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Evaluating Size |
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Three things
determine the size of a cultured pearl: the size of the
mother-of-pearl nucleus, the size of the oyster, and the thickness of
the nacre. Size is an important value factor. Certain sizes that are
in fashion demand, may command premium prices. Supply and demand are
the over-riding factors. Round pearls are measured according to their
diameter, while baroque pearls are measured by their length and
width. Size is determined by diameter and expressed in millimeters,
since pearls are sold by the millimeter. |
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Cultured
pearls are sold by millimeter size (one millimeter approx equals 1/25
inch): their measurements indicates the diameter of round pearls, and
the length and width if not round. The larger the pearl, the greater
the cost. A 2 millimeter cultured pearl is considered very small,
whereas Akoya cultured pearls over 8 millimeters are considered very
large; in South Sea pearls, an 8 mm pearl is small, 13-15 millimeters
is average, and over 16 millimeters is very large. Large cultured
pearls are rarer and more expensive. |
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In Akoya
cultured pearls there is a dramatic jump in the cost after 7 1/2
millimeters. Pearl strands are sorted by size, with a specific
millimeter range: Petite: 6 millimeters and below; Classic: 6 to 7.5
millimeters; Most Popular: 7 to 7.5 millimeters; Outstanding: 8
millimeters. A pearl's size doesn't necessarily indicate its quality,
but it most certainly does affect its price. All things considered,
the larger the pearl, the higher its value. |
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