Pearl Size
The diameter of a pearl in millimetres, measured across its widest point. Price rises steeply, not evenly, with size.
Pearls are sold by millimetre. Freshwater pearls commonly run 3mm to 10mm; South Sea pearls reach 16mm and beyond.
The price curve is exponential rather than linear. Going from 6mm to 8mm can double the cost, because the mussel needs far longer in the water and the failure rate rises with every extra month.
Non-round pearls are quoted by two measurements, width by length, since a single number would not describe them.
When you are buying
6mm to 8mm is the versatile range for an adult necklace: substantial enough to read as jewellery, restrained enough for daily wear. Below 5mm reads delicate or juvenile; above 10mm reads formal.
Popular pearl sizes
234 pieces in the collection right now, from ₹1,000.
Cute Pearl Studs in leaf like Zircon Stones
Lustrous Gold Finish Pendant Accentuated With 7mm Oval White Pearl
Twirled Knot Pendant Accentuated With 7mm Oval White Pearl & CZ
Stunning Linear AD Studs With White Oval Pearl Drops
Bunny Shaped Pearl Studs in White Pearls and Rose Gold Metal
Bunny Shaped Pearl Studs in Pink Pearls and Rose Gold Metal
Bunny Shaped Pearl Studs in Lavendar Pearls and Rose Gold Metal
Cute Pearl Studs in Lavendar Pearls and Rose Gold Metal
Graduated
A strand where pearls increase in size from the clasp to the centre: small at the neck, largest at the throat.
Round
A true sphere. The rarest and most expensive pearl shape, and the benchmark every other shape is priced against.
Millimetre (mm)
The unit every pearl is measured in. One millimetre of difference is clearly visible on the neck.
Princess Length
About 17 to 19 inches, resting just below the collarbone. The default necklace length, and the safest gift.