What does baroque mean in jewellery?
By Jared James · Last updated 21 May 2026
Definition
Baroque has two related meanings in jewellery. As a stylistic term, it describes the ornate, dramatic, heavily decorated jewellery produced during the Baroque period of the 17th and early 18th centuries, characterised by bold forms, rich colours, religious and mythological subjects, and a taste for grandeur. As a descriptive term, baroque simply means an irregular, non-spherical shape in a pearl or stone, so a baroque pearl is one that grew in an uneven, organic form rather than a round one.
Frequently asked questions
- What is Baroque period jewellery?
- Jewellery from roughly 1600 to 1720 that reflects the Baroque artistic movement, marked by dramatic compositions, elaborate goldsmithing, heavy enamel work, large gemstones and strong religious iconography. Large table-cut diamonds, rubies and emeralds were common, often set in heavy gold with enamel reverses.
- What makes a pearl baroque?
- A baroque pearl is simply one that did not form in a perfectly round shape; it may be oval, teardrop, lumpy, or entirely irregular. The term is not a negative one; baroque freshwater pearls in particular are prized for their organic sculptural quality.
- Is baroque jewellery coming back in style?
- Baroque pearls have seen strong renewed interest in recent years, worn in their natural irregular forms rather than matched into rounds. The broader Baroque aesthetic of richness and ornamentation also influences contemporary designers who want drama and weight in their work.
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