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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.

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.

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.  A 2mm cultured pearl is considered very small, whereas Akoya cultured pearls over 8 millimeters are considered very large;  in South Sea pearls, an 8mm pearl is small, 13-15 millimeters is average, and over 16 millimeters is very large, rare, and thus more expensive.