A Guide to Pearl Types: Keshi, Baroque, Freshwater, and Rice Pearls

Not All Pearls Are Created Equal — And That's What Makes Them Beautiful

Walk into any fine jewelry boutique and you'll encounter a dazzling variety of pearls — some perfectly round, others delightfully irregular, some with a soft glow, others with a mirror-like lustre. Understanding the differences between pearl types helps you appreciate what you're wearing and make more intentional choices when building your collection.

At Mistissi, we work with some of the most beautiful pearl varieties available, each with its own character and charm. Here's your guide to the pearl types you'll encounter most often.

Freshwater Pearls

Freshwater pearls are cultivated in lakes, rivers, and ponds — primarily in China — and are the most widely available pearl type in the world. Don't let their accessibility fool you: freshwater pearls can be extraordinarily beautiful, with a soft, satiny lustre and a wide range of natural colours including white, cream, pink, and lavender.

Unlike saltwater pearls, freshwater pearls are composed almost entirely of nacre (the iridescent substance that gives pearls their glow), which makes them exceptionally durable. They come in a variety of shapes — round, near-round, oval, button, and baroque — and sizes ranging from tiny seed pearls to impressive 12mm+ specimens.

Best for: Everyday wear, layering, and building a versatile pearl wardrobe. Freshwater pearls offer exceptional value without compromising on beauty.

Explore our pearl necklace collection and pearl bracelets featuring freshwater pearls.

Baroque Pearls

Baroque pearls are defined by their irregular, non-spherical shapes — and they are among the most captivating pearls in the world. No two baroque pearls are identical, which means every piece of baroque pearl jewelry is truly one of a kind. Their organic, sculptural forms can resemble teardrops, wings, coins, or abstract shapes that seem almost otherworldly.

Far from being considered imperfect, baroque pearls are celebrated by designers and collectors for their artistic quality. Their irregular surfaces catch light in unexpected ways, creating a dynamic, living lustre that perfectly round pearls simply cannot replicate.

Baroque pearls can be freshwater or saltwater in origin. Freshwater baroque pearls tend to have a rich, deep lustre, while saltwater baroque pearls (such as South Sea or Tahitian baroque) are prized for their size and exotic colours.

Best for: Statement pieces, artistic jewelry lovers, and anyone who appreciates the beauty of natural imperfection.

Discover our baroque pearl earrings and baroque pearl necklaces.

Keshi Pearls

Keshi pearls are a fascinating byproduct of the pearl cultivation process. When a mollusk rejects the nucleus implanted during culturing, it sometimes continues to produce nacre around the remaining tissue — creating a small, all-nacre pearl with no nucleus at all. The result is a pearl of exceptional lustre.

The word "keshi" comes from the Japanese word for "poppy seed," reflecting the small size of the original keshi pearls. Today, keshi pearls can range from tiny seed-like forms to larger, more substantial pieces. Their shapes are almost always irregular — flat, curved, petal-like, or elongated — which gives them an organic, sculptural quality.

Because keshi pearls are composed entirely of nacre, they have an intense, mirror-like lustre that rivals the finest cultured pearls. This extraordinary shine, combined with their unique shapes, makes keshi pearls a favourite among jewelry designers seeking something beyond the conventional.

Best for: Maximalist layering, artistic statement pieces, and those who want the highest lustre in an unconventional form.

Rice Pearls

Rice pearls are small, elongated freshwater pearls that resemble grains of rice. They are among the most delicate and dainty pearl varieties, making them ideal for fine, minimalist jewelry designs. Their petite size and subtle shimmer give them an understated elegance that works beautifully in everyday pieces.

Rice pearls are often used in multi-strand necklaces, delicate bracelets, and drop earrings where their small scale creates a sense of lightness and femininity. Despite their modest size, quality rice pearls have a lovely lustre and a smooth, even surface.

Best for: Minimalist aesthetics, layering with other pearl types, and those who prefer understated, refined jewelry.

How to Choose the Right Pearl Type for You

The "best" pearl is always the one that resonates with your personal style and the occasions you dress for. Here's a simple guide:

• For timeless versatility: Choose freshwater pearls in classic white or cream — they work with everything.
• For artistic, one-of-a-kind pieces: Baroque and keshi pearls offer unmatched individuality.
• For delicate, everyday elegance: Rice pearls and small freshwater pearls are perfect companions.
• For maximum lustre and drama: Keshi pearls deliver an extraordinary mirror-like shine.

At Mistissi, every piece is thoughtfully designed to let the natural beauty of the pearl take centre stage. Browse our Mistissi Favorites or explore our bestsellers to find your perfect pearl.