Beth Braverman writes:
Pearl manufacturers used to throw out baroque pearls because they could find no market for the irregularly shaped iridescent baubles.
Bet they wish they had those castoff pearls back now.
As demand for all pearl jewelry has grown in the past few years, consumers have become more knowledgeable about the pearl-making process and more sophisticated in their tastes.
While a strand of perfectly matched, round white pearls will forever remain a classic, fashion-forward consumers with an appreciation for the natural shapes and sizes of pearls have discovered the beauty of baroques.
As rough-cut stones and hammered gold do, baroque pearls evoke a tactile, natural style that is far bolder than traditional round pearls. Their increased popularity provides a new option for consumers who may have already stocked up on traditional pearl jewelry.
The asymmetrical, organic gems appeal to consumers' quest for individuality because no two pieces of baroque pearl jewelry are exactly the same. And while minimalism may be gaining ground on the fashion front, the best baroque pieces scream for attention, with gumball-size pearls offering opulent adornment.
Heavy on personality, baroque pearl jewelry offers a perfect contrast to the quieter, minimal fashions that are taking hold on the runways.
Fashion-forward designers such as David Yurman, Roberto Coin and Damiani have created baroque pearl jewelry collections, and now more designers are taking note of the growing luxe trend.
A variety of baroque pearl trends in the South Sea, Tahitian, akoya and freshwater categories surfaced at recent trade shows in New York and Las Vegas, in pieces that are surprisingly versatile and have potential to fit into almost any consumer's budget. Prices for baroque pearls tend to remain lower than round pearl prices, but the former continues to increase.
A choker-length strand of large baroque pearls creates a funky, glamorous look that's polished and edgy at the same time, and looks great with a little black dress or a business suit.
Longer strands, measuring a few feet in length, offer a look that's moodier than the flapper look created by their round cousins. Of-the-moment styles incorporate yellow or rose gold chains and colorful gemstones into super-long or bib-style necklaces and multistrand, multicolored pearl bracelets. Such pieces work just as well for dressy attire as they do to glam up a simple T-shirt and jeans ensemble.
Single baroque pearls look great in eye-catching drop earrings or pendants that provide sweet accents to an ethereal dress or a romantic ruffled blouse.
But exceptionally creative designers go a step further, incorporating baroques into the body of an animal or some other charm that plays off the natural shape of the pearl.
More info @ http://www.nationaljewelernetwork.com/njn/content_display/colored_stones/e3i001b3e6344e49e3baa6c1f72531b693c
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