Find Your Pearls in Five Steps
Choosing pearl jewelry for the first time, or looking for a gift for someone special, and not sure where to start?
This guide walks you through what to decide, in five steps.
Step 1
Who Is It For?
Start by deciding who the pearls are for.
Shopping for a gift? Look for the “Giving it as a gift?” tip in each step.
For Yourself
Gift
Step 2
Which Piece Would You Like?
Choose a type of jewelry.
Necklaces
Earrings
Pendants
Rings
Bracelets
Brooches & Others
Giving it as a gift?
Rings and bracelets need a finger or wrist size. If you don't know theirs, pieces like earrings or a pendant are an easy choice.
Step 3
Choose a Pearl Type
Each type of pearl differs in size, shape, color, and luster (the soft glow on the pearl's surface). Here's what each one is best for.
Hanadama Akoya Pearls
To mark a milestone
Best for: weddings, ceremonies
Akoya Pearls
From ceremonies to everyday wear
Best for: ceremonies, work, everyday
Baby Pearls
A subtle touch, every day
Best for: work, everyday
Freshwater Pearls
For playful shapes and colors
Best for: everyday
South Sea Pearls
A statement piece on its own
Best for: dressy occasions, ceremonies
Tahitian Pearls
For deep, dark colors
Best for: dressy occasions
Mabe Pearls
For a rainbow-like glow
Best for: dressy occasions, everyday
Abalone Pearls
For an unusual pearl
Best for: everyday
For more on each pearl's origin, colors, luster, and other qualities, take a look at our full guide to pearl types.
Explore Types of PearlsGiving it as a gift?
If you're not sure, Akoya pearls are our pick: they suit almost any occasion.
For a milestone gift, Hanadama Akoya pearls are a lovely choice too.
Step 4
Choose a Metal
Choose the metal that holds your pearls based on the color you like best.
White Metals
Silver, white gold, and platinum
Yellow & Rose Gold
Yellow gold and rose gold
If you are concerned about metal allergies, we highly recommend choosing from our wide selection of pieces crafted with high-purity 18K gold or platinum.
Because metal allergies vary from person to person, we can't guarantee these metals won't cause a reaction.
Giving it as a gift?
Look at the jewelry they wear most often, and match its color.
Step 5
Choose Your Size and Length
Pearl size and necklace length change the look. You can choose the size or length on the product page before you buy.
Pearl Size
For stud earrings, 7.0–7.5 mm gives a classic, everyday look and sits neatly on the earlobe. For a more luxurious statement for special occasions, we recommend 8.0–8.5 mm or larger.
Necklace Length
The most versatile and popular length is princess length, about 40–45 cm (16–18 in). It sits just below the collarbone, so it suits a variety of necklines and works for both formal occasions like weddings and everyday office wear.
Rings and Bracelets
Rings: For accuracy, measure your finger at a few different times of day.
Bracelets: Measure around your wrist with a flexible tape measure, then add 1.5–2 cm for a comfortable, classic fit.
Necklace Length Chart (cm to inches)
| Length (cm) | Inches (approx.) | Common Name | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35 | 14" | Collar | Sits closely at the neck |
| 38 | 15" | Choker | Short popular length in Japan |
| 40 | 16" | Choker or Short Princess | Above the collarbone |
| 42 | 16.5" | Short | Around the collarbone |
| 45 | 18" | Princess | Versatile, standard length |
| 50 | 20" | Matinee (short) | Slightly longer |
| 60 | 24" | Matinee | Great for layering |
| 70 | 27.6" | Long | Long styling options |
| 80 | 31.5" | Opera | Statement length |
| 90 | 35.4" | Opera or Long | Can be knotted or doubled |
Inch conversions are rounded (1 cm ≈ 0.3937 in) and are a guide only.
Ring Size Conversion
All values are approximate. Japanese sizes follow Japanese Industrial Standards (JIS) and are based on measured inner diameters. Each US size is matched to the closest inner diameter.
| Japanese Size | US Size (approx.) | Inner Diameter (mm) | Inner Circumference (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | US 3 | 14.0 | 44.0 |
| 5 | US 3.5 | 14.4 | 45.0 |
| 6 | US 3.5–4 | 14.7 | 46.1 |
| 7 | US 4–4.5 | 15.0 | 47.1 |
| 8 | US 4.5–5 | 15.4 | 48.2 |
| 9 | US 5 | 15.7 | 49.2 |
| 10 | US 5.5 | 16.0 | 50.3 |
| 11 | US 6 | 16.4 | 51.3 |
| 12 | US 6.5 | 16.7 | 52.4 |
| 13 | US 6.5–7 | 17.0 | 53.4 |
| 14 | US 7–7.5 | 17.4 | 54.5 |
| 15 | US 7.5–8 | 17.7 | 55.5 |
| 16 | US 8 | 18.0 | 56.6 |
| 17 | US 8.5 | 18.4 | 57.6 |
| 18 | US 9 | 18.7 | 58.6 |
Giving it as a gift?
If you don't know their size, earrings or a pendant are an easy choice, since neither needs one.
Still Not Sure?
Here are our picks, based on how you'll wear your pearls and the occasion you're shopping for.
Your First Pearl Necklace
An Akoya pearl necklace, about 45 cm (18 in) long. A pearl and a length that work for ceremonies and the office alike.
For Everyday Wear
Try pieces from Pearl for Life, our line designed for everyday wear.
To Mark a Milestone
Consider a Hanadama Akoya pearl necklace and earring set, or a piece from our WSP line.
Why We're Your Pearl Experts
Honest Pricing
By working directly with producers as a wholesaler, we eliminate markups. You get exceptional pearls at their true, fair value.
Expert Selection
Every pearl is hand-selected by our experts to meet strict standards for luster. We only offer pieces we’re proud to wear.
Repair Service
Enjoy your pearls every day with peace of mind. Every piece includes a 6-month repair service and expert care advice.
