Pearl Size Guide

Choosing the right size pearl is a crucial decision, as it significantly impacts the look, feel, and value of the jewellery. Pearls are measured in millimetres (mm) by their diameter. A single millimetre can make a surprising difference in appearance and price.

Here is a general guide to help you understand pearl sizes:

Common Pearl Size Categories

• Small Pearls (1.0 mm - 6.5 mm): These delicate pearls are often used for intricate, multi-strand designs or for jewellery for younger wearers. Tiny "seed" pearls, which are less than 1.0 mm, are perfect for detailed artistry. Pearls in the 5 mm to 6.5 mm range are subtle and elegant, ideal for a minimalist aesthetic or as a "first pearls" gift.
• Medium Pearls (7.0 mm - 9.0 mm): This is the most popular and versatile size range for classic pearl jewellery. It strikes a perfect balance between understated elegance and noticeable presence. This size is suitable for a wide variety of occasions, from professional settings to formal events, and is a go-to for classic stud earrings and necklace strands.
• Large Pearls (10.0 mm and above): Pearls in this size range make a bold statement. They are often found in high-end, luxury pearl collections, such as those of South Sea and Tahitian pearls. A single large pearl can be a dramatic centrepiece, and a strand of them is a rare and visually stunning piece that commands attention.

Pearl Sizes by Type

The size of a pearl is closely tied to its type, as each species of mollusk produces pearls within a specific size range.

• Freshwater Pearls: Ranging from 2.0 mm up to 15.0 mm and even larger. While the most common sizes are between 6.0 mm and 11.0 mm, they are known for their great variety in shape and size.
• Akoya Pearls: Typically range from 2.0 mm to 9.5 mm, with sizes 9.0 mm and above being quite rare. Akoya pearls are prized for their perfectly round shape and brilliant lustre, making them the standard for classic pearl jewellery.
• Tahitian Pearls: Naturally larger, these pearls generally range from 8.0 mm to 16.0 mm. Sizes over 15.0 mm are considered rare and are highly valued.
• South Sea Pearls: These are the largest of all cultured pearls, with a typical size range of 9.0 mm to 20.0 mm or more. Their impressive size and satiny lustre make them the most sought-after and luxurious pearls in the world.

How Pearl Size Affects Value

While other factors like lustre, shape, colour, and surface quality are equally important, size is a major determinant of a pearl's value. When all other factors are equal, a larger pearl is more valuable. This is because larger pearls take a longer time to form and are much rarer to find, especially with high quality. The price can increase exponentially with each millimetre increase in size, particularly for rare, high-quality pearls.