Gems Size Guide for Beaders
Gems Size Guide for Beaders: Understanding Millimeters (mm) with visuals
Why Gem Sizes Can Be Confusing
One of the most common questions we hear at Sundaylace Creations is: “How do I know what size gem to order?” For new beaders, sizing can feel confusing because gems are measured in millimeters (mm)—not inches or centimeters.
That’s why we put together this simple guide, with photos to compare gem sizes side by side. Once you see them next to each other, it becomes much easier to imagine how they’ll look in your beadwork.
How Gem Sizes Are Measured
At Sundaylace Creations, all of our gems are listed in millimeters (mm). One millimeter is about the width of a credit card edge. Here’s a quick breakdown:
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4 mm gems → Small and dainty. Perfect for delicate earrings or subtle accents in florals.
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6 mm gems → A popular “child” size. Works well for studs or beadwork centers.
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8 mm gems → Slightly larger. Great for bead embroidery or statement earrings.
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10 mm gems → Bold and eye-catching. Perfect for medallions or focal points.
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12 mm+ gems → Big, dramatic gems. Best for centerpieces in regalia or statement jewelry.
Side-by-Side Gem Size Comparisons
This visual comparison shows exactly how much bigger each step looks in real life. You’ll notice the jump from 4 mm to 6 mm is subtle, but the difference between 8 mm and 12 mm feels dramatic.
Tips for Choosing the Right Gem Size
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For earrings: 10 to 22mm are the most popular.
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For bead embroidery: 8 mm and 10 mm work beautifully for focal points.
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For large medallions or regalia: 12 mm and larger sizes make the beadwork stand out.
Final Thoughts
Understanding gem sizes doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With this guide and our side-by-side photo comparison, you’ll be able to confidently choose the right gem size for your next project.
At Sundaylace Creations, we want new and experienced beaders to feel empowered when shopping. That’s why we size everything in millimeters and provide visual guides to make ordering easier.
👉 Browse our full gem collection here:
