As the ideal—not too big and not too small pearls—they are usually considered a safe size when gifting for any woman. 8-9mm Pearl Earrings: Easily our second most popular pearl earring size range, the 8.0-9.0mm pearls are for ladies wanting one step up from "normal".
Pearls range from 8.0 – 9.0 mm up through 16.0 – 17.0 mm, with some giants reaching up to 21 mm! The most popular South Sea pearl pendant and earring sizes are 9.0 – 10.0 mm, 10.0 – 11.0 mm, 11.0 – 12.0 mm, 12.0 – 13.0 mm and 13.0 – 14.0 mm.
The most common pearl size to feature in classic pearl necklaces and earrings is around 7-8mm. This is partly because Freshwater pearls are the most popular on the market and this is their average size.
10 - 11 mm pearls are the size of a Tylenol tablet and a common size for a freshwater pearl necklace as a single or multi strand necklace, often combined with gems creating a statement necklace.
Most women feel comfortable wearing a pearl bracelet that is around 18.5cm in size, which is the standard size. The pearl bracelet will hang between your hand and wrist bone, which is the most attractive position.
The 10.0-11.0mm pearls are right in the "sweet spot" for luxury pearl earring sizes. You'll find very large Freshwater pearls and smaller Tahitian and South Sea pearls in this size range. These pearls still have a moderate feel and weight, and won't fall forward off the ear.
Pearls in the 5.5 – 6.5 mm range are worn by young women between the ages of five and 16. 7.0 – 7.5 mm pearls are worn by women who are 30 and above. Pearls in the 8.0 – 8.5 category are traditionally worn by women age 35 and above.
Pearl Size
The larger the pearl the more valuable. Pearls are measured by their diameter in millimeters. Tiny seed pearls can be smaller than a single millimeter, while South Sea pearls as large as 20 mm have been found. If all other quality factors are equal, the size of a pearl will determine its value.
Generally the most popular sizes are within the 7.0-9.5mm range, which are considered the most traditional and versatile pearl sizes to buy. The larger the pearls get (all other attributes like Luster, Shape, and Surface Quality being equal), the more valuable they are.
Pearls below 7mm in size are considered to be on the smaller side, while 7-8mm and 8-9mm are among the more popular sizes selected for necklaces in Freshwater pearls. Anything sized from 9-10mm and above is considered to be above average in size, and such pearls are more rare and valuable.
The Princess Necklace ~ 17 to 19 Inches
The most common length for pearl necklaces, it is well suited for wear with crew and high necklines. It also complements low, plunging necklines. Because 18 inches is considered the classic length for pearl necklaces.
As mentioned above, they are elegant and discreet yet so appealing and dominant. They provide a sleek and polished look, and that is the reason why many of the modern-day royalties still opt for pearls jewellery instead of any other.
As naturally porous gemstones that require moisture to maintain their lustre, pearls actually benefit from being worn. The natural oils in your skin help to revitalise the nacre which gives your pearls their shine, thus improving their finish the more you wear them.
7.0 to 7.5 mm freshwater pearls are the size of a baby aspirin and are the pearls that are typically used for single strand necklaces commonly seen in graduation and sorority photos.
8-16mm white round pearl. 1/4-5/8" in diameter.
The Pearl Choker should gently encircle the base of the neck, running over the collarbones and coming to rest just below the hollow of the throat. For petite frames, this length may hang slightly lower, looking more like a princess length necklace instead.
That is why South Sea pearls are considered the most expensive variety of pearls in the market. However, size alone does not determine the value of the pearl. If an Akoya pearl the size of a small South sea pearl is valued, it will command a higher price because of its rarity.
Use the Tooth Test
The simplest way to tell if a pearl is natural or fake is to take the pearl and rub it against your teeth. “If the surface of the pearl feels grainy, then it is real,” explains Whitten. “If the surface feels smooth, then it is an imitation.”
Pearl necklaces should always be strung very tightly, as their thread will stretch with use. After your jewelry is worn for a while (the “break-in” period), the thread will gradually relax, allowing your pearl jewelry to lie perfectly against the skin.
The smallest pearls are called seed pearls, which can be as tiny as 1 millimetre in diameter, whilst the largest pearls commercially available can reach 2 centimetre in diameter and are produced in large South Sea oysters.
Generally, lighter pearls – white, rose, peach, cream – work well with fairer skin tones. Darker complexions go well with gold and cream-colored pearls. Olive skin tones and white pearls with silver overtones are a good match. Black or white pearls, on the other hand, suit just about everybody.
An average akoya pearl is only 7 mm, while an average South Sea pearl is in the 12 mm range. Akoya pearls are currently being harvested in sizes from as small as 1 mm up to the very rare 10-11 mm.
When compared to other varieties, such as Tahitian and South Sea, Akoya pearls definitely offer good value for money without compromising on beauty. Freshwater pearls lack the deep, beautiful gleam of an Akoya. However, the palette of colors and attractive pricing makes them a great option for many people.
In general, larger pearls work well on rings. Anything 10.5mm and above will be a statement piece. You may also want to consider the size of your hand, as a too-small pearl can make a large hand look even larger, and a too-large pearl can make a petite hand look childlike.