• Perfect round pearls are most valued.
• Pick any shape you like, just make sure of uniformity on the string.

Usually when we think of pearls, we think round. Even though round are indeed the most valuable shape, there are other valuable options that you can choose from. Round pearls fall into the "spherical" category, the other two types of shape are "symmetrical" and "baroque." Here’s what to look for in each category:

1. Spherical pearls are judged by how close to perfectly round they are.

2. Symmetrical pearls are pear and teardrop shaped, and are valued for how evenly symmetrical they are.

3. Baroque is just a fancy way of naming every other shape that nature has to offer. There is nothing wrong with owning a string of baroque shaped pearls, but as with any other shape, the main thing to remember is uniformity of shape from pearl to pearl.

Answer to quiz: a & c