Pearl Necklace Size Comparison
The Most Popular Size Pearl Necklaces and Earrings
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.
Pearl Necklace Sizes on a Model
Quick Note: For your reference, our model below is of thin build, average height and is wearing an 16 to 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.
3-5mm Pearls On Model:
This size pearls quite often been called "baby pearls" and is very popular for different ages of ladies. The top quality 3-5mm pearls are very rare. This size pearl necklace bring youth view and working best with a beautiful pearl enhancer.
5-6mm Pearls On Model:
This necklace has a very delicate and dainty pearl size; the 5.0-6.0mm size range works best stacking view with a thin metal chain, also looking pretty good with an enhancer.
6-7mm Pearls On Model:
This necklace has a delicate and dainty pearl size; the 6.0-7.0mm size range works best for young ladies as a "first pearls" present, or women with petite builds.
7-8mm Pearls On Model:
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.
8-9mm Pearls On Model:
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.
9-10mm Pearls On Model:
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.
10-11mm Pearls On Model:
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!
Large "Exotic" Strands: Tahitian and South Sea Pearl Necklaces
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.
Below are pictures of some of our "exotic" strands showing what pearl graduation looks like.
