The Impact of Millimeter Differences! Which Size of Pearl Earrings Do You Prefer? A Visual Comparison by Size

2022.05.31 published

Worrying about the size of pearls....

Hello, I'm Haruno Tsuzaki from marry.

Single pearl earrings have a pure and classic vibe that is so cute♡

While the sparkling, glamorous dangling type of earrings are nice, it's also wonderful to create a distinction by choosing pearl earrings for the ceremony while reserving the more extravagant ones for the reception.

Especially when I look at Korean brides, they often seem to wear single pearl earrings with their white wedding dresses♡

I also thought, "I want single pearl earrings!" but when I went to buy them, I found myself worrying, "Oh no...! I don't know what to do.... I can't decide...." regarding the size of the pearls.

When buying pearls, whether in stores or online, they are usually labeled with sizes in millimeters.

While they are often introduced as “large pearls♡” and bigger ones tend to be pricier, I initially thought maybe the bigger ones were better... But looking at the SNS of Korean brides, it seems like the sizes are actually smaller than I expected...

A single pearl appears to have a somewhat larger impression starting at around 9mm, and the larger ones are typically marketed from around 12mm.

When it comes to about 15mm, they are considered quite a large size.

(For baroque pearls, which are not round and often exceed 20mm from end to end, that size is quite popular too.)

However, looking at Korean brides, they seem to be wearing pearls that are around 7 to 8mm in size.

Deciding what size of pearl to buy has been quite a dilemma!

I wondered, what kind of vibe does each millimeter difference bring...???

How much difference does 1mm make...?

Introducing outfits by size♡

So,

I reached out to our followers on marry's Instagram and asked them to send me their pearl sizes along with photos of them wearing them♡

I received many photos, which should provide great reference for choosing pearls♡

Take a look＊

① 3.5mm

Here’s a photo of earrings sent to me saying, “These are 3.5mm ultra small sizes."

Small pearls are called baby pearls, which are defined as being around 6mm or less.

Indeed, it's about half the size of a 3.5 baby pearl... which is quite small♡

This size seamlessly blends in without overpowering any fashion.

@rietogo_wd

As a little trivia...

A 0.2-carat diamond has a diameter of about 3.8mm. About 3mm for 0.1 carat, and around 4.3mm for 0.3 carat.

② 7mm

This is a pair of 7mm pearl earrings.

They are versatile for any occasion, such as ceremonies, parties, and formal celebrations. I think this is the most standard size sold in pearls.

@kae.bouquet

A classic and cute vibe.

It’s classical and elegant♡ It fits comfortably even on non-full earlobes.

@kae.bouquet

Here’s another pair that is also 7mm.

@tf_wedding_0121

③ 8mm

A single pearl earring that is 8mm, which is just 1mm larger than 7mm.

@oi_chan2020

Here’s a photo of it being worn♡

Can you feel the difference from 7mm...?

@oi_chan2020

④ 8.5mm

Now 0.5mm larger at 8.5mm.

Personally, I felt it changes the impression quite a bit from 7mm.

@s_818_y

Worn photo♡

@s_818_y

Worn photo♡

The 8mm gives a vibe that is neither too large nor too small.

@s_818_y

⑤ 12mm

This size is kind of in between a large size and the standard size. A size of about 12mm also looks very bridal-like♡

@tf_wedding_0121

A rear-view photo of it being worn♡

@tf_wedding_0121

⑥ 12~13mm

About 12.5mm in size.

@wd_827_mona_

It has a solid presence and gives a formal impression.

@wd_827_mona_

Since it's roughly the same size as the pearls in hair accessories, this size may often be chosen in jewelry...?

@wd_827_mona_

Even at a distance, they stand out well♡

It feels like this size is not too fashion-oriented but also not too small, right?

@wd_827_mona_

⑦ 14mm

Starting here, I feel like the impression becomes quite larger.

14mm.

@wd_.mk

It gives a big pearl feeling, adding a fashionable element. It's glamorous♡

@wd_.mk

⑧ 15mm

Now at 15mm, which is 1mm larger.

In earrings, it has a size that hangs out significantly from the earlobe.

⑦ 16mm

Here, the larger version of Dior's iconic item “Tribal Earrings” is 16mm.

When worn in front, it looks like this.

From behind, it appears this way.

@enishi_location_photo

By the way!

I wanted an image of about 9mm to 10mm, so when I looked, it turned out that my Van Cleef & Arpels Sweet Alhambra is 9.5mm, which looks like this.

(I tried matching it with the bracelet)

This one is a vintage Alhambra at 15mm.

Which size do you like?♡

I believe it depends on the size and shape of the earlobe...

Summarizing the photos I received by size looks like this♡

✅ If matching with a dress

✅ If matching with a colored dress

✅ If matching with traditional attire

Preferences may vary based on the occasion.

They are all so different and cute, that I feel tempted to gather them in increments of 3mm...!

Buying pearls is really a dilemma.....!!!!

I hope that by introducing photos of various sizes, I’ve created an article that will be useful for brides struggling with their pearl size choices♡

Thank you to everyone who provided the images♡