The occasion determines what size and shape to buy. For example, large, round pearls are best suited for formal wear, while smaller pearls are suitable for everyday wear.

Generally for teens aged 12 to 25 years. This range is usually bought for young teens but may also be appropriate for an extremely petite woman or if she specifically requested this size. It is extremely popular for high school graduations and 18th birthdays. It is very popular for teenagers for Christmas, birthdays, and school-related and coming-of-age occasions, especially confirmations and sweet sixteens. Sizes 7 - 7.5mm are generally for younger women, 18 to 25 years. This is the best size for a starter necklace for a younger woman. It's the necklace she wears for her first day of work as a career woman. It's very popular as a college graduation gift and a wedding-day gift from the groom. Its also great for new mothers and just about any worthy occasion in a young woman's life: Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, or a "just to say I love you" present.


Generally for younger women, 26 to 36 years. It's really the only size one could call neither "too small" nor "too big." It's a staple of any woman's wardrobe; she can dress it up or dress it down. It's not too showy, and it very tastefully exudes an image of importance - a classic for the upwardly mobile career woman. From here on up, the prices climb much more steeply than they do through the much more common first five sizes. It can be worn with everyday wear yet also looks the part at a black-tie event, where a 7.5 - 8mm might look somewhat skimpy. It also makes for a good strand for collectors and investors; the doubly long submergence serves to protect the pearls' price and gives them the best chance to appreciate in value over time.


Generally for older women, 37 to 45 years or extremely successful 30s. The Porsche of pearls. A power strand -- elegant, classy and chic. This strand is plainly recognisable as among the more expensive breed and thus projects power, strength and stability.


Generally for older women, 45 years and up or extremely successful 30s. The Ferrari of pearls, and the CEO's strand. Simply regal - and extremely rare. For a refined, discriminating woman who is serious about her pearls and won't settle for anything but the best. The second-rarest size, it makes for a strand that is sure to be very hip and stylish in any social bracket! It is usually purchased as a versatile double-strand choker (18 inches) that can be converted into a single-strand opera (36 inches).


Generally for older women, 45 years and up or extremely successful 30s. The rarest size of all, virtually impossible to get - Japanese cultured pearls simply don't grow any larger than this. A guaranteed grand slam for Mother's Day, Christmas or any event for the elegant elderly woman. Made most famous by Barbara Bush who was often seen with her pearls of this size coiled around her neck.

This was general classification based on age groups, a rough guide that takes into account age, status and practicality. But as we said that this is a general classification, depending on what suits one best, should be worn. However, that doesn't mean going to the extremes, for example, a 50 year old lady wearing the smallest, delicate looking pearls, and vice versa. Because pearls project certain image about them, like large sized pearls command attention, look elegant and sophisticated, traits that are acquired as one grows older, thus they are well suited to older women, and vice - versa for smaller pearls.