What Size Pearl Earrings To Buy
With so many pearl earring sizes available, it can be tricky to decide what size of pearl earring to buy. Simplistically speaking, it can be a matter of taste; one might want a large pearl earring set as a statement piece or something smaller for everyday wear. Its important to understand that all pearls are sold in 0.5mm or 1mm size increments. Typically small sizes below 9mm like Akoya pearls and Freshwater AK pearls are sold increments of 0.5mm(e.g 6.0-6.5mm), over 9mm as Edison Pearls, Tahitian Pearls and South Sea Pearls are sold in 1mm increments(e.g 9.0-10mm).
what size pearl earrings to buy
These are ideal for young ladies from 6 years old up to 16 years old, and women with petite builds. Moving slightly larger, this size is quite lovely for older teens or very young women. For a more petite woman, it can also mimic that classic size typically regarded as size 7mm to 7.5 mm. Women should consider the size of their face as well as their ear lobes; these factors will necessarily influence a selection.
The 9.0-9.5mm is the largest size for our Japanese Akoya pearls, and generally our smallest for South Sea pearls. This size is elegant and beautiful, and also stays within a demure range without getting overly dramatic. For queenly pearls, this is the size to select! Gorgeous pearl earrings of this size are ideal for special occasions and will certainly be regarded as an heirloom piece of jewelry. Pearls of this size are swathed in grandeur, luxury, and immense beauty.
The 10.0-11.0mm pearls are right in the "sweet spot" for luxury pearl earring sizes. You'll find very large Freshwater pearls and smaller Tahitian and South Sea pearls in this size range. These pearls still have a moderate feel and weight, and won't fall forward off the ear. Aditionally only mature women of power would wear such large earrings but today you'll see them on women of all ages. Big and bold most women will reserve their 10-1mm pearl earrings for special events and formal nights out. If you do wear pearls of this size, expect to attract attention.
What women love about 11.0-12.0mm size pearls is that they are unmistakably high-end, luxury pearls. Luminous and luxurious, Angelina Jolie is known for sporting this stud size (and larger!) to many of her red carpet events.
The 12.0-13.0mm pearl size is one of our largest available, and the largest stud size we recommend for women. Consider dangle earring styles for pearls measuring over 13.0mm due to weight issues. The 12.0-13.0mm size range consists of larger, exotic pearl types like the White and Golden South Sea pearls, black Tahitian pearls and in rare cases, Freshwater pearl types.
A: This is by far the most common question I get, and for good reason. Pearl size is one of the key factors affecting the value of pearls and also one of the first things to be noticed. While there is no definitive answer to this question, I believe this guide will help you find the perfect size of pearl for you and your budget.
Before we go any farther, you should know that the most popular, classic and versatile pearl necklaces are in the 7.0-8.0mm size range. The 7.0-8.0mm size range is widely acknowledged to be the "go-anywhere" size, perfect for nights out, office wear or even a quick trip to the grocery store in a T-shirt and jeans. This size range is also age-appropriate for ladies from 16 years old up through women in their 50's, so these are necklaces that will be worn and enjoyed for many, many years. In this size range you have two options:
For a classic pearl stud earring, the same 7.0-8.0mm size range is also our most popular choice. Elegant and versatile, the 7.0-8.0mm pearl stud sits squarely on the earlobe without falling forward or putting too much weight on the ear. This size range can also accommodate second piercings a little higher up without crowding out the next earring, which is a common concern today.
The photo below shows the most popular Akoya pearl necklace sizes from 6.0-6.5mm through 9.0-9.5mm. Each half-millimeter increase in size may not seem like a lot on paper, but keep in mind that pearls have volume as well as diameter.A single half-millimeter increment increase can mean a 20% increase in overall size. Compare the first top two strands (6.0-6.5mm vs 6.5-7.0mm) to get an idea of how that 0.5mm measures up in real life.
Quick Note: For your reference, our model below is of thin build, average height and is wearing an 18-Inch, Princess length pearl necklace in all pictures below. For most women, the 18-Inch length necklace will come to rest about 1.5 to 2-Inches below the hollow of the throat.
As mentioned earlier, the 7.0-8.0mm size range is basically "The Classic Pearl Necklace", you really can't go wrong here. This size is very elegant and looks great whether you're at the office, shopping at the store, going out to dinner, special occasions, basically this size goes anywhere and everywhere.
The 8.0-9.0mm pearl size range is the beginning of luxury pearl territory. These pearls will have a nice "heft" to them, and look a tad larger than average for an elegant and glamorous presentation. It is most commonly worn by women 30 years old and up.
The 9.0-9.5mm is the largest size Akoya pearls attain, and is on the higher end for large Freshwater pearls. The 9.0-10.0mm pearl size range is luxurious in both presentation and feel. A perfectly matched necklace of 9.0-10.0mm pearls is a visually stunning strand of pearls that commands attention, yet can still be worn to both day and evening events.
The 10.0-11.0mm size range consists of large Freshwater, Tahitian and South Sea Pearls. Freshwater pearls will be fairly uniform in shape and size, graduating from 10.0-11.0mm, while Tahitian necklaces and South Sea strands will be graduated (i.e. 10.0-12.0mm, 10.0-14.0mm, etc.). These larger pearl sizes are very luxurious and very glamorous!
This category of necklaces features larger pearls in natural shades of black, white and gold. These pearl types are considered "luxury" pearls, and range in size from 9.0mm to 15.0mm and larger, so think: Big Pearls.
They'll typically be "graduated" in size, so a strand might be labelled as 9.0-12.0mm. What that means is that the pearls progressively get larger from 9.0mm at the clasp to 12.0mm in the center and so on.
As mentioned earlier in this article, the most popular pearl stud earring size is within the 7.0-8.0mm size range. The 7.0-7.5mm and 7.5-8.0mm pearls will sit nicely on the earlobe with a demure look, and won't feel too heavy or fall forward on the lobe.
The most popular and versatile pearl stud size for ladies aged 18 to 60. 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.
Easily our second most popular pearl earring size range, the 8.0-9.0mm pearls are for ladies wanting one step up from "normal". A touch more glamorous without being too dramatic, and still comfortable on the ear.
The 9.0-9.5mm is the largest size for our Japanese Akoya pearls, and generally our smallest for South Sea pearls. This size is elegant and beautiful, and also stays within a demure range without getting overly dramatic.
The 10.0-11.0mm pearls are right in the "sweet spot" for luxury pearl earring sizes. You'll find very large Freshwater pearls and smaller Tahitian and South Sea pearls in this size range. These pearls still have a moderate feel and weight, and won't fall forward off the ear.
These pictures all show the main pearl types: cultured Freshwater, Japanese Akoya, black Tahitian and White and Golden South Sea pearls with their most popular sizes as compared to a US Dime. Keep in mind these images are not intended to show the exact size of the pearls, but the size range available in each pearl type.
This handy little printable PDF is useful for seeing seeing how large (or small) you can expect the pearls you're purchasing to be. We've included the most common and popular pearl necklace sizes from 6.0-6.5mm through 9.0-9.5mm.
We love all pearl accessories equally, but pearl earrings definitely deserve an award for being the little black dress of jewellery. Why? Because not only do pearls embody class and sophistication, but they are immensely flattering to your complexion. Their tenderness and sensuality are truly special. But before you head into the first jewellery store and buy the first pair of earrings you see, why not make sure your purchase is worth it?
South Sea pearls are some of the rarest and most valuable pearls on the market today. They come in two colours: white (originating mainly from Australia) and golden (the Philippines, Burma and Indonesia). Unlike Akoya and Tahitian pearls, South Sea pearls have a satiny lustre that is softer. Known for their large sizes, South Sea pearls average at around 13 mm, which makes them the largest varieties in the world.
When picturing pearls, most people imagine a perfectly smooth, round surface, but did you know that round pearls are actually the hardest to find? Because pearls are organic gemstones, they naturally occur in a variety of shapes:
The round shape is the easiest to measure, because the size is basically the pearl diameter (with a 0.5-millimetre approximation). In the case of oval or baroque pearls, which are irregular, the size is expressed in width and height, again, with a 0.5-millimetre approximation. 041b061a72