By Anais & Aimee · Updated 9 October 2026. Product examples use our current catalogue specifications; general material information is supported by the sources below.
“Freshwater”, “baroque” and “mother-of-pearl” describe different things. Freshwater tells you where a pearl grew; baroque describes an irregular shape; mother-of-pearl is the lustrous lining of a shell. A pearl can be both freshwater and baroque. Understanding those labels makes it easier to choose earrings for their material, shape and proportions.
The differences at a glance
| Term | What it means | What to check when shopping |
|---|---|---|
| Freshwater pearl | A pearl formed in a freshwater mollusc; cultured freshwater pearls are grown with human intervention. | Whether the pearl is cultured, its measurements and the shape shown. |
| Baroque pearl | A pearl with an irregular, non-spherical shape. This is a shape description, not a separate material. | How the two earrings are matched and how much their outlines may vary. |
| Mother-of-pearl | Nacre from the inside of a shell, often cut into decorative inlays. | The size and shape of the shell inlay; it is not a whole pearl. |
Are cultured freshwater pearls real pearls?
Yes. Cultured pearls are genuine pearls formed by molluscs with human intervention. “Natural pearl” has a more specific gemmological meaning: formation without that deliberate intervention. A listing should not use those terms interchangeably. The GIA pearl description explains this distinction.
Choose the silhouette you want to wear
For a compact stud, compare the pearl diameter with earrings you already enjoy. Our Arbor Pearl Stud Earrings feature freshwater pearls listed at 8–9 mm, with a vintage gold finish over S925 sterling silver. They offer a useful starting point if you prefer an earring that stays close to the ear.
For a more expressive outline, look at Lumiere Baroque Pearl Earrings. The freshwater cultured pearls have baroque shapes, so the appeal lies in their individual contours. Check the selected finish and current product photographs rather than expecting two perfectly spherical pearls.
If you prefer a designed shell detail, Solenne Tassel Earrings use mother-of-pearl inlay options. Their tassel silhouette gives a different effect from a single pearl drop. Read the selected option carefully: a pearl-inspired look does not mean every component is a pearl.
Three questions to ask before buying
- What is the material? Look for a clear distinction between freshwater cultured pearl, mother-of-pearl and imitation materials.
- What are the dimensions? Compare the total earring drop as well as the pearl or inlay size.
- What is the metal? A vintage gold colour describes the finish. Read the base-metal specification separately; our S925 and vintage gold finish guide explains the wording.
How should you care for pearl jewellery?
Put jewellery on after applying cosmetics and perfume, wipe pearls gently with a soft cloth after wear, and store them separately from items that could scratch them. Avoid ultrasonic and steam cleaners. For a finished piece, follow its care instructions: settings, stringing and adhesives can also affect suitable cleaning methods.
Read our pearl care guide, or browse pearl and mother-of-pearl earrings with these distinctions in mind.
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