The Perfect Imperfections

Let’s begin with the name—baroque. Doesn’t the sound of this word itself divulge of something unique and exotic? Where exactly does this word-“baroque” come from? Well, as per various dictionaries, the word originates either from French (where Baroque means “irregular shape”) or Portuguese word- Barroco (meaning “irregular pearl”).

Pronunciation: bah-roak

Technically, any irregularly shaped pearl is known as baroque. The shapes can range from minor aberrations to distinctly oval, curved or lumpy. Few of those which might have round, button or drop shapes but are not very symmetrical in nature, would be considered semi-baroque.

For someone like me, a perfectionist through and through, it’s hard to adore something which is asymmetrical and irregular, especially when it comes to a jewelry piece. This remained my thought until I met the very gorgeous ”Baroque pearls”. The individuality and uniqueness of them is highly appealing.

Do you know what the best thing about them is? No two baroque pearls are alike, making them the perfect gift for yourself or that special friend.

There is no denying the fact that I love all things creative. As a kid, I used to look at the sky sometimes and wonder how creative the nature is. The clouds made such amazing shapes, of a heart, of an elephant and sometimes of a pretty unicorn. Yes; clouds present a world of illusion and opportunity for infinite interpretations. In the world of jewelry design, baroque pearls have provided the same opportunities. You will find them in all shapes and sizes and can resemble everything from raindrops to “snowmen”- a term coined by Australian jewelry designer Margot McKinney for "double" baroques fused together which resemble a tiny, cute snowman. 

Image Source - Kari Pearls. Thanks Kari!    

Baroques have offered inspiration to generations of jewelry designers time and time again. Bursting with personality and individuality, sometimes, this unique sea mineral is worth more than the most perfectly symmetrical pearls. Take the case of the famous teardrop Hope pearl or La Peregrina which means "Pilgrim" or "the Wanderer" in English. It roamed around from many royal households of medieval times to present day Hollywood. Its last owner was Elizabeth Taylor and then it was sold to a private buyer from Asia in 2011.

Pearls reflect light, they’re organic and the way they are taken out of the shell is pretty much the same way any craftsperson will show them to you. The most alluring aspect of them is that you can’t mold their shapes the way you can gold, for example, or diamonds, which are cut, polished and faceted. Pearls are as close to natural adornment as it gets and when it comes to Baroques, the uniqueness and beauty each piece holds is exemplary.

Today, baroque pearls are inspiring a whole new generation of contemporary fine jewelry buyers. If you are still re-considering them, symmetry is so passé, don’t you know? ;)

Check out Nirwaana's exclusive Baroque Pearl collection - Baroque Bloom