Freely-formed Philippine Gold South Sea Pearl Strand 11.2-14.6 mm

Pearl farming is as much art as science but farmers never have full control. Mother Nature always decides what happens during the years it takes a pearl to form in the ocean.

Most people think of pearls as round, and indeed this is the shape most often desired. But round is only one symmetrical shape, and many others are highly sought and very valuable.

The key, however, is symmetry or lack of. When pearls grow, they slowly spin. So even when pearls are not round, the shapes are almost always symmetrical like oval or drop. But sometimes, Mother Nature makes her own decisions.

Occasionally we find pearls with completely freely-formed baroque shapes. The pearls may have been spinning while they were growing, but they were spinning in all directions, likely switching as the currents nudged the oyster to and fro. 

The exceptionally special pearls formed are called free-form baroque and every one is unique like a snowflake. This strand combines those unique shapes with size, with the largest pearl measuring 14.6 mm.

This strand is one of a kind.