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KeithA May 19, 2010

What is the difference between a uniform and a graduated strand of pearls?

I'm planning on buying my wife a pearl strand for our upcoming anniversary. When I looked online for information on pearl strands, I came across a graduated pearl strand and a uniform pearl strand. What's the difference between the two? Which is rarer, and which is the more valuable pearl strand?

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WilliamC May 22, 2010

When it comes to a uniform strand of pearls, all of the gemstones are classified as being of the same size. A graduated strand of pearls is composed of different sized pearls which are arranged on the strand according to size (the center pearls are larger and the pearls near the clasp, smaller). Uniform strands are much harder to come by, thus they are more expensive than graduated strand pearls.