Pearls are measured in millimeters by their diameter. Sizes range from 1mm to 20mm. The most popular size sold today is 7.0 to 7.5mm. Akoya pearls are typically never larger than 9.0mm . Pearls larger than 9.0mm will usually be Tahitians or Freshwater pearls. South Sea pearls average 13.0mm in size. When shopping for pearls, it is important to remember that pearl strands rarely have pearls that are exactly the same size. Akoya and Freshwater pearls will have a .5mm differential. By international industry standards a strand may be considered as 7.5mm, when in fact the pearls will range from 7.0mm to 7.5mm or 7.5mm to 8.0mm. The smaller pearls will be strung near the clasp and the larger pearls will be more in the center of the strand. This is still considered a uniform, not graduated strand. South Sea pearls and Tahitians can have a size differential of up to 1mm from the clasp to the center of the strand. The size of pearls depends on personal taste. While one person may prefer large necklaces, they may also prefer smaller earrings. Today, there are no rules and the versatility and creative interpretation of pearls has never been more in style. |