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CHOOSING THE BEST PEARL SIZE AND PEARL LENGTH
Pearl Size Guide
We are frequently asked by our customers what size pearls and what length necklace they should purchase for themselves or for their loved ones. The size and length of pearl jewelry depends greatly on the recipient’s age, the purpose of the gift, and the budget of the buyer. The average pearl size sold today is between 7.0 to 8.0 mm and 18 inches in length.
A single mm difference in pearl size is noticeable to the naked eye. Pearls over 8mm are more rare and difficult to harvest; therefore, price increases significantly (nearly double) for pearls 8mm and larger.
Although there are traditional guidelines for selecting pearl size based on a woman’s age, Gallery of Pearls does not promote such a guideline because it is not reflective of today’s modern world. Traditionally, pearls that are 5.0 to 7.0mm were mostly given to younger girls, while 7.0-9.0mm were pearls for young women, and 9mm and above were for older women. South Sea and Tahitian pearls are much larger and typically purchased by those who desire much larger saltwater pearls. This historical guideline does not however reflect variables such as: an individual’s physical size, personal taste, budget, or the gift-giving occasion. Selecting the millimeter size of the pearl must be a reflection of all variables and only you can be the best judge of size.
Pearl Necklace Length Guide
There are numerous standard pearl necklace lengths and styles for a woman to choose from for her wardrobe needs. The lengths range from 12 inches to over 45 inches and the styles worn are traditional, layered, twisted, wrapped and knotted. It is interesting to note that necklaces make up nearly 55 percent of all cultured pearl jewelry sales, so Gallery of Pearl’s provides a general chart to guide you in your selection of a pearl necklace. The most common necklace length is 18 inches and this length best compliments a short or long neck, any fashion style, and is an essential size for any woman’s wardrobe.
The six lengths for pearl necklaces are: collar, choker, princess, matinee, opera and rope and are selected based upon how the length will be displayed, the occasion, and the types of clothes worn.
| Length | Name | How The Length is Displayed | Typical Event or Clothing Selected |
| 12-13 inches | Collar | One necklace of 3 or more strands of pearls, worn tight around mid neckline | Evening wear. boat neck, V neck, or off the shoulder tops and dresses. |
| 14-16 inches | Choker | Single strand worn snug around the neckline, drops at or just below collarbone. | Casual to formal wear. Button down shirt, jeans, sweaters, or a cocktail dress. |
| 17-19 inches | Princess | Single strand worn loose around the neckline, drops inch or two below collarbone. Most popular length 18” | Casual, business or formal wear. Button down shirt, suit, cocktail dress. |
| 20-24 inches | Matinee | Single strand worn for longer necklines, drops near upper bust line | Casual, business, or formal wear. Deep V neck, long sundresses, formal gowns. |
| 28-34 inches | Opera | Worn as single strand or doubled as two strand choker, single strand drops near mid bust | Casual, business or formal wear depending on how it’s worn. Crew neck, turtlenecks, eveningwear. |
| 40+ inches | Rope | Worn as single strand or double or triple strand choker, can be knotted or looped | Mostly formal wear. Also compliments a deep V back open dress. |
Pearl Bracelet Length Guide
Pearl bracelet length typically varies from 6 inches to 8 inches. The most common bracelet length for women is 7 inches with a pearl size of 7 to 8mm.
It is important to note that a 7-inch bracelet that has 10mm pearls will fit a little more tightly than a 7-inch bracelet with 6mm pearls. The fit of a bracelet can be affected by the pearls diameter, the shape of the pearl, the type of clasp used for the bracelet, and of course, the width of the wearer’s wrist. We strongly suggest that you measure the length of an existing bracelet from the person that you are shopping for before ordering.
Measuring the length of a bracelet is the same procedure as measuring the length of a necklace. First lay the bracelet down unconnected from end to end. Measure from the beginning of the clasp insert (male end) across the pearl strand to the opposite end of the clasp recipient (female end where the clasp connects and locks). Also, note that it is common for bracelet and necklace sizes to vary slightly from the exact measurement ordered because a small increase or decrease in the number and size of pearls on a strand can slightly alter the length. This minor variation is perfectly normal and is a result of using real pearls born from nature.
Pearl Earrings Size Guide
Cultured pearl earrings are a very versatile jewelry set that can be worn on their own or with other jewelry pieces. Pearl earrings are a popular gift simply by themselves. It is recommended however that if you purchase a necklace, or a matching necklace and bracelet, that you also purchase the matching earrings, so that all pieces are completely coordinated.
There are two types of pearl earrings: stud earrings and dangling earrings. Stud earrings are universal and used for casual, business, or formal occasions. White stud earrings are also an essential set of jewelry for any woman’s wardrobe. The most common size for pearl stud earrings is 7 to 8mm. When selecting pearl stud earrings, look for very round, clean, lustrous pearls on white or yellow gold posts with secure backings.
Dangling earrings are generally used for dressy or formal occasions. Like stud earrings, they are versatile in that they compliment any neckline or face shape. Dangling earrings come in a variety of lengths and longer length earrings are selected for taller women with long hair. When buying dangling earrings, the same guideline of selecting very round, clean, and lustrous pearls applies, but now with the length in mind.
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