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Cultured · Freshwater

Soufflé pearls

Very large baroque freshwater pearls from China, about 16 to 23 mm. GIA lists them as one of the baroque forms freshwater pearls come in.

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Illustration of a typical soufflé pearl. Move your pointer to turn the light.

At a glance

WaterFreshwater
MolluskFreshwater mussels
WhereChina
Typical size16 to 23 mm
ShapesBaroque
0 mm5 mm10 mm15 mm20 mm

Typical size range from GIA. See sizes at actual size.

WhitePinkGoldenCharcoal

Soufflé pearls are very large baroque freshwater pearls from China, about 16 to 23 mm (GIA). They are one of the reasons freshwater pearls have the widest range of shapes of any pearl.

What to know

Soufflé pearls are big and irregular, so judge them on luster, surface and color rather than shape. Because they are freshwater pearls, check whether any strong color is natural or dyed; many pearls on the market are dyed (GIA).

Other large baroque freshwater shapes are sold under trade names, such as "fireball" pearls. Trade names are not grades, so ask the seller what type of pearl it is and whether it has been treated.

What people paid for soufflé pearls

Real prices readers paid, not estimates. A figure appears only once at least 5 people have reported the same kind of piece, and we never show individual reports.

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Frequently asked questions

What are soufflé pearls?

Large baroque freshwater pearls from China, about 16 to 23 mm, according to GIA.

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Sources

Checked October 22, 2026. How we check our facts.