ring centers
Baroque	30-60%	Modern statement juwelen

By parel type

• Akoya: highest percentage of round parels (cultivated in stable conditions)
• Tahitian: many round and near-round; baroque shapes are popular for modern designs
• South Sea: round parels are rare in larger sizes; baroque and drop shapes dominate 14mm+
• Freshwater: most are off-round or baroque; perfectly round is rare

When to choose baroque

Baroque parels are gaining popularity in modern juwelen design:

• Elk stuk is unique — no two baroque parels are identical
• 30-50% lower price than round equivalents
• Strong fit for modern, organic, artisan aesthetic
• Excellent for free-form pendants, bracelets, and statement oorbellen

Browse by shape

• Tahitian round and near-round
• South Sea (mixed shapes)

Veelgestelde vragen

Are baroque parels less valuable than round parels?

Generally yes — baroque parels are 30-50% less expensive than round parels of the same type, maat, and grade. However, exceptional baroque parels with unique character can command premium pricing for one-of-a-kind designer pieces.

Wat is the rarest parel shape?

Perfectly round, particularly in larger sizes (12mm+ South Sea, 11mm+ Tahitian). Round parels represent only 5-10% of cultured harvest.

Are drop parels considered round?

No — drop parels are gegradeerd as a separate shape category. They are valued for hanger and earring designs but priced lower than round parels of the same maat.

Can a parel be partly round and partly baroque?

Yes — "circle" or "ringed" parels have ring patterns of nacre that distinguish them from smooth parels. They are categorized separately and valued by collectors of unique baroque pieces.

What parel shape is best for a enkele-parel ring?

Round or near-round parels are most popular for solitaire rings (centered on a single setting). Button parels work well for ring designs where the parel needs to sit lower volgens de finger.