Why Baroque Pearls Are the Iconically Imperfect Accessory of 2026

Plus, how to clean baroque pearls safely, to preserve their luster 

Expressive, sculptural, and totally unique, baroque pearls turn asymmetry into beauty. No two baroque pearls are identical, which adds a layer of character to these gems, which have just as much luster and depth as round pearls. Baroque pearls form from an uneven build up of nacre inside the mollusk. As a result, the pearl cannot roll around to create that perfect spherical shape that characterizes round pearls. Because nacre builds unevenly, it’s a natural occurrence in pearl farming or harvesting. Their name, stemming from the Portuguese word barroco for its imperfect shape, is not a flaw, as shape doesn’t determine quality for these gems. 

Baroque pearls have been seen on the runways of Simone Rocha, Chanel, and Saint Laurent in 2026, as part of a fashion landscape that prioritizes imperfection over flattening or mass produced fast fashion. And while round pearls have come a long way to shed their traditional image, baroque pearls have a tactile, bumpy surface that are raw in energy and in their harvest. 

Wearing mismatched or baroque pearls feels rebellious yet sophisticated. It’s the feeling of honoring tradition while fully embracing your own authentic self, imperfections and all. 

Read how to clean baroque pearls here. 

You can wear baroque pearls in the traditional way, as earrings, as a solitaire necklace, in a tiara, bracelet, or as a more modern accessory, like a phone charm (as seen in “Emily in Paris”) or bag accessory. 

Types of Baroque Pearls

Natural  - Grown organically inside a mollusk when a foreign particle is covered by several layers of nacre.

Cultured - Real pearls farmed or harvested by humans.

Freshwater - These are typically baroque in shape and more affordable in price and are farmed in China.

Shell - Imitation pearls made from finely ground shells shaped into a pearl. 

Glass - Fabricated beads of solid glass coated with pearlescent lacquer. 

Plastic - Fabricated beads made of plastic and coated with synthetic pigments.

* How to Identify your Pearls - Real pearls feel slightly gritty when rubbed gently against your teeth because of the nacre layers, they are much more expensive and almost exclusively cultured. Imitations usually feel smooth or glassy and may have peeling coatings near drill holes.

Your Cleaning Routine for Baroque Pearls

*Note: The cleaning solutions we have outlined below are safe no matter what pearl type you have.

Because baroque pearls have such complex surfaces that include ridges, hollows, and multifaceted textures, they tend to trap more oils and dust than round pearls. To keep that deep, luster you have to treat them with some extra TLC. 

Pro Tip: Since pearls are organic and porous, never clean it with harsh chemicals to preserve its integrity. A quick wipe with our Ultrasoft® Gold Jewelry Polishing Cloth after each wear will keep it glowing. Use ONLY the outer side of the cloth, the side with the Connoisseurs logo to polish your pearl. 

You can use several Connoisseurs products to clean your baroque pearl jewelry or accessory. 

We love the Jewelry Cleansing Foam and Brush, which is not only safe for preserving the integrity and longevity of your pearls, but because it’s not a liquid cleanser it is ideal for string-strewn pearls. 

If you do want to use a dip cleaner, we suggest the Delicate Jewelry Cleaner, which was specifically formulated with pearls in mind. 

For a dip cleanser that makes a fresh solution every time and is non-toxic and safe for delicate jewelry, including pearls, we love the Dazzle Drops® Advanced, which also comes with a polishing brush to get around the bumpy surfaces of your baroque pearls.