How to choose the diameter of pearls
Choose the right pearl diameter for you
The size (diameter) of cultured pearls is expressed in millimeters (mm). It ranges from the smallest, around 1mm, to the largest up to 20mm. Knowing that the choice of the diameter can be thorny, we have designed this explanatory guide for you.
Some Special Tips In Advance
- We always use a single size to describe the diameter of a pearl. For example, a necklace made of freshwater pearls of 8 mm. 8 mm does not mean that all the pearls on the necklace are exactly 8 mm. There is always a range with an overall difference of at least 1 mm, i.e. the pearls are between 7 mm and 8 mm. We always use the higher number to indicate the overall diameter.
- At Uncommon Pearls, we specify only range of 0.5mm diameter difference for small size beaded necklaces, such as 3-3.5 mm, 3.5-4mm, 4-4.5mm, etc., which is really small.
- As the diameter of the pearl gets larger, the range between pearls tends to increase, which is a normal trend.
- Remember, pearls have volume, not just diameter. What seems small to you via a ruler will look much larger in reality.
Different Diameters Of Pearls:
The following advice is merely objective and for reference only. The specific size purchased should be based on personal preference.
Applicable average age → 16-35years old
- 3-3.5mm
- 3.5-4mm
- 4-4.5mm
- 4.5-5mm
- 5-5.5mm
- 5.5-6mm
Applicable average age → 25-60years old
- 6-6.5mm
- 6.5-7mm
- 7-8mm
Applicable average age → from 35 years old
- 8-9mm
- 9-10mm