A bit of help, I want pearl earrings!

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May 18, 2008
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Hi everyone! I don't usually frequent the jewelry forum much, although I do love jewelry! I seem to have all I need. Except for the perfect pair of pearl earrings! I want to add pearl earrings to my Christmas list, but I'm not sure what size I want. I would like them a little larger than average studs (I think), now when I look at pearls, all the sizes confuse me, mm? millimeters I'm guessing?
I've tried searching this forum, googling, and I can't seem to come up with what I want! If anyone could tell me some sizes and compare them to well-known objects (like dimes, push pins, etc), suggest a size, or even find or post a picture of their pearl earrings with a key or sizing mark to help, I would deeply appreciate it.
As I've said before, I've searched but couldn't find a thread that helped me. If there is, please point me in the direction! thank you :)
 
Pearls are measured in millimeters. I would say the average size is about 6mm, which is about the size of an aspirin.
There are definitely larger pearls too. 10mm would be pretty close to a dime, I think.
 
Hope this helps:

6-7mm is about 0.25" (1/4 of an inch)
10mm is about 3/8"
18-19mm is 0.75" (3/4 of an inch)
25mm is 1.0" (1 inch)
32mm is 1.25" (1 and 1/4 inches)
37-38mm is 1.50" ( 1 and 1/2 inches)

Everyday objects:

Pencil Eraser tip is about 7mm
Regular size Crayon end is about 8.1mm


Standard Coin Diameters that can help you conceptualize size:

Dime is 17.9mm (0.70 inch)
Penny is 19.05 mm (0.75 inch)
Nickel is 21.21 mm (0.83 inch)
Quarter is 24.26mm (0.95 inch)
 
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