Pure Pearls Glossary
Graduated
A strand where pearls increase in size from the clasp to the centre — small at the neck, largest at the throat.
A graduated necklace might run 4mm at the ends to 8mm at the centre. It is the traditional construction, and it predates the uniform strand.
Graduation is technically demanding to string. Every pearl must be sorted to a size sequence and the increase has to be smooth in both directions from the centre.
It gives a necklace a natural focal point and drapes better than a uniform strand, because the weight sits where the neckline is widest.
When you are buying
A graduated strand uses fewer large pearls than a uniform one of the same visual impact, so it delivers more presence for the price. The trade-off is the labour of sorting.
Graduated necklace sets
34 pieces in the collection right now, from ₹4,900.
Sleek 19Inch Long Lightly Graduated White Oval Pearls Necklace
Wonderful Black Oval Pearls Lightly Graduated Necklace
Exquisite White Pearl Graduated Necklace With A Cute Black Onyx Studded Pendant
Beautiful Graduated Black Oval Pearls 16Inches Necklace
Bold Single Line Graduated Black Oval Pearls 18Inches Necklace
Graduated Pink Pearl Necklace With Sparkling AD Pendant
Very Graceful 10mm to 4mm Graduated Pearl Necklace with SP Ruby Pendant
SaleRadiant Lightly Graduated White Round Pearl Necklace With Polki Pendant
Read next
Uniform Strand
A strand where every pearl is the same size, within a tight tolerance.
Pearl Size
The diameter of a pearl in millimetres, measured across its widest point. Price rises steeply, not evenly, with size.
Princess Length
About 17 to 19 inches, resting just below the collarbone. The default necklace length, and the safest gift.
Lines
How many parallel strands a necklace is made from. A 3-line necklace has three rows running together into one clasp.
Not sure what you are being sold?
Paste any pearl description — another shop’s listing, a message from a jeweller, an old certificate — and we will break it down term by term.