6mm Akoya Studs

[liz]

I’m looking to buy some quality 6mm akoya studs, but the usual recommended vendors (Pearl Paradise, Pearls of Joy, The Pearl Outlet, etc.) don’t carry that size. I can only find really nice 6mm studs from Mikimoto but don’t want to pay that much. Any recommendations for smaller quality studs?

 

[pearlsngems]

TPO and Pure Pearls do sell the 6.0-6.5mm range.

Imitation pearls are sold as a specific size (like 6.0mm), but cultured pearls are listed in a half-mm range (like 6.0-6.5mm). This is because pearls are made by oysters, not machines, so they are not calibrated sizes. But you can ask the vendor to find you a pair that are closer to the lower part of the range.
Does that make sense?

 

[liz]

Yes, thank you! I understood about the sizing for cultured pearls, but then I noticed Mikimoto sells specific sizes rather than a range. Why is that?

 

[pearlsngems]

Interesting. I wonder if they are rounding off? There is a difference between 6mm and 6.0mm, if you know what I mean.

But if not, it's a fact that Mikimoto has vast quantities of pearls to select from.

 

[lambskin]

I would think that Mikimoto has one of the largest inventory of Akoyas and thus can match size and quality without a huge mm difference. When you get the studs perhaps there is a report as to size and for insurance purposes. FWIW, how much are the 6mm Mikimoto akoya studs?

 

[pearlsngems]

On Miki's website I see anywhere from $300 for A grade to $540 for AAA grade for 6mm studs. (Ouch!)
https://www.mikimotoamerica.com/categories/earrings/stud-earrings-in-white-gold

Oh my goodness, if you play with the website's calculator you can see some mind blowing numbers.
AAA 9.5mm studs are $21,740. I think that's around what my last car cost me.