Pearl Measurements
Pearl Measurement:
Pearls, are always measured in millimeters, by their smallest width, shown in the picture above. Typically sizes are generalized, meaning that an 11mm pearl, can be anywhere from 11.00-11.99mm.
Pearl Size Ranges:
Different pearl types occur in different size ranges. For example, a 9mm pearl is considered to be exceptionally large by Akoya standards, but by South Sea standards it considered to be small.
Strand Graduation:
More often than not, a strand of pearls will gradually vary in size. Typically, this means that the center pearl is largest.
Smaller pearl types (Akoya and Freshwater) are usually lightly graduated about .05-1mm. (6-6.5mm). Larger types such as South Sea are more typically graduated from 2-3mm. (12-14mm)
Strand Lengths:
Pearl strands typically come in a range of lengths the "Collar" length is the sits high on the neck whereas the "Rope" length maybe be tripled the length or even more.