Cultured Pearls are one of the most intriguing, stunning and beloved gems in the world. Imperial cultured pearls are fashioned into jewelry using a wide variety of pearl types. With Akoya pearls, Tahitian pearls, South Sea pearls, freshwater pearls, and Keshi pearls, you can clearly see what makes this collection Imperial. Quick pearl size guidelines: 5mm or less: Generally recommended for young girls and/or very petite ladies. 6mm Pearls: A bit smaller than ‘usual’ – a good option for ladies 5’3″ or under and/or with a particularly slender neck. 7mm – 8mm Pearls: The ‘standard’ size. Most pearl strands you’ve likely seen are about 7-8mm. 9mm – 10mm Pearls: Luxury size. Larger than the ‘usual’ pearl strand, but subtly so. (It is unusual to find Akoya Pearls larger than this). 11mm – 12mm Pearls: Noticeably larger than the norm. Typically only found in Freshwater, South Sea or Tahitian Pearls. 13mm – 16mm Pearls: A true ‘statement’ heirloom piece of jewelry. Only found in Freshwater, South Sea or Tahitian Pearls. It can be hard to ‘visualize’ what a 4mm or 8mm or any “mm” pearl size looks like. Here is a list of some common pearl sizes compared to ‘real world’ objects that may be easier for you to picture: 4mm pearls are about the same diameter as an unpopped popcorn kernel. 5mm pearls are about the same diameter as a #2 pencil’s eraser. 6mm pearls are about the same diameter as a #2 pencil’s shaft (a #2 pencil’s shaft is 1/4″ which is 6.3mm). 7mm pearls are about the same diameter as an average dress-shirt button. 8mm pearls are about the same diameter as a green pea (not the ‘baby’ peas, the regular ones your mom forced you to eat…). 9mm pearls are about the same diameter as an AAA battery. 10mm pearls are about the same diameter as an M&M Candy.
