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 Larger
than the Japanese pearls, Tahitian black pearls from the black-lipped
Pinctada Margaritifera oyster can attain impressive dimensions.
The pearls are sorted by putting them through special sieves or
by using a micrometer. Measurement is classified to the 0.5mm and
measured by the shortest diameter around the barrel of the pearl,
which generally ranges between 7.5 and 14mm. Some pearls reach 16mm
and very exceptionally 18mm. To date, the record diameter for a
round pearl is 21mm, 24.6mm for semi-round, and 26.95mm for a baroque
pearl.
The price jumps upward rapidly with each half-millimeter from 7.5mm
up. Price is dramatically affected as sizes exceed 15mm.
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