Pearl sizes and necklace strand lengths

Do you get confused when you hear a millimeter size for pearls?  If you wonder what they mean, you can think 10mm is about 1/2 inch diameter.  For a more accurate size check, find common pearl sizes in millimeter (MM) infographic shared thanks to The Pearl Source. They offer a downloadable/printable PDF that provides a way to actually measure your pearl diameter and they also have an interactive page showing standard pearl strand lengths so you can pick the look you want.  If you have ever heard anyone talk about pearl strands, you might want to know the name commonly used for the different lengths.  Pearl Paradise provides an explanation of how pearl bracelet and necklace strands are measured.

Once you choose a length in inches, the interactive guide will tell you if it is called: Choker 14-16" which actually sits just about where most t-shirt/dress collars do, Princess 17-19", Matinee 20-24", Opera 26-35", or Rope 36" or longer.  The chart does not include Collar 12-14"which is smaller than a choker but sits higher/tighter on the neck and Lariat which is either a long rope tied in knot or a long unconnected stand that is worn like a scarf. Child size strands range from collar to  choker length and use smaller pearls than an adult strand.  If you buy a necklace for a child, they can wear it later in life as a collar or choker, depending on length. If you are looking for a strand to pass down, look for the Standard adult length of 18" containing around 6MM pearls. 12-14". Torsade is not a length, rather it is a style of wearing multiple pearl stands twisted together to form a chunkier and shorter look. On torsades, pearls might be mixed with other gems for a up-to-date fashionable look.

For a text guide to wearing the best lengths for your size, visit Fine Pearl Jewelry Necklace Length Guide.  For a suggestion of pearl diameter by age, visit American Pearl Right Size.