The most popular and common sizes are 6.0 – 6.5 mm up through 9.0 – 9.5 mm. Other items that can be used to help visualize pearl sizes are a #2 pencil, which is 4.25 mm in diameter, so a 6.0 – 6.5 mm pearl will be slightly larger than a pencil eraser.
What is the average size of a pearl? The average size of a pearl is 7 millimeters. Freshwater pearl sizes found on the market range from 6.0-7.0mm up to 10.0-11.0mm. By comparison, black Tahitian varieties are naturally larger, ranging from 8.0-9.0mm up to 15.0-16.0mm and even more.
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.
The 7.0-8.0mm size range is the epitome of "Classic Pearls", and is sure to be appropriate and beautiful no matter when or where they're worn. Most often regarded as the 'classic' or quintessential size of pearl earrings, this size is popular for any age woman and certainly never goes out of style.
The most popular and common sizes are 6.0 – 6.5 mm up through 9.0 – 9.5 mm. Other items that can be used to help visualize pearl sizes are a #2 pencil, which is 4.25 mm in diameter, so a 6.0 – 6.5 mm pearl will be slightly larger than a pencil eraser.
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. Pearl necklaces at this size priced ~ $2K and under are typically freshwater pearls.
5.5 mm – 6 mm: Women with a small frame or young girls aged between 12 – 16 years look best with these small pearls. 6.0 – 6.5 mm: Young ladies in their late teens or early twenties prefer pearls of these sizes. They make for the perfect gift for graduations or 16th birthdays.
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.
For round pearls, the size is taken by measuring their diameter perpendicular to the drill holes. For oval, baroque and drop-shaped pearls, the measurement is usually taken from their length and width.
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.
The Pearl Girls Medium Pearls are what we consider to be the classic size of pearls. This 7mm size is the size every woman needs to own and makes for a great look in earrings, necklaces and bracelets.
8-16mm white round pearl. 1/4-5/8" in diameter.
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.
Pearls are measured by their diameter in millimetres. Tiny seed pearls can be smaller than 1mm, while South Sea pearls, as large as 20mm, have been found. If all other quality factors are equal, the size of a pearl will determine its value.
Size: When other value factors are equal, larger pearls are rarer and more valuable than smaller pearls of the same type. Shape: Round is the most difficult shape to culture, making it the rarest cultured pearl shape and—if all other factors are equal—also generally the most valuable.
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.
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.
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.
Pearl jewelry is affected by very dry conditions. Dry conditions have been known to shrink and crack pearls. Best bet? Sprinkle that cloth bag that you store them in with a few drops of water, and put in a zip-lock bag or store pearls in a container with a glass of water.
Low quality freshwater pearls can be bought for as little as $20, while average quality pearls sell for anywhere between $30 and $50. Fine quality freshwater pearls can fetch between $65 and $5,000, or more in certain cases.
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.
It's a nice in between size that can be worn daily and doesn't appear too Big or too Gaudy. A 5mm Pearl is pretty much the same size as the top of a Push Pin. 6mm is usually the size of a Large Paperclip.
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.
Akoya pearls are the preeminent cultured pearls. They are the pearls that the Mikimoto brand popularized. Prized by royalty and pearl connoisseurs for centuries, Akoya pearls have long been coveted for their perfectly round shape, richness, and deep luster.