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So your lady loves all things pearl. You decide to go out and find a beautiful pearl necklace for your anniversary.
You know she likes black pearls, and you also know (or have read my previous post) about selecting pearls with the highest luster your budget allows.
But she didn’t tell you anything about pearl size. How large should the pearls be?
There is a direct correlation between size and worth: a larger pearl commands a higher price.
Nonetheless, size also carries a strong personal preference. Smaller pearls (3-5 millimeters) are appreciated for being delicate and subtle – captivating in their own right. Large pearls (over 9 millimeters) are perceived as extravagant, magnificent, spectacular. Then there is the middle, from 6-9mm.
Most Akoya cultured pearls (the “classic” white pearl) sold today are between 7 and 8.5 millimeters in size. This is a good size for a classic look, and great for everyday. Freshwater pearls are also an option in this class, and tend to be less expensive.
Black pearls from Tahiti are larger, starting about 9mm, and are especially popular in 10-12mm. Probably the most popular high-end pearl variety today.
South Sea pearls (in white, silver, or golden) are the biggest, starting about 10mm, and usually chosen in the 12-15mm range.
But if you’re like most people in America, you may be “metric-challenged”. No problem. The examples below show how pearl millimeter size compares with inches (approximates actual size on a 1024×768 computer monitor.)
9mm |
10mm |
11mm |
12mm |
13mm |
14mm |
15mm |
In a future post, I’ll write more about the other value factors in choosing pearls, such as shape and surface quality.
If you’d like to learn more before you buy your next piece of pearl jewelry, I would encourage you to read Anandia Pearls’ comprehensive Pearl Buying Guide. It’s a free download you can print out and read!
