Pearl Size

Pearl diameter is measured in millimeters (mm) and is determined by the number of layers of nacre around the cultured pearl. The larger the freshwater pearl or akoya pearl, the more valuable it is. Freshwater pearls range in size from 3.0 to 12.0mm, and Akoya pearls generally range from 4.0 to 8.0mm. South Sea pearls and black Tahitian pearls grow to about 12.0 to 14.0mm and more. PearlStruck cultured pearl jewelry is painstakingly and professionally sorted to ensure matching. Our freshwater pearl strands and akoya pearl strands are well-matched for size, quality and color, as are our pearl stud earrings.

Pearl Size Chart (actual size)
5mm	6mm	7mm	7.5mm	8mm	9mm	12.5mm

Pearl Shape

Cultured pearls, although formed with the aid of human intervention, are still a product of nature. Cultured pearls therefore grow in many and varied shapes. Below is a chart with the most common cultured pearl shapes, descriptions and typical examples.

Pearl Shapes Typically Found in Cultured Pearl Jewelry and Fashion Pearl Jewelry Designs

Angel Wing Pearl--flat, irregularly shaped freshwater pearl.
Baroque Pearl--asymmetrical free-form freshwater pearl.
Button Pearl--freshwater pearl which is flat on one side.
Circle or Ring Pearl--saltwater pearl with concave concentric lines.
Coin Pearl--round freshwater pearl, flat on both sides.
Keshi or Poppy Seed Pearl--seed-sized freshwater pearls.
Mabe Pearl or Half-Pearl--dome-shaped pearl, flat on one side.
Off-Round Pearl--nearly round fresh water or salt water pearl.
Oval Pearl--egg-shaped freshwater or salt water pearl.
Potato Pearl--oblong irregularly shaped cultured pearl.
Rice Pearl--Irregular-shaped pearl with crinkled surface.
Mostly Round/Round Pearl--nearly perfectly round cultured pearl.
Stick Pearl--flat, elongated cultured pearl.